The Arizona Department of Transportation safety message contest is open through Monday, July 29, for public submissions.

The contest, now in its eighth year, has allowed the public to participate in the messages that are posted on overhead freeways signs throughout Arizona.

Submit entries at azdot.gov/SignContest

“Safely connecting people is our top priority,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “This contest is an engaging way to remind everyone about the importance of being alert so everyone can get home safely.” 

After members of the public submit their suggestions, ADOT will review the entries and select at least 10 finalists for the public to vote on. The two messages that get the most votes will be crowned the winners and appear on overhead boards along Arizona’s highways. 

There’s no limit to the number of entries someone can submit, but ADOT officials said they must follow these guidelines: 

• The message must relate to traffic safety.
• Signs accommodate 3 lines, 18 characters per line. 
• #Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.
• No emojis. 
• The ampersand (&) is allowed.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.