(a) The design and installation of signs pursuant to this chapter shall conform to any federal standards applicable to the highway. In addition, the signs shall meet the standards and criteria prescribed by this chapter, and shall be posted only in rural areas on noncongested conventional highways where a sign would not pose any traffic dangers or disrupt the free-flowing movement of vehicles.
(b) The department shall not approve the placement of a sign under any of the following circumstances:
(1) Within the boundaries of any city.
(2) If the sign promotes gambling activities.
(3) Within any urbanized area having a population of more than 50,000 persons, as designated by the most recent census of the United States Bureau of the Census.
(4) If approval of the sign would violate any federal law, rule, or regulation and that violation would result in the loss of federal funds.
(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 374, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)