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Most street signs exist to keep order. The ones installed by ‘A Sign of Humour,’ however, are there to bring a little innocent disorder into the world. Behind these convincing parodies is an anonymous Glasgow-based guerrilla artist who specializes in humorous signs and public installations. By placing them in ordinary streets, parks, and other public spaces, the artist hopes to encourage people to look up from their phones, notice their surroundings, and encounter something unexpected during their day. The works borrow the familiar visual language of official road and safety signage: bold lettering, warning triangles, prohibition symbols, and simple pictograms.

A closer look, however, reveals instructions that become increasingly ridiculous. Drivers are advised to watch out for squirrels behind the wheel, pedestrians are warned about extraterrestrial districts, and visitors may discover that a perfectly ordinary park has somehow become an “AI-free zone.” Although the signs are designed to make people smile, their subjects are not limited to harmless absurdity. Some play with technology, politics, popular culture, and contemporary habits. The artist has acknowledged comparisons to Banksy but considers his own approach distinct, using seemingly official signage to interrupt people’s routines and encourage them to pay closer attention to the city around them.

Scroll down to explore these funny unofficial additions to Scotland’s public spaces. You can also follow the artist’s socials to keep up with the latest installations, and, of course, let us know which sign would make you stop for a second look.

More info: asignofhumour.com | Instagram

A particularly timely part of this collection is dedicated to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which return to Glasgow from July 23 to August 2. To mark the event, 'A Sign of Humour' recently installed a new series of Games-inspired pieces around the city. Several of the signs featured below are as of yet unreleased on the artist's social media pages, giving our readers an early look at these playful additions to Glasgow’s streets.

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    #4

    An absurd sign beneath a low bridge warning giraffes to find an alternative route.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    21 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    even Lisa the Rainbow Giraffe? 🍁🍂🍃🦒

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    #12

    An absurd sign on a metal fence giving a public service notice about being rich and entitled.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    David Paterson
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you sure about that? A lot of IQ tests lie.

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    #15

    A split image shows two absurd signs: one warning about toupees in high winds, and another about cleaning up after elephant pets.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    Ola Pe
    Community Member
    5 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it only me, or is this Trump?

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Follow on Google News

    #17

    Absurd signs: A sign near a pond with a pink flamingo, asking not to share kebabs with flamingos.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    Seán Baron
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww, but they really like them.

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    #20

    A brilliant absurd sign warning of Time Lords appearing, next to a blue police box.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    Seán Baron
    Community Member
    Premium
    8 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, 4 of them have been Scottish.

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    #29

    Absurd signs: A roundabout sign with song lyrics underneath about spinning right round like a record.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    Julie S
    Community Member
    Premium
    28 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now I have this stuck in my head.

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    #36

    Absurd sign warning of giant squid in a lake, with green trees and water in the background.

    A Sign of Humour Report

    Julie S
    Community Member
    Premium
    24 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Black lake at Hogwarts.

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