Which U.S. state uses blue road signs?

No single U.S. state exclusively uses blue road signs; blue is a nationwide standard for motorist services and certain special routes. However, several states prominently use blue backgrounds on their state highway route markers—most notably Minnesota, Alaska, Delaware, and Kentucky. Some agencies (such as the New York State Thruway) historically used blue guide signs, though most directional signs across the country are green under federal standards.

What “blue road signs” usually mean in the United States

Across all states, blue is a standardized color for specific types of information on the road network. The Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD, 11th Edition, 2023) defines blue for services and certain special-purpose routes. Here are the common uses you’ll see nationwide.

• Motorist services and LOGO signs: fuel, food, lodging, and attractions near exits
• Rest areas, welcome centers, and parking/park-and-ride facilities
• Hospitals and medical services (the “H” sign), information centers, and telephones/EV charging where posted
• Evacuation routes (e.g., hurricane or tsunami evacuation) and designated emergency routing
• Tourist-oriented directional signs (TODS) where states use blue for eligible attractions on non-freeway roads

These blue signs are not tied to any one state—they’re part of a national color system intended to make services and special routes instantly recognizable to drivers anywhere in the U.S.

States that use blue on their state highway route markers

Beyond the nationwide service signs, a handful of states make blue a defining element of their state highway shields (the small, numbered markers that identify state routes). If you’ve noticed “blue road signs” while driving state highways, it may have been in one of these states:

• Minnesota: Blue square shield with a yellow border and “Minnesota” bar at the top; route number appears prominently (typically in white).
• Alaska: Blue shield with gold/yellow legend and accents reflecting the state flag colors; route number appears on the blue field.
• Delaware: Blue-background shield with a yellow border and state name, typically displaying white route numerals.
• Kentucky: Blue square with a white circular disk in the middle; the route number appears in black inside the white circle.

Design details vary by state and over time, but these four stand out today for prominently using blue in their state-route marker designs. By contrast, most states use black-and-white, green-and-white, or other color schemes for their state shields.

Special cases and local variations

Some roadway agencies and local governments have used blue in notable ways beyond state route markers. Here are a few context-setting examples.

• New York State Thruway: Historically featured blue background guide signs; in recent years many have been replaced by MUTCD-standard green directional signs, though blue remains common for service and toll-related signs.
• County route markers: The MUTCD-standard blue pentagon with yellow numerals is widely used by counties in many states (for example, New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Ohio), though adoption varies by county.
• Street name blades: Cities and counties in various states sometimes choose blue street-name signs for local branding or district identification; this is a local design choice, not a state rule.

These examples can make it seem like a single state “uses blue signs,” but in practice they reflect agency history, county-level programs, or city branding layered on top of national standards.

Summary

Blue road signs are not unique to any one U.S. state—they’re a nationwide standard for services, information, and certain special routes. If you’re thinking of blue backgrounds on the small numbered shields that mark state highways, the states most associated with that look are Minnesota, Alaska, Delaware, and Kentucky. Elsewhere, you may see blue on county route markers, tourist signage, or legacy agency signs, but most directional guide signs in the U.S. are green under federal rules.

Where are there blue street signs?

BLUE sign with WHITE letters This is reserved for private roads, typically on private property/easements.

Does America have blue street signs?

Blue is reserved for services and informational signage. It provides directions to rest areas, hospitals, gas stations, and lodging. Examples: Rest area signs, handicap parking, emergency services. Message: Services available, motorist assistance.

What is a blue-colored road sign used for?

Green signs give highway directions and guide you through highway interchanges. Blue signs list motorist services, like gas, food, and lodging. Brown signs direct you to public recreational areas, state and national parks, historical points of interest, and scenic sites.

What country uses blue road signs?

Several countries use blue street signs for different purposes; for example, Japan and Latvia use blue for directional signs, while South Korea uses dark blue for urban direction signs. In Canada, blue signs indicate services and information, whereas in the United Kingdom, blue is used for motorway (highway) signs. In Israel, blue indicates freeways, and in Belgium, blue signs are used for motorways. 
Here’s a breakdown of some specific countries and their use of blue signs:
Directional & Informational Signs 

• Japan: Dark blue backgrounds with white lettering for urban direction signs.
• Latvia: Blue with white text for directional signs.
• South Korea: Dark blue backgrounds with white text for urban direction signs.
• Denmark: Blue and white directional signs are used.

Service & Information Signs 

• Canada: Blue is used for service and information signs.

Motorway & Freeway Signs 

• United Kingdom: Blue signs are used on motorways.
• Belgium: Blue signs are used on motorways.
• Israel: Blue signs are used for freeways.
• Austria: Blue and white directional signs are common on highways.

Other Uses

• France: Blue signs with red borders or diagonal lines indicate mandatory requirements, such as speed limits or directions. 
• Spain: Blue signs with white elements and borders indicate informational signs.