Guide
MUTCD M1-4
US Route Marker — Meaning
- Category
- Guide
- Shape
- Shield
- Colors
- Black, White
- Text
- US-[number]
- MUTCD Code
- M1-4
What does the US Route Marker mean?
The US Route Marker is a black and white shield identifying highways in the United States Numbered Highway System. Older than the Interstate System, US Routes connect cities across multiple states. Examples: US-1 (Maine to Florida), US-66 (the historic Route 66, now decommissioned).
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1
Use to identify your current US Route
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2
Follow signs to stay on your route
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3
Note that US Routes pass through cities, unlike interstates which often bypass them
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On US-numbered highways -
At intersections of US Routes -
On directional and overhead signs -
In rural areas more often than urban (since interstates often replaced US Routes in cities)
Many drivers confuse Interstate shields with US Route shields. Interstate = blue/red shield; US Route = black/white shield. Different highway systems with different routing.
What is the difference between US Routes and Interstates?
US Routes (older system, since 1926) often pass through towns and cities. Interstates (built starting 1956) are limited-access freeways that often bypass urban centers. They use different shield designs.
Are US Routes still important?
Yes — they connect smaller communities not served by interstates and provide alternative routes. US-1 (East Coast), US-101 (West Coast), and US-50 (transcontinental) remain major travel arteries.
What happened to Route 66?
US-66 was decommissioned in 1985 as Interstate construction made it redundant. Sections remain as state and local roads, often signed as "Historic Route 66."
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