Why Some Drivers Put an Upside-Down Sticker on Their Cars

It’s an upside-down outline of Washington state, and it’s intentional.

In the Pacific Northwest, locals flip the Washington state sticker as a kind of inside joke and regional signal. It started gaining popularity in the 2010s when state-outline decals became common on cars and outdoor gear. Flipping the shape made it feel more local and less like a tourist souvenir.

There are a few common meanings behind it. Some say it jokes about the constant rain, as if the state has been turned upside down. Others see it as a quiet, low-key way to show hometown pride without being flashy. Some people even think the flipped outline looks like a mountain peak, a subtle nod to Mount Rainier and the state’s landscape.

Over time, the upside-down Washington sticker became a symbol of Northwest culture: understated, outdoorsy, a little quirky, and recognizable to those “in the know.” Many people keep it even after moving away as a reminder of home.

So your grandpa didn’t spot a mistake. He spotted a local tradition.