What do milepost signs indicate?

Milepost signs are used primarily to indicate how many miles you are from a specific point, typically a state border or other significant geographical landmark. In the context of North Dakota, these signs often show the distance from the south or west border of the state. This system allows drivers to quickly gauge their location on the highway and estimate distances to travel, which is crucial for navigation and planning trips.

This is particularly important in rural areas where highways can stretch for long distances with few landmarks. Knowing how far you are from the state border can help drivers understand their progress as they travel and make decisions about rest stops, fuel, or other logistical needs. Other options, such as indicating the speed limit or the type of road, serve entirely different purposes and are provided through separate signage.