Program expansion
In 2007, a five-year evaluation of the program found that people were familiar with the signs, and it expanded to include other victims of fatal collisions on state highways.
Five additional safety messages were added to incorporate factors such as speeding, seat belt usage, pedestrian and motorcycle-related issues. Signs were to be requested by families, or a sponsor and the cost rose to $950.
With the addition of multiple safety messages, the requirement for a conviction along with a blood alcohol reading above .08 were removed. There are now 12 options for safety messages:
- Please Don’t Drink and Drive
- Please Don’t Drug and Drive
- Please Drive Sober
- Please Don’t Speed
- Please Drive Safely
- Please Ride Safely
- Please Watch for Bicycles
- Please Watch for Pedestrians
- Reckless Driving Costs Lives
- Please Watch for Motorcycles
- Seat Belts Saves Lives
- Stay Alert Drive Safe
Sign replacement
Over the years many signs sat undisturbed when they should have been considered for replacement. The WSDOT policy for replacement or renewal was inconsistent and not evenly administered. At one time, sign replacement was recommended between 7 and 10 years after installation but many signs remained longer. A survey of sign inventory found many are far older than the recommended time frame. 342 of the 484 signs installed from 1994 to 2009, are still active today.
Active signs by installation date:
- 1994-2005: 284
- 2006-2015: 366
- 2016-2025: 376
Initially there was no limit on how many times a sign could be renewed, provided new costs were covered. That policy is one of the concepts being evaluated.
Program costs
The cost to create and install the signs is paid by the requesting families. When the program began more than 20 years ago, the costs per sign ranged from $400 for a two-lane highway to $600 for a four-lane highway. Family and friend funding for memorial signs makes the program sustainable and allows WSDOT to appropriately utilize taxpayer money to support this and other projects.
An evaluation of the program in 2024, showed that over the years the fees didn’t keep pace with the costs involved in sign production, installation and maintenance. In the hopes of bringing costs more in line with the amount WSDOT spends, the charge increased to $1,000 to keep pace with rising material and labor costs. Those costs continue to climb and in 2025 the price increased again to $1,500. This amount covers the costs for sign fabrication, installation and maintenance over the life of the sign.
WSDOT would like to establish firm policies and timelines for the program so families can plan how they want to honor loved ones and know what to expect if they decide to remember a loved one through the program. The public is invited to share input on how the program can be improved, how long these signs should sit along roadways and what timelines for the signs and renewals should be considered.
How does it work in other states?
As in Washington, other states allow Roadside Memorial Signs by agreement. Cost and duration vary:
Oregon – 7-10 years (until weathered) $600
Wyoming – 10 years free, $50 if you want to renew
West Virginia – 3 years $200 (with renewal possible)
California – 7 years $1000
Colorado – 2 years $150