Why does California use its own US shield?

[KG909]

I'm not sure if this has been answered here and Google does not want to help on this. I'm just wondering why we use a different shield style.

[Zeffy]

Because Caltrans.

[KG909]

Because Caltrans.

Really that's it? I guess Caltrans is the rebel of the highway system. Not only different US route shield style but the only one with a green state route shield.

[myosh_tino]

Because Caltrans.

Really that's it? I guess Caltrans is the rebel of the highway system. Not only different US route shield style but the only one with a green state route shield.

Rebel?  Maybe.  But you could also classify Caltrans as the "Old Fart that resists change".  You have to understand, the US shield California uses today used to be the national standard.  When the national standard changed, California didn't go along.  This also applied to the Interstate shield.  What Caltrans uses now (save for those hideous angular shields) was the national spec in 1957.  When newer specs came out, California didn't adopt them.  As for the reason why California didn't adopt the new standards, you'll need to talk to someone at Caltrans.

[oscar]

I love that California is the land of cutouts.  That includes the numbered county routes, which use the standard blue-and-gold pentagons, as well as the Interstate/US/state routes managed by Caltrans.

[KG909]

Because Caltrans.

Really that's it? I guess Caltrans is the rebel of the highway system. Not only different US route shield style but the only one with a green state route shield.

Rebel?  Maybe.  But you could also classify Caltrans as the "Old Fart that resists change".  You have to understand, the US shield California uses today used to be the national standard.  When the national standard changed, California didn't go along.  This also applied to the Interstate shield.  What Caltrans uses now (save for those hideous angular shields) was the national spec in 1957.  When newer specs came out, California didn't adopt them.  As for the reason why California didn't adopt the new standards, you'll need to talk to someone at Caltrans.

I heard it's that they're cheaper.

I love that California is the land of cutouts.  That includes the numbered county routes, which use the standard blue-and-gold pentagons, as well as the Interstate/US/state routes managed by Caltrans.

I guess it is cool that we are unique with those shields.

[NE2]

Wrong question.

Why did the other 47 states change?

[myosh_tino]

Wrong question.

Why did the other 47 states change?

I was going to say "47?!?!? Am I missing something?" but then I realized Hawaii and Alaska don't have any US routes... 

[Arkansastravelguy]

Because Caltrans.

Really that's it? I guess Caltrans is the rebel of the highway system. Not only different US route shield style but the only one with a green state route shield.

Vermont uses green shields


iPhone

[KG909]

Because Caltrans.

Really that's it? I guess Caltrans is the rebel of the highway system. Not only different US route shield style but the only one with a green state route shield.

Vermont uses green shields


iPhone

Oh yeah my bad forgot about Vermont, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[Arkansastravelguy]

I remember because not only was I just there, I love the uniqueness of them


iPhone

[KG909]

I remember because not only was I just there, I love the uniqueness of them


iPhone

Oh they are pretty nice looking, they're really unique.

[NE2]

California probably uses green because laziness and making a simple button copy white outline on a guide sign look like a standalone shield (c.f. Connecticut).

[Road Hog]

I remember the color US shields in Florida.

[KG909]

I remember the color US shields in Florida.

Ahh yes they we're nice, also heard Arizona had them.

[national highway 1]

Because Caltrans.

Really that's it? I guess Caltrans is the rebel of the highway system. Not only different US route shield style but the only one with a green state route shield.

Vermont uses green shields

So does South Dakota.

[emory]

Caltrans loves the old US shield yet despises the continued existence of US routes.

[formulanone]

Wrong question.

Why did the other 47 states change?

Florida only gave in 21 years ago...

[US71]

Wrong question.

Why did the other 47 states change?

Because they were supposed to be phased out.

[Occidental Tourist]

California probably uses green because laziness and making a simple button copy white outline on a guide sign look like a standalone shield (c.f. Connecticut).

California used to value things other than expediency.

[kkt]

California probably uses green because laziness and making a simple button copy white outline on a guide sign look like a standalone shield (c.f. Connecticut).

California claims white on green is more legible than black on white or white on black.

[sdmichael]

There were studies done in the late 1950's regarding sign colors and styles. Perhaps having the shield in green isn't just "because".

[bing101]

I'm not sure if this has been answered here and Google does not want to help on this. I'm just wondering why we use a different shield style.

Because its a nice shield.

[KEK Inc.]

Honestly, the new design that other states adopt look cheap. 

It just looks so good!






as opposed to

[US71]

There were studies done in the late 1950's regarding sign colors and styles. Perhaps having the shield in green isn't just "because".

Yup. Green exit signs with white letters trumped Blue/White and Black/White.