Hospital sign: what it means
The blue sign with a white H shows the way to a hospital. The MUTCD limits it to facilities open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Last checked against the sources: · Report a mistake
What it means
MUTCD Section 2I.02: all general service signs have a white legend and border on a blue background. Use of the Hospital sign is limited to facilities that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
An Emergency Medical Services sign may be used for places that give emergency medical care but are not open full time.
Where you see it
On roads leading to a hospital, often with an arrow or a panel showing the direction.
A common mistake
Mixing up blue and green signs. In the MUTCD color code, blue is for road user services such as hospitals, and green is for direction guidance (Section 1D.05).
Quick quiz
What color are general service signs, such as the hospital sign?
- Blue
- Green
- Brown
Show answer
A. Blue. Section 2I.02: general service signs have a white legend and border on a blue background. Source: MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapters 2H to 2N, General Information and Service Signs: Section 2I.02, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, Part 1, General: Section 1D.05, FHWA; MUTCD 11th Edition, FHWA
Compare with
Mile marker signShows where you are along the highway.
Speed limit signThe maximum speed allowed on this road.
Pedestrian crossing signPeople may be crossing ahead.
Next in guide and service signs: Mile marker sign. See all guide and service signs or the full road signs list.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapters 2H to 2N, General Information and Service Signs: Section 2I.02, 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.