12 Checks for Reading Unusual Road-Sign Claims

Inside this gallery: 12 historical photographs, each with the year, the place, and the story behind the picture.

• Verifying Regulatory Signs — the past. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) defines the national standards used by road managers to install and maintain traffic control devices.
• Decoding Warning Signs — the past. The MUTCD is compiled as the national standard for traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals.
• Understanding Guide Signs — the past. The MUTCD is published by the FHWA under federal regulations, specifically 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.
• Standardized Colors and Shapes — the past. National standards for traffic control devices are established to ensure consistency and safety for all public travelers.

Tap any photo above to jump in, or view the full story below.