Funny Signs Had Us Do a Double-Take

Every now and then, you come across a sign that makes you stop, stare, and think, “Hmmmm.” Sometimes it is the result of a clever joke, and other times it is a typo or design choice that was probably not meant to be funny at all. Either way, these unexpected signs have a way of grabbing our attention and giving us a good laugh. Over the years, we have collected and saved some of our favorite sign images that made us chuckle, and we are excited to share a few of them here.

Winners of the “Stating the Obvious” Award

Some signs do exactly what they are supposed to do: state the message clearly and leave no room for confusion. These examples take that idea to the extreme, pointing out things that feel hilariously obvious the moment you read them. Whether practical, unnecessary, or both, they are the kind of signs that make you laugh because of how bluntly they spell things out.

1. Just in case anyone needed a reminder, this sign covers one of swimming’s most basic survival tips.

2. Walk on the rocks if you want, but this sign wants it on record that the lawsuit will not end well.

3. Before you worry about the bridge, this sign would like a moment to discuss its own hazardous personality.

4. A surprisingly solid strategy: if the door will not open, chances are it is not the right way in.

When the Copy Editor Left Early for Vacation

Not every funny sign is funny on purpose. Sometimes the humor comes from a typo, a missing word, or phrasing that did not get a second look before going to print. These are the signs that make us wonder whether the copy editor was out of office that day because one small mistake can turn an ordinary message into something unexpectedly hilarious.

1. A simple typo, but enough to make drivers pause and wonder whether they are still supposed to “dirve”.

2. Close enough to “stop” to get the point across, but not without making everyone do a double-take first.

3. “A” for effort—this sign politely asks drivers to slow down, even if it invented a new word to do it.

4. Good news for illegally parked cars: according to this sign, they are going to be just fine.

So Many Questions…

Some signs go beyond obvious or typo-filled and enter a category all their own: completely baffling. These are the ones that make you stop and ask what happened here, who approved it, and what the sign was actually trying to say. Whether confusing, contradictory, or just plain weird, they leave us with one clear reaction.. so many questions!

1. A historic marker for absolutely nothing—finally, a monument dedicated to setting expectations nice and low.

2. Not a through street, but apparently still an acceptable route for evacuation—good luck figuring that out under pressure.

3. Nothing says urgency quite like a big bold reminder that today’s special is… no discount at all.

4. This sign notices your noticing and wants you to know that your notice of the notice has officially been noted.

5. Unclear on the exact threat, but this sign strongly suggests you should keep both eyes on the road and the sky.

6. At last, a law addressing the serious public safety threat of underwater smoking.

7. A sentence you never expect to read, but one that definitely makes you check under the car just in case.

Oops!

Even the warning sign could not keep itself together around all that loose sand.

Funny signs may give us a good laugh, but well-made signage should never leave people confused for the wrong reasons. At Metro Sign & Awning, we believe the best signs grab attention, communicate clearly, and represent your brand the right way the first time. If your business needs signage that is memorable for all the right reasons, contact Metro Sign & Awning to bring your next sign, awning, or visual display to life.