Clearview Is Back as the Font of Choice for Highway Signs

An overlooked feature of the federal omnibus bill approved earlier this year: a return to the Clearview font for highway traffic signs.

1 minute read

May 6, 2018, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Bay Area Highway

So long Highway Gothic. We hardly knew you. | Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

Joy Powell reports: "A font designed for easy reading on state highway traffic signs has been reinstated following the passage of the federal omnibus bill, according to the American Traffic Safety Services Association."

The bill effectively directs the Federal Highway Administration to "issue interim approval for the Clearview font." The rule change effectively rescinds a change announced in 2016, which Planetizen reported at the time had "ruffled feathers."

While this article was reported in early April, the news about Clearview's comeback made traction this week thanks to a tweet from 2016 that has been recirculating on social media and also helpfully illustrates the differences between Clearview and the short-lived Highway Gothic.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Equipment World

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog