Party Pooper Lawmaker Wants to Get Rid of Minnesota’s Funny Highway Signs

A little over a year ago, there was a threat to do away with the funny signs that we see from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on our highways.

Federal Ruling Almost Gets Rid of MnDOT's Funny Highway Signs

In my first article about the ban, I wrote,

According to the Associated Press, the Administration came out with a new 1,100-page manual last month. In the manual, they lay out new rules for these electronic signs, including that any signs that are meant to be funny, use pop culture references, have obscure meanings, etc. are banned beginning in 2026.

READ MORE: Say Goodbye to the Humorous Minnesota Highway Signs

However, a week later, MnDOT had a response to the ban.

I guess these funny signs are thanks to a campaign MnDOT runs called Message Monday, where people can submit their funny sign ideas.

They told KARE 11 last year: "'We believe these messages are an important part of improving the culture of traffic safety in Minnesota, and why we will continue our Message Monday campaign'".

READ MORE: MnDOT Responds to Federal Ruling Against Funny Highway Signs

Now, the funny signs are under fire again.

Minnesota Lawmaker Wants to Do Away with Funny Highway Signs

According to Axios, earlier this week, State Sen. Steve Drazkowski of Mazzepa introduced an amendment to a Transportation funding bill.

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The amendment would "put the brakes on MnDOT using witticism, neologisms, portmanteaus, hashtags, 'Internet shorthand' and pop culture references that not all drivers would get on its electronic signs."

Sen. Drazkowski said, "'Let's focus on what it's intended for, not big brother-type messages that climb out onto these digital billboards and pull your attention as a driver from the roadway.'"

In response, Transportation Committee Vice Chair Ann Johnson Stewart of Wayzata said, "'Come on, they're fun'" and Sen. Drazkowski responded with, "'Fun kills at 65 mph.'"

Ok, but... they are fun though. I do groan at most of them, but I love to see them, they're great!

In the end, the amendment didn't pass, but there are plans to bring it back again next year.