Variable-message sign

LED matrix sign over I-94 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, advising of a road blockage during a winter storm
Early style of VMS on the New Jersey Turnpike using neon tubes, since replaced by new LED VMS signs. It is next to a vane variable speed-limit sign
Europe's largest Dynamic Route Guidance System Nuremberg, Germany
LED sign over I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) in Riley Township, Illinois, showing remaining travel times
Mechanical variable-message sign (right) on the Prague Ringway, Czech Republic; made by Značky Praha s.r.o.

A variable- (also changeable-,[1] electronic-, or dynamic-) message sign or message board, often abbreviated VMS, VMB, CMS, or DMS, and in the UK known as a matrix sign,[2] is an electronic traffic sign often used on roadways to give travelers information about special events. Such signs warn of traffic congestion, accidents, incidents such as terrorist attacks, AMBER/Silver/Blue Alerts, roadwork zones, or speed limits on a specific highway segment. In urban areas, VMS are used within parking guidance and information systems to guide drivers to available car parking spaces. They may also ask vehicles to take alternative routes, limit travel speed, warn of duration and location of the incidents, inform of the traffic conditions, or display general public safety messages.

  1. ^ "616.3 Changeable Message Signs (CMS) - Engineering Policy Guide". Archived from the original on 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2007-12-24.
  2. ^ The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994, Office of Public Sector Information, 1994, retrieved 2008-04-05