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Road Sign · California

US 97 California 1948

US 97 California 1948

Kiss-cut sticker, glossy vinyl on a square backing sheet.

Regular price $2.49 USD
Regular price Sale price $2.49 USD
Sale Sold out

$2.11 each in a pack of 2+ · mix any sticker types

Shipping calculated at checkout.
SizeMeasured on the longest side
Finish

  • 2+ save 15%
  • 5+ save 20%
  • 10+ save 25%
  • 50+ save 35%

Applied automatically at checkout. Any sticker type counts toward the pack.

  • Indoor glossy vinylLaptops, journals, phone cases, mirrors. Not waterproof.
  • Printed to orderMade in the USA when you order, not pulled off a shelf.
  • Free U.S. shippingOn orders over $25.

US 97 California 1948 Road Sign Sticker Design

This sticker design faithfully recreates a classic piece of American highway history. The artwork embodies the vintage aesthetic of a mid-20th century U.S. Route sign, specifically those found in California.

Design Elements

The design features a bold, cutout shield shape, a distinctive characteristic of older California highway signage. At the top, the word "CALIFORNIA" arches gracefully, identifying the state that the route serves.

Within the shield, "US 97" is prominently displayed. "US" indicates that this is a U.S. Numbered Highway, and "97" is the specific route designation, signifying a major roadway.

The typeface used throughout the design, known as FHWA Series (also called Highway Gothic), is a key element of the era, reflecting the 1948 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.

Historical Context and Symbolism

The design pays homage to the 1948 edition of the MUTCD, which standardized the design of U.S. Route shields. The style represents a commitment to clarity, readability, and a unified national identity on the roadways.

The "California" branding is particularly significant. It evokes the nostalgia of a bygone era in California's highway system, when the state employed a unique cutout shield style with the state name included at the top.

This sticker design serves as a visual testament to the history of American road travel and highway design.

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About this design

US 97 California 1948

Every sticker is printed in the USA when you order it, from the artwork shown above.

Collection
Road Sign · California
Comes on
1 sticker type
Price
$2.49 – $3.99
Sizes
4 options

Glossy kiss-cut vinyl stickers made for smooth, indoor surfaces — laptops, journals, mirrors, and other finished items. Crisp edges, vivid color, strong hold, and not waterproof.

What “kiss-cut” means: the blade cuts the vinyl layer into the exact shape while leaving the backing liner whole, so pieces separate cleanly and lift off the sheet without tearing. It’s the neatest way to produce shaped stickers and multi-piece sheets.

  • Material: reliable vinyl face with a permanent acrylic adhesive formulated for smooth, non-porous surfaces.
  • Finish: glossy surface that enhances contrast and depth without feeling overly reflective.
  • Printing: eco-solvent inks provide dense color and crisp detail for fine lines and gradients.
  • Use case: intended for indoor environments only — not waterproof. Not recommended for continuous exposure to moisture or dishwashing.
  • Application friendly: easy-peel backing and a liner that releases cleanly to help reduce bubbles and misfeeds during placement.

These stickers perform best on smooth, dust-free surfaces — think laptop lids, sealed notebooks, glass, mirrors, finished shelving and lockers. They’ll stick well where the surface is flat and clean; avoid rough wood, silicone, fabric, and heavily textured paint.

  1. Clean: remove dust and oils with a lint-free cloth. For stubborn grime, use a mild soap and water rinse; let the area dry completely.
  2. Align: peel a corner, position carefully, then press the center down first.
  3. Smooth: work outward from the center with a soft card or a thumb to push air out and ensure the edges set down firmly.

Tip: give the adhesive 24 hours to fully settle before heavy handling. These are not designed for outdoor or wet conditions.

  • Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth, moving from the center outward to avoid scratching the gloss.
  • For light marks, a barely damp microfiber will lift residue — blot, don’t scrub, and dry right away.
  • Avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive pads, and steam; moisture or harsh chemicals can lift edges and fade inks.

Reminder: these stickers are not waterproof. Keep them away from sinks, outdoor exposure, and dishwasher cycles to maintain adhesion and finish.

Sizes are measured across the sticker’s longest side. For example, a 3″ sticker is 3 inches across its largest dimension (height or width, depending on the shape).

The kiss-cut follows the sticker’s outline for a tidy border; complex shapes can show small variances, but the advertised measurement refers to the maximum edge-to-edge length.

Which one do I need?

Pick by where it's going.

  • Indoors & smooth

    Kiss-cut: glossy, cut on a square backing sheet so it peels cleanly.

    LaptopJournalPhone caseMirror

    Kiss-cuts →
  • Outdoors & wet

    Die-cut, holographic or clear: matte laminate, UV and water resistant, cut to the shape.

    Water bottleCoolerBumperHard hat

    Die-cuts →
  • Behind glass

    Window (reverse-print): sticks to the inside of a window and reads correctly from outside.

    Car windowShop doorDorm window

    Window decals →