‘I Didn't Know It Either & I'm Almost 60:’ Man Shares How to Read Interstate Exit Signs. You’ve Probably Been Doing It Wrong

"Something I wish I knew before I was in my 30s."

Man Shares How to Properly Read Interstate Exit Signs. You’ve Probably Been Doing It Wrong Your Whole Life

Photo by: Sidneyraz & Skyler Smith

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Nov 16, 2025 at 4:00pm ET

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It’s something most drivers have experienced. You’re driving down the interstate and spot the sign for your exit. But is it a left, right, or center exit, you wonder as you approach at highway speeds.

A man has revealed how to properly read an interstate exit sign so you never do a last minute lane change again. You may be surprised to learn that the answer has been right in front of you your entire life.

Reading Interstate exit signs are an essential part of navigating American highways. While some may assume the numbers and design are random, there’s actually a whole organized system and intentionality behind it.

In a video that’s generated over 40,000 views as of this writing, Sidney Raz (@sidneyraz) reveals that he recently learned the significance of the location of the exit sign.

How Do You Read Interstate Exit Signs?

Raz says that the placement of the exit sign indicates the direction of your exit.

"Here’s something I wish I knew before I was in my 30s," he begins.

"How to read interstate exit signs, specifically the importance of the position of this little guy," Raz continues.

Raz then provides a screenshot overlay image of this question being asked.

"What is the significance of the position of the exit number sign on the top of the exit sign?"

Raz answers out loud, "It’s an indication of whether the exit location is to the right, left, or straight."

He then provides a visual example. As he explains, the position the exit sign is on top of the sign tells you which direction the exit is on. If it’s on the left, the exit is on the left; the same goes for right-hand and center exits.

"Now I know where all of the exit signs are," he concludes.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Many viewers were left in disbelief. They’ve been missing exits their whole lives when the answer has been right in front of them all along.

"I didn't know it either & I'm almost 60 lmao," one commented.

"Nobody told me this. I just paid attention while driving," another said.

"LISTEN..Yes I admit as a 52 year old woman that I just learned this today," a third wrote.

Others made snarky remarks about the observational abilities of their peers who confessed to not knowing about the signs.

"The huge arrow isn't enough?" one questioned.

"Was the arrow too subtle?" another jested.

Some shared facts about the highway system.

"And even number interstates/roadways go east or west….odd numbers go north or south," one wrote.

What do you think?

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Comments

"Another fun fact, one arrow means one Lane to exit. Two arrows mean two lanes to exit. So cutting over to get to the exit only lane is not needed if you don't intend to turn right at the end of the exit, just stay in the slow lane to exit! You're welcome," said another.

Motor1 has contacted Raz via Facebook and Instagram direct message. This story will be updated if he replies.