Stop signs are a universal part of driving, and we don’t usually question them. They’re red.
They mean stop. That’s the deal. But every so often, something unusual comes along to shake up what we think we know. Like blue stop signs.
Yes, you read that right. Blue stop signs exist. They’re not a government standard, but they’re very real. And they have a knack for catching drivers off guard, according to Readers Digest.
So, what’s the story with these signs? Where can you find them? And if you see one, should you stop?
Stopping is always safer
A blue stop sign is exactly what it sounds like — a stop sign in shape and purpose, just with an unexpected color.
Red stop signs have been the rule in the United States since the 1950s, but blue versions show up occasionally on private property.
According to Shashi Nambisan, PhD, director of the Transportation Research Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, these signs aren’t approved for public roads.
But that doesn’t stop private property owners from installing them.
Hawaii is the most notable spot where drivers have reported seeing blue stop signs.
They’re not an official state practice, but their presence has puzzled visitors and even locals. Outside of Hawaii, they can also be found on private roads or in gated communities.
So, what should you do if you come across one?
The safe answer is simple: stop. Traffic safety engineer Nathan Kautz says it’s best to treat blue stop signs the same way you would a red one.
Stopping is always safer, and disregarding it could still get you in trouble. Even if the sign isn’t “official,” failing to stop could be considered reckless driving.
