Destination sign: what it means
The green Destination sign shows the way to a place, such as a town or a civic center, with an arrow. Some also show the distance.
What does the destination sign mean?
MUTCD Section 2D.36 says Destination signs are horizontal rectangles showing the name of a city, town or other place and a direction arrow, and may also show the distance. Guide signs have a white message on a green background (Section 2D.02).
Quick quiz
Guide signs
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A green rectangular sign has white lettering reading CIVIC CENTER and a white arrow pointing right. What information does it provide?
- A requirement for every vehicle to turn right
- A warning that the road bends sharply right
- Permission to turn right without checking traffic
- Directions to the civic center Right
The right answer is D: Directions to the civic center
WhyGreen guide signs provide direction guidance to destinations.
Source: MUTCD Section 1D.05 Color Code
Your topics
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Where will you see it?
Before and at intersections on conventional roads.
What should you do?
Use it to choose your lane and turn in good time. It gives directions, not orders.
What do people get wrong?
Thinking the arrow means you must turn. Green guide signs only give directions.
Common questions
Why are guide signs green?
MUTCD Section 2D.02 says guide signs have a white message on a green background, and Section 1D.05 gives green the meaning of direction guidance.
Can one sign show several places?
Yes, each with its own arrow and distance if needed (MUTCD Section 2D.36).
Compare with
US route signA route of the US highway system.
Cardinal direction plaqueThe direction of the route: north, east, south or west.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against the MUTCD 11th Edition (FHWA), Sections 1D.05, 2D.02 and 2D.36.
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2D, Guide Signs: Conventional Roads: Sections 2D.02, 2D.36, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA
- MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA. FHWA lists the current version as the 11th Edition with Revision 1, dated December 2025
Sign pictures are our own simplified drawings of the MUTCD designs, which are in the public domain (MUTCD Section 1D.06). Sources and image credits.