Road signs with stickers on them?

Question

I've seen sings with alpha numeric stickers on them randomly here in Southern California. I don't recall ever seeing them in other states, but it's possible.

They are stickers similar to the ones seen at this link.

http://www.independentliving.com/prodinfo.asp?number=185402

They are put in what seems to be random combinations of numbers and/or letters of between 3 to 5 characters in length. I've seen them on Do Not Enters road signs, Interstate Road Signs, and many others.

Do not confuse them with similar stickers places on certain items seen off the road like traffic signal control boxes and phone control boxes. Those stickers are there to designate what those boxes are and their ID numbers, etc.

Also do not confuse them with advertising stickers people sometimes stick to road signs for guerrilla marketing.

Some things I have thought they might be are Geo Caching markers of some sort and EMS markings for some sort of safety feature, etc.. etc..

Wish I had pictures of some.

Answer 1

You are probably seeing stickers that record when the signs were erected. The stickers will identify the month and the year. This is so maintenance crews know when it's about time to replace a sign because the sign has lost its visibility and reflectivity.

The stickers are supposed to be placed on the back of signs, but sometimes they are placed in a bottom corner. Here's an example: http://picasaweb.google.com/ryan.robbins...

Each state's stickers are probably different, so don't expect them to be identical. You really need to show us a sticker in its environment. The link you provide is no good for such a determination.

Answer 2

Im not too sure but i have seen something similar on back of signs here in florida. so i dont think its just south cali

Answer 3

Maybe they are markers used by emergency vehicles as reference points, you might try calling you local department of transportation.