Signs can be really helpful at times. A well-planned sign will give you handy information like what the speed limit is or where the restrooms are. But not all signs are created equal, and some are downright confusing. Check out these hilarious examples of funny, useless, and strange warning signs.
Thank You For Letting Me Know
I was about to crawl over this chest-high railing to leave the hotel instead of walking myself all the way down the hall and through the lobby to the door. Thank God this sign let me know that I'm actually on the third floor! Wow, that would have been super embarrassing!
You just know that this exact scenario actually took place here. There's simply no other explanation for putting up signs like this.
We're Begging You...
Whatever you do, please do not breathe under the water. Just wtf on this one. Do the pool owners not know that it's literally impossible for humans (and animals who don't already live in the water) to breathe when they're submersed?!
I get that it's really important to emphasize pool safety in these lawsuit-happy times, but this is ridiculous. The much smaller sign next to this one has the important info, like no rough play(something that might actually happen). Shouldn't that sign be the bigger one?
When You're Not Sure Which Side Of The Bridge To Drive On...
It's something most of us face every time we drive over a bridge... that panic when you're not sure whether you're supposed to be on the concrete or the water side. Luckily for us, clever designers have come up with signs like the one here. Bikes are supposed to ride on the bridge, and cars drive just off to the side (right in the water).
Clearly, this fail was executed by the people who hung the sign versus the ones who made it. But it's still pretty funny. Wonder how long this one was left up before someone realized the error.
A Pants Off Dance-Off, Maybe
Just what do you think the story is behind this winner of a sign? "Sandals only. Strictly enforced. NO PANTS ALLOWED." I'm imagining a place full of people dressed like Winnie the Pooh (meaning shirts only, nothing at all on the bottom) but with sandals on as well.
Also, how strictly do they enforce the sandal rule? Are Birkenstocks OK? Flip flops? I'm going to need a lot more information about this special place. And by the way, I'm not judging, just curious. Sandal-curious.
Drowning LOL
Here's a safety tip for next time you're at the beach. If you spot someone drowning in the water, you're supposed to immediately have a good chuckle. Once the laughing fit has passed, call 911 and get the drowning person the help they urgently need.
Oh wait -- that sign doesn't say "lol" after all. It's a crude sketch of a drowning person, waving their arms in the air above the water to indicate that they need assistance. Oops. My bad. I'll get this right the next time I see someone drowning. Promise.
They Just Don't Want Us To Have Nice Things
Stop right there, young lady! Get those lovely long tresses out of the toilet at once. And you, sir, need to remove your business suit from the john. Can't you read? The sign clearly states that you are NOT SUPPOSED TO WASH YOUR HAIR OR CLOTHING IN THE TOILET.
Obviously, the word "toilet" here means bathroom. So this sign makes a little more sense. But I'm still having fun picturing fancy people lining up to luxuriously lather up their hair and delicate lingerie in the public toilet bowl.
For The Love Of God, Remove The Kid First
OK, this one is obviously not a true sign, but it's still a cautionary message worthy of including on this list. This is a garment label with size info and washing instructions. Pretty standard stuff... Size 3-4 Y, made of polyester. Wash in 40-degree water, don't iron or machine dry. Got it.
But wait, what's this other line? "Remove child?" Crap, I hadn't thought of that. I'm so, so thankful that I read the tag before tossing Johnny's Superman pajamas in the wash with him still wearing them...not sure how I would have explained this one to his mom.
Hmmm, I Think I'll Just Hold It Until We Find Another Restroom
Isn't "toilette" like a fancy word for bathroom? I know it definitely means bathroom in French, but the other sign is in English. So I'm going out on a limb and suggesting that using the word "toilette" is meant to indicate that this is indeed a super-fancy loo.
So fancy, in fact, that it comes with a bunch of bees. The situation is apparently bad enough that it required a "beware of the bees" sign that's larger than the "toilette" sign. Those must be some mean bees.
A Real Lifesaver
Here's another sign that probably saves hundreds of lives every year. You see, it tells us that the road is unsafe to use if it's underwater. Most people wouldn't know this and would simply try to drive their cars underwater, heading straight for their watery graves.
Also, where IS this? And why does the sign look like it's been through a Mad Max-style apocalypse? Maybe this area does get some crazy terrible weather and the sign is legit. If that's the case, then I apologize for teasing.
Watch Your Step
Oh, dear. I'm not even sure what might have been going through this sign designer's mind when they were putting this one together. They obviously wanted to convey that there's some type of hazardous situation coming up, but why did they include a graphic of a wheelchair traveling up a flight of stairs?
Seriously, what part of "watch your STEP" inspired the inclusion of a wheelchair? Also, it doesn't look like there are any stairs ahead in this photo. So this whole sign is a big old fail.
Oh, This Isn't Allowed?
Wait a second...you're telling me that this isn't allowed? Come on, man! We'll still get it in the bowl, we promise! Some of you might have trouble aiming at the bowl while facing it, but that's what new challenges are for!
In all seriousness, we're extremely concerned that this is an actual sign that exists. What's even more concerning is that a business actually felt the need to go out of their way and purchase it. We're not going to ask any questions, because we don't even want to know!
Think Of The Animals
This is a lesson most of us slept through in biology class, but it's important to know the difference between a carnivore, a herbivore, and an omnivore. Also, no matter how cute the seals look, do NOT enter their enclosure and do not lean on the fence.
The people working at the zoo care more about their animals than they do the humans who come to see them. Their brutal honesty is laid out in this sign.
You Are NOT A Fly!
Unfortunately, humans don't always listen to the rules. Thanks to their lack of judgment, these signs are out and about because people do as they please. They don't care about the consequences until they're caught. Yeah, maybe you should have thought about not touching the fly traps!
We have to give this plant nursery credit for creating a warning sign that's informative yet still positive and light-hearted. Chances are, lots of people don't realize touching the fly traps is bad for them!
Aiming Is Considerate
Sometimes men can be real jerks! This sign is not asking for anything too insane or illogical. In fact, it's something that they should have known how to do for the greater part of their lives. The establishment just wants bathroom goers to be a little nicer. The play on words is great too!
Hopefully, this attention-grabbing sign gets the job done. That is, unless the person reading it becomes too distracted while... well, you know the rest.
Jazz Hands?
There are two possibilities for this amazing sign. Either that is an accurate interpretation of what people look like when they slip on a wet surface or people that walk on this particular surface feel compelled to throw out some jazz hands.
Honestly, I'd be okay with slipping if jazz hands were my fate. I might even welcome it! It looks pretty fabulous and there are worse things in life than a case of jazz hands.
Sounds Like Something a Ghost Would Say
I'm not falling for this one again! The last time I bought a house that claimed it wasn't haunted I ended up calling an exorcist! Whatever ghosts set up this sale could work harder to be friendlier.
There is always the chance the ghostly resident just wants someone to play rummy with. If you're willing to take that chance go ahead and call up Chase Hicks. He could probably hook you up with a roommate, too.
A Sign For The Ages
Everyone knows what the red hexagonal sign above is the universal signal for, "stop." Whoever made this particular sign has a sense of humor about it. If only every stop sign was branded with the word "dur."
Of course, maybe we need this sign because fewer people would roll through them if they were made to feel bad about themselves first. If you don't stop at the 'dur' sign we don't really know how to help you. It's just too late.
Don't Mess With Mountain Folk
Honestly, is there anything worse than slow drivers who clog up the left lane? What about those who stay in the left lane despite all of the cars passing them?! This is a serious epidemic that apparently, only the mountain people can cure with pure sass. If you're driving in the fast lane, looking for that next exit going five under the speed limit on the highway, you're going to make enemies.
No one likes being stuck behind someone who's in the wrong lane and this town isn't afraid to tell you like it is. Next week it might read "take a hike!"
This Sign Is Brutally Honest
This sign is the littlest bit funny. Obviously, a pedestrian getting hit by a car is no laughing matter, but this graphic is pretty silly. Unfortunately, it's the brutally honest truth of living in a big city where drivers are nuts and people are commuting on foot or by bike everywhere.
It seems like drivers don't even try to avoid you these days, so you better watch out for yourself!
This Doesn't Look Promising
The first question you should ask yourself when walking through a wooded area is "exactly how many hands are going to be reaching out at me as I run by?" This sign is just about as creepy as it gets.
Does it mean that there are people hiding in the bush who are prone to grabbing other people who walk the path? This sketchy little drawing leads us to believe it!
An Eye For An Eye
Don't feed the cats! This warning has never been more clear with the punishment being promised by this sign! I don't even want to imagine what it means. Here's to hoping it was just a typo.
Perhaps it meant to say, "violators will be escorted from the property." That sounds a little more family-friendly, at least. Right now it sounds like violators will be violated, and that's a pretty extreme punishment for feeding some cats.
When You Change Lanes In New England
Signs like this aren't too hard to understand... for some people that is. It's a pet peeve for many drivers who deal with this. How hard is it to use a blinker that's right beside your steering wheel? Things like that make you wonder how people passed drivers ed.
With all the motorcycles on the road, it's important to signal when you switch lanes. Whoever programmed this highway sign knows what's up, and they got jokes, too.
Oh, Cell No!
How hard is it to NOT text and drive? Clearly, it's pretty bad these days, especially with a sign that has to use a pun to get its point across. It might be cheesy but it's just a friendly reminder to put the phone down when you're behind the wheel.
That text to anyone can wait until once you get out of the driver's side. We like that this sign chooses comedy over threatening a fine for being on your phone. Better listen.
Heads Up!
Have you ever seen this happen before? It's more destructive than you could imagine. Once insurance finds out what they did, they won't be enjoying all the paperwork that comes with it. Hopefully, that sign breaks away fairly easy so that the truck driver doesn't do too much damage.
They do prove a good point though, and that is knowing the height of your truck! Clearly, it's happened before and they don't want someone taking out their town's bridge again.
Probably Not The Best Diet Tip
This sign solved the simple problem of what a person can do when faced with hunger pains. Apparently, there is no greater way to suppress your appetite than with a big juicy burger.
It's hard to deny the logic too. Eating when hungry is just common sense. Everyone should do it! It's pretty funny to pass it off as a dieting tip though. See honey? I'm allowed to eat this burger on my diet.
Keep Those Banana Peels Out!
This is a warning sign for everyone who doesn't recycle properly! Recycling may seem intimidating if you're not used to it, but come on, it's not that hard. While bananas may be biodegradable, this doesn't mean they belong in the recycling bin. In fact, no food waste belongs in the recycling bin, so don't do it!
We hope this semi-passive aggressive message got the point across to the employees who were recycling incorrectly. Banana peels deserve better!
Reverse Psychology
Alright, alright, this isn't exactly a warning sign (in the traditional sense), but some people may consider it good advice to avoid any person exhibiting this type of behavior!
In all seriousness, the sign says a lot about our society by poking a little fun at us all. Maybe, just maybe, it's a warning sign for us to put down our phones a little more often. Reverse psychology, right?!
All Of The Above
This sign is RIGHT in so many ways! There is absolutely reason anyone should be littering, but if you can answer any question with any of these 3 (or I guess 4) answers, I don't think we can be friends. I already have enough jerks in my life.
It's better to just get the straightforward answer than beat around the bush. If you're a litterbug, this sign just got the best of you.
A Lesson As Old As Time
If you're looking for that perfect Father's Day gift to show your dad that yes, you did, in fact, hang on to every word of fatherly wisdom that he bestowed upon you, this is that gift.
I can already see him tear up in disappointment as yet another piece of handiwork gets thrown into the fire for warmth. Maybe this sign isn't about measuring twice. Maybe it's actually about a thing called "twic."
Hygiene Before All Else
In some countries, it is considered rude to point with your finger, so this sign isn't really a "fail." In this situation, it is entirely appropriate to approach the counter with both hands in your pockets (or hidden inside your sleeves) with tongue extended and lick the glass near the general area of the bagel you want.
For the tongueless, simply place a folded tissue in your mouth as a replacement. The real fail with this sign is the use of "U" instead of the word "you."
No Practicing
Hey, you. Yeah, YOU! The one doing a pole dance routine in the middle of the gnarly Q line during rush hour. Quit it. These poles are not for dancing, they're for safety. Plus, the train is "no place for showtime."
I'm honestly wondering how many people do this. It must be a lot since the Transit Authority had to put signs up discouraging people from doing strip teases on the subway. I bet a majority of the riders actually liked watching people practicing their moves. It sure beats staring at that weird guy who's picking his nose.
Turn Your Flash Off... Or Something
The octopus is a sensitive, shy being and so the aquarium staff is kindly asking that you respect its space and not freak it out. Maybe this particular eight-armed guy is an introvert, and isn't trying to make any new friends.
Alright, alright. What they probably intended for this sign to tell you is: please turn your camera flash off if you're going to take a picture. That's all, folks.
Another Bummer Of A Zoo
OK, we get it that there's no octopus-flashing allowed, but this is just too much. This national park has the audacity to ask its guests to look under their cars to be sure they're not about to turn a bunch of penguins into roadkill.
I'm certainly not going to be visiting Table Mountain National Park at any time in the future. I just can't abide by those kinds of strict rules. I need to live life on my own terms.
Don't Worry. You'll Be Fine.
This sign is a blessing for all you worry-warts who are overly concerned about parking tickets. Here's a lot you're encouraged to park in, scot-free. Even if you're parked illegally.
You see, it says "illegally parked cars will be fine." That all-important "D" at the end of the sentence would have made all the difference in the world. I wonder if a photo of this sign would hold up in court if you did end up getting ticketed. I think it should.
Death, Fine, Yadda Yadda
This classic warning sign comes to us credit of the Newcastle Tramway Authority. The bright yellow with red text and skull/crossbones icons mean that this sign is not one to be ignored. The message? "Touching wires causes instant death." Yikes! I'm not touching those wires.
But right under that, it says "$200 fine." I'd like to know how on earth they plan on fining someone who has just been electrocuted to death. Well, I guess funeral homes have already been doing that for years... badda bing!
Not Here, Please
It's a proven fact: When dogs get full, they need to be emptied. The trick is finding a good place that all parties involved (the pet owner, the dog, and the city) agree is appropriate for the contents that the pet contains. A better sign might read "Please DO empty your dog HERE."
Then we would all know where to go. Maybe it could become a destination for singles to meet each other. "We were both emptying our dogs, you know the spot, and we knew it was meant to be."
Watch Out For Humped Zebras
This is good news for humped zebras, but what about non-humped zebras? And who will enforce this? Imagine the non-humped zebra hanging out with all of his humped friends, and they are all like, "let's cross the street and check out that barbed-wire fence!"
And the non-humped zebra laughs nervously. "C'mon guys, that fence looks totally lame, let's go back to my house and play Nintendo." Give a non-humped zebra a break.
For Spider Man, Apparently
We've all seen people loitering outside convenience stores or on random street corners. Usually up to no good, if we're to believe all the signs warning that loiterers will be fined or arrested.
Have you ever seen a loiterer standing on a wall? That would take some serious adhesives or Spider Man power. Obviously they mean don't LEAN on the wall but they could have put a little more thought into the wording on this one.
This Is Actually Legit
Out of all the signs we've looked at today, this one just might be the most legit. After all, if you were a red triangle-shaped person wouldn't you want to know if you were in a restroom where blue stick-shaped people tended to peek over the divider and watch you do your business?
Where is this bathroom where peeping toms are so common? And is the word "karma" at the top of the sign a warning to anyone who is planning on trying to sneak a peek? 'Cuz that can't be good for karma.
