Winning artwork will best depict through original creativity how all road users—from cars, to bikers, to pedestrians—can stay safe around large trucks and buses by staying aware of their big blind spots, long stopping distance, and wide turns. 

Looking for inspiration as you create your masterpiece entry for FMCSA’s 2026 Art Contest? Here's how to make your artwork stand out:

1. The art must SHOW A TRUCK AND/OR A BUS.
2. Make sure all drivers and passengers in all vehicles are shown wearing seat belts.
3. There are no limitations on the number of overall vehicles in the artwork including cars. But the scene depicted should be similar to a real life road situation. Hint: Make sure you put a lot of room between the big truck/big bus and the car or bicycle so they are not too close.
4. Focus on the positive. A picture of people sharing the road safely is more successful than a horrific scene.
5. Include a safety message such as stay out of a truck's blind spot.

Additional information for video and photo entries: 

1. Physical safety is mandatory. Content should not be captured while operating a vehicle; riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard; or in any dangerous situations. 
2. Video submissions from a group are permitted. A parent/guardian signed entry form will need to be submitted for each student in the group. No person outside the student group can provide any assistance. 
3. Video or photo submissions must not include any copyrighted material (such as copyrighted music, video clips, stock images, logos, or brands). 

Remember have fun and get creative! 

The annual contest serves as a collaborative effort between the Our Roads, Our Safety^Ⓡ partnership to raise awareness about sharing the road safely with large trucks and buses.

By entering the art contest, each participant and his or her parent, guardian and/or legal representative warrant that the submission is the participant’s original work. They consent to the use of the entrant’s first and last name, artwork, grade, city and state on the 2027 Road Safety Calendar and other related promotional items without further permission, compensation or approval. Original artwork submitted becomes the property of the art contest sponsors. Participants assign all copyright, trademarks and other intellectual property rights related to their entries to the art contest sponsors and previously mentioned agencies including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Transportation. In consideration for the participation in this art contest, participants and their parents, guardians, and/or legal representatives release, discharge, indemnify and agree to hold harmless the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, their employees, officers, directors, agents, and partners from all claims, damages, demands, obligations, or losses of any kind related to this art contest. All communications regarding the art contest, including announcement of winners, will be sent to the artists’ parent, guardian and/or legal representative.