At least Kentucky could use a blue number or blue circle because of it's bluegrass nickname. Maybe a square with a horse and the number inside the horse to represent what it's known for.
The white circle on a black background is actually the official, MUTCD-approved sign for state highway routes. Unfortunately, it is the same color as a U.S. highway route marker, and a lot of old county highway markers were also black letters on a white background. For many reasons, most states have created something that is easy to distinguish from U.S., Interstate, and county route markers.
Personally, I think all states’ highway marker shields should be just the state outline without the name of the state. The only exception should be the skinnie states like Maryland, Florida, and probably Kentucky and Tennessee. Simple is better when it comes to that. And you know exactly what state you’re in.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) from US DOT/FHWA, Guide Signs, State Routes (M1-5) recommends using the state silhouettes as a background and the route number in black letters/numbers on a white background (shield). So, while some states may have “colorful” or “non conventional” presentation, as long as the motoring public can safely and quickly identify the sign and route, mission accomplished… While you rank Minnesota state route sign as an “s”, from a distance the blue background is initially mistaken for an Interstate Shield, so, not ideal. And California’s green background could be mistaken for a Green US Business Route sign or lost in foliage.
Minnesota's is easily fixed by reversing blue and yellow, perhaps with a blue rather than black route number (which would also cut the cost) since that would rule out the white one.
Hawai'i's route marker is intended to symbolize a poi-pounder. That's an important part of Hawai'i culture. Also, since Hawai'i has no land borders, it can't be confused with those of any other state.
I always thought Texas's state highway signs were trash tier, especially compared to the shields for Farm to Market roads and the shields prior to the 1940s (I think) which were stars with a black border. Heck, just make the shield they use now for the tolled state highways universal.
As a Californian, I think the state highway marker is pretty blah. It is supposed to represent a shovel without a handle, and reference's California's mining history. However, as you said, Hollywood has made it more famous than any other state highway marker.
Kansas marker is for a sunflower. Kansas calls itself "the sunflower state."
At least Kentucky could use a blue number or blue circle because of it's bluegrass nickname. Maybe a square with a horse and the number inside the horse to represent what it's known for.
The white circle on a black background is actually the official, MUTCD-approved sign for state highway routes. Unfortunately, it is the same color as a U.S. highway route marker, and a lot of old county highway markers were also black letters on a white background. For many reasons, most states have created something that is easy to distinguish from U.S., Interstate, and county route markers.
I’m glad NY’s got C. I was expecting D because I thought something not representing the state directly would be a lower tier.
Personally, I think all states’ highway marker shields should be just the state outline without the name of the state. The only exception should be the skinnie states like Maryland, Florida, and probably Kentucky and Tennessee.
Simple is better when it comes to that. And you know exactly what state you’re in.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) from US DOT/FHWA, Guide Signs, State Routes (M1-5) recommends using the state silhouettes as a background and the route number in black letters/numbers on a white background (shield). So, while some states may have “colorful” or “non conventional” presentation, as long as the motoring public can safely and quickly identify the sign and route, mission accomplished… While you rank Minnesota state route sign as an “s”, from a distance the blue background is initially mistaken for an Interstate Shield, so, not ideal. And California’s green background could be mistaken for a Green US Business Route sign or lost in foliage.
Minnesota's is easily fixed by reversing blue and yellow, perhaps with a blue rather than black route number (which would also cut the cost) since that would rule out the white one.
Hawai'i's route marker is intended to symbolize a poi-pounder. That's an important part of Hawai'i culture. Also, since Hawai'i has no land borders, it can't be confused with those of any other state.
I always thought Texas's state highway signs were trash tier, especially compared to the shields for Farm to Market roads and the shields prior to the 1940s (I think) which were stars with a black border. Heck, just make the shield they use now for the tolled state highways universal.
Maryland should copy Colorado's sign. They have a distinctive flag and would stand out.
As a Californian, I think the state highway marker is pretty blah. It is supposed to represent a shovel without a handle, and reference's California's mining history. However, as you said, Hollywood has made it more famous than any other state highway marker.
DC has one... for now..