What Do Brown Signs Indicate? | Clearcover Insurance

If you spend any length of time on the road, you'll notice that road signs come in an array of colors. From red and yellow to green and blue, road signs provide you with important information along your route. But have you ever taken the time to consider why road signs are color-coded?

There's actually a rather intricate system at play when it comes to road signs and their colors. Across the U.S., a uniform color-coding system is used to differentiate types of road signs. While most drivers are familiar with some of these road sign colors, one of the most common questions drivers have about them is, "what do brown road signs indicate?"

By having a better understanding of what different road sign colors mean and what they're used for, you can be better informed and prepared behind the wheel.

What Are the Most Common Types of Brown Road Signs?

In simplest terms, brown signs along a highway or road are used to indicate the presence of a tourist facility or recreational area. This could be anything from a local picnic site with restrooms to an actual tourist attraction, like a zoo or museum. Brown road signs are typically square or rectangular in shape and are presented with a dark brown background and white lettering. The higher contrast makes these signs easier for drivers to read, even at a distance. In some cases, there may also be an arrow pointing the driver in the direction of the facility or attraction.

It is important to know that brown road signs are not meant to influence your driving. Unlike a speed limit sign or traffic sign, drivers are under no obligation to follow or obey a brown road sign. Instead, these guide signs are meant to be used for informational purposes only. Brown serves as the "universal" color for this type of signage, as the neutral brown color doesn't capture a driver's attention quite as much as a yellow or orange traffic sign might.

Keeping an eye out for brown traffic signs on your next trip can alert you to local facilities or attractions that may be of interest to you. Even if you're using a GPS to navigate to your destination, brown road signs can let you know about nearby comforts (like picnic areas, restrooms, and trash cans) or attractions you may not have been aware of (like parks, nature trails, museums, etc.). If you’re on an especially long road trip, these signs usually direct you to great places to stop and take a break!

Traffic Sign Colors: What Do the Other Signs Mean?

Now that you have a better understanding of what brown road signs are used for, you may also want to brush up on your knowledge of other signs and their coloring. By having a better idea of what types of road signs use which colors, you can be better informed and stay safer on your next road trip.

Red Traffic Signs

Generally, red traffic signs are used to indicate a need to stop. Most often, you'll see these in the form of stop signs, which are shaped like an octagon and read “STOP” in white letters, but you may also see red and white signs that read “DO NOT ENTER.” In this sense, red signs can be used as traffic control devices. You may also see red yield signs on the road (which are shaped like upside-down triangles). These signs tell drivers to slow down and yield to other vehicles before continuing when a complete stop is not required.

Yellow or Fluorescent Traffic Signs

Fluorescent yellow-green traffic signs are warning signs that communicate that the driver should use caution ahead, while darker yellow signs indicate road conditions. You may see yellow signs indicating a deer crossing or fluorescent yellow signs alerting you to the presence of an upcoming school zone (shaped like a pentagon), pedestrian crossing, or fallen rock zone.

Orange Traffic Signs

Heed extra caution if you come across an orange traffic sign while driving. These general warning signs are used to alert drivers of upcoming construction zones, work zones, and other potential hazards that may require drivers to slow down. Orange signs are typically diamond-shaped and have black lettering or symbols for easier readability.

Green Traffic Signs

What about green traffic signs? On the highway, for instance, you may see many green signs indicating different exits and mile markers along your route. These signs give drivers an idea of how far they are from nearby cities and use a combination of words, arrows, symbols, and distance markers to provide directional guidance.

Blue Traffic Signs

In some areas, you may see blue signs used instead of (or in conjunction with) brown road signs. These also provide information about motorist services or facilities, such as upcoming rest areas, restaurants, and gas stations. However, these recreation signs are also used to indicate evacuation routes, particularly in coastal areas.

White Traffic Signs

You'll come across plenty of white traffic signs on the road, which feature a white background and black lettering. These are regulatory signs which are used to enforce traffic laws. The most common white regulatory signs are speed limit signs, which you’ll find many of along highways and local roads. Other common examples of white traffic signs include "No U-turn," "Railroad Crossing," and "No Parking" signs.

Additional Brown Traffic Signs

As discussed above, brown traffic signs provide tourist information, such as indications for upcoming facilities or local tourist attractions. Some specific examples of brown road signs you may see during your travels include:

Hiking trails
Swimming areas
Laundry facilities
Ferry boat docks

Stay Safe on the Road With Clearcover

With so many different road signs used across the nation's streets and highways, it's likely you've never even considered the meaning behind their colors. However, knowing what each color means can help you stay alert and informed on your next road trip—and, of course, an alert driver is a safe driver.

Ready to be rewarded for your safe driving habits? At Clearcover, we’re a tech-driven auto insurance company that makes car insurance fast and easy. We give you everything you need to make the smartest decision at every step. Get started with a free quote today.