Texas is a big state, and that’s why one of its unofficial mottos is “Everything’s Bigger in Texas.” Like every other state in the country, Texas has standardized road signs that anyone would recognize if visiting from out of town. Also, like many states, Texas features some unique signs spread throughout its 268,596 square miles. What may seem odd to outsiders is somewhat typical for Texans, though there are more than a few signs that make even Texans do a double-take.
For one, there are traffic warning signs that throw in funny jokes, especially during the holiday season. In San Antonio, these are often humorous reminders to drive safely. In honor of the University of Texas San Antonio’s mascot, for example, one sign read “Birds up, phones down, go Roadrunners.” Another during the holiday season read “Rudolph is the only one who should be driving lit.” Texas is also home to the fastest speed limit in the U.S. (85 mph), and many drivers surely enjoy passing by the signs designating that limit. It’s fair to say that Texans have a thing about signs, and there are tons of great examples of unusual or funny signs throughout the state.
Hitchhikers May Be Escaping Inmates
If you’re ever driving along a Texas FM road or highway and see a sign reading “Hitchhikers May Be Escaping Inmates,” this is actually not a joke. The sign is 100% real, and it serves a pretty obvious purpose. Texas is home to 104 correctional facilities, ranging from medical facilities for incarcerated people to high-security operations. Texas is the state with the most prisons, and they’re spread all over, housing nearly 150,000 inmates.
Hitchhiking is common all over the world, including in the United States, but picking up someone you don’t know alongside the road isn’t without risk. The Texas Department of Transportation furnishes sign W17-9T to keep people from inadvertently aiding an escapee. If you’re thinking that prison escapes are rare, you’re not wrong. Still, there were 11 escapes in Texas in 2025…