Abbreviations should be avoided whenever possible; however, abbreviations can be useful when completing destination messages on signs of limited size. When used, abbreviations should be only those that are commonly recognized and understood by motorists. The table below provides a list of the common abbreviations for freeway guide signs.

The words NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, and WEST must not be abbreviated when used with Route signs to indicate cardinal directions. The abbreviations for these words are intended for use with a destination name (place or street).

Periods are neither required nor suggested unless noted in the following table. In general, periods may be used when a cardinal direction is abbreviated as part of a destination name or when “United States” is abbreviated, other than for a U.S. numbered route.