ROAD SIGNS OF NEW MEXICO
All photos taken by Mark O'Neil unless otherwise noted
Created December 6, 2002
INTERSTATE SIGNS
![](inm10thumb.JPG) |
Current New Mexico interstate sign. New Mexico is one of a handful
of states that still puts the state name on its signs, although some new generic signs are
being posted. (My collection). |
US HIGHWAY SIGNS
![](nmus84thumb.JPG) |
US routes markers from the 1940's - early 60's were an interim style.
Older embossed blanks were used along with reflective sticker indicating the numbers. This
was another (albeit scarcer) style that only had an embossed border and a screened legend and
route number (from Ebay, owner unknown). |
![](nmus260thumb.JPG) |
Older fully embossed, non-reflective US marker. This style was used from
1926 until the late 1940's when they were replaced by semi-reflective signs.
(photo by Joe Koehler). |
STATE HIGHWAY SIGNS
![](nm11thumb.JPG) |
Current style New Mexico route marker. The sun is very harsh on the
red 'Zia' symbol (ironically it's a sun symbol) Many signs on the road are missing the
Zia (my collection). |
![](nm273thumb.JPG) |
(November 2001) Santa Teresa, NM. Larger 36" signs uses a modified Zia
with shorter rays. Three digit signs simply use a smaller font, no extended signs are used. |
![](nm42thumb.JPG) |
Interim style NM state route marker from the 1950's as described above
in the US-84 section. The route number is silkscreened on a reflective cream-colored
Scotchlite sticker and placed on a blank embossed sign. Fully embossed signs in this style
were used from the late 1920's until the late 1940's. Earliest signs may have had a yellow
background, if 1920's Official NM maps are accurate (Photo from Ebay, owner unknown). |
![](nmgreenthumb.JPG) |
(November 2001) Santa Teresa, NM. State route signs on green signs omit
the Zia symbol. |
COUNTY HIGHWAY SIGNS
![](nmcoam5thumb.JPG) |
(November 2001) Tucumcari, NM. Counties that number their routes use the
standard blue pentagonal county route marker. |