SR 88 is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System, and is part of the National Highway System, a network of highways that are considered essential to the country's economy, defense, and mobility by the Federal Highway Administration. It is eligible for the State Scenic Highway System; however, it is only a scenic highway as designated by Caltrans from the Dew Drop ranger station to the Nevada state line, meaning that it is a substantial section of highway passing through a "memorable landscape" with no "visual intrusions", where the potential designation has gained popular favor with the community. The Carson Pass Highway is also designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway.