Where does the phrase “Don mess with Texas” come from?”
As a campaign to clean up the highways. In 1985 they launched a campaign to reduce littering, and their slogan was “Don’t Mess With Texas.” The phrase was prominently shown on road signs on major highways, as well as in television, radio and print advertisements. Litter on Texas highways was reduced by 72% between 1986 and 1990, due to the effectiveness of the campaign. It became a much loved slogan to all Texans, and won an award for as one of the best slogans ever, and is in the Advertising Hall of Fame. The Department of Transportation has been unsuccessful at trying to stop the use of the trademarked phrase, which continues to be seen everywhere on merchandise.
