The Hospital (H) sign (D9-2)

The Hospital sign is a white letter H on a blue square. It is one of the General Service signs in the MUTCD, the federal standard for signs, signals and markings. Its standard size is 24 by 24 inches on conventional roads and 30 by 30 inches on freeways and expressways.

Who can use it: the Hospital sign, and the HOSPITAL (D9-13aP) word plaque, are limited to facilities that operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. For freeway and expressway service signs, the MUTCD suggests that State criteria consider whether a hospital has continuous emergency care capability with a physician on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That can mean a physician in the emergency department, or a registered nurse in the emergency department with a physician on call.

Arrows: when a service sign is used at an intersection, it must come with a directional message. Blue Advance Turn (M5 series) or Directional Arrow (M6 series) plaques with white arrows may be mounted under the H to show which way to turn.

Our advice: an H sign points to a hospital, but in a medical emergency, call 911 rather than driving yourself.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2I.01, 2I.02 and 2I.03, Table 2I-1 and Figure 2I-1, read November 9, 2026.

Emergency medical signs and plaques

The Emergency Medical Services (D9-13) symbol sign may be used for facilities that provide emergency medical care but do not operate full time. Under the MUTCD it may not be used for anything other than qualified hospitals, ambulance stations and qualified free-standing emergency medical treatment centers, and it must be paired with a plaque that names the type of service:

The MUTCD suggests each State write its own policy for these signs. Its suggested hospital guidelines include 24-hour service 7 days a week, an emergency department with a physician (or an emergency care nurse with a physician on call), State licensing for definitive medical care, and radio voice communications with ambulances and other hospitals.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2I.02, Figure 2I-1, read November 9, 2026.

Why service signs are blue

The MUTCD gives each sign color a general meaning. Blue means road-user services guidance, tourist information and evacuation routes. That is why every General Service sign and supplemental panel has a white legend and border on a blue background. Rest Area signs are blue too.

On ordinary roads, gas, food and lodging are usually within sight and easy to find, so the MUTCD says special service signs usually are not needed. In urban areas, General Service signing is usually not needed except for hospitals, law enforcement assistance, tourist information centers and camping. Where services are infrequent and found only on a crossroad, service signs may be used. States that choose to sign services should set a statewide policy for when to use them.

For green, brown and the other sign colors, see our guide to road sign shapes and colors.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 1D.05, 2I.02 and 2I.05, read November 9, 2026.

Common blue service symbols

Service signs can use symbols or words, but symbols and words may not be mixed on the same sign. These are some of the General Service signs in the MUTCD:

Where the next place with services is far away (10 miles or more, under the conventional-road rule), a NEXT SERVICES plaque may be added below the service sign.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2I.02 and 2I.03, Table 2I-1 and Figure 2I-1, read November 9, 2026.

Service signs on freeways and expressways

On freeways and expressways, General Service signs (D9-18 series) are mounted between the Advance Guide sign and the Exit Direction sign, ahead of the exit that leads to the services. Where exits are numbered, the sign should include the exit number. These signs should only be used where you can get back on the freeway and continue in the same direction.

• Up to six services can be shown on one sign, and each service has a set spot on the sign.
• Word signs should read FOOD and PHONE on the top line and GAS and LODGING on the second; HOSPITAL, 24-HOUR PHARMACY and CAMPING go on separate lines.
• Symbol signs with six services should show GAS, FOOD and LODGING on the top row and PHONE, HOSPITAL and CAMPING on the bottom row.
• Ramp signs: if the services cannot be seen from the ramp of a single-exit interchange, smaller service signs with arrows are repeated where the ramp meets the crossroad.
• Seasonal services: signs for a service that runs only part of the year must be removed or covered while it is closed.

The MUTCD also suggests eligibility criteria for States to use. For example, fuel should be offered with vehicle services such as gas, oil and water, modern restrooms and drinking water and be open at least 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, and food service should be open to serve at least two meals a day, at least 6 days a week.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2I.03, read November 9, 2026.

Rest area signs

Rest Area signs have a retroreflective white legend and border on a blue background. A sign that says REST AREA may only be used where parking and restroom facilities are available. A roadside area without restrooms should be signed for what it offers instead, such as PARKING AREA or PICNIC AREA (or ROADSIDE TABLE or ROADSIDE PARK). Scenic areas use legends such as SCENIC AREA, SCENIC VIEW or SCENIC OVERLOOK.

On freeways and expressways, a REST AREA advance sign should be placed 1 mile and/or 2 miles before the rest area, and a Rest Area Gore sign (D5-2a) is required at the exit gore. A NEXT REST AREA sign may give the location of the rest areas that follow.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Section 2I.05, read November 9, 2026.

911, 511 and other information signs

Our advice: if your vehicle breaks down, pull as far off the road as you safely can, turn on your hazard lights and stay alert to passing traffic while you call for help.

From the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition with Revision 1, Sections 2I.10, 2I.11, 2I.12 and 2I.13, read November 9, 2026.

Paragraphs marked as our advice are our own guidance, not MUTCD text.

Keep your vehicle ready for the road

The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.

Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.

Michigan City Ford service hours

From Michigan City Ford's website, November 9, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.