Prohibited signs; exceptions.

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(1) Interferes with, imitates or resembles any traffic control sign or device, or attempts or appears to attempt to direct the movement of traffic.

(2) Prevents the driver of a motor vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of traffic control signs or devices or approaching or merging traffic.

(3) Contains, includes or is illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, revolving, rotating or moving light or moves or has any animated or moving parts. This subsection does not apply to:

(a) A traffic control sign or device.

(b) Signs or portions thereof with lights that may be changed at intermittent intervals by electronic process or remote control that are not outdoor advertising signs.

(c) A tri-vision sign, except that a tri-vision sign may not be illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, revolving, rotating or moving lights.

(d) A digital billboard, only if the digital billboard:

(A) Is not illuminated by a flashing light or a light that varies in intensity;

(B) Has a display surface that does not create the appearance of movement;

(C) Does not operate at an intensity level of more than 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light as measured at a distance of:

(i) 150 feet, if the display surface is 12 feet by 25 feet;

(ii) 200 feet, if the display surface is 10.5 feet by 36 feet; or

(iii) 250 feet, if the display surface is 14 feet by 48 feet;

(D) Is equipped with a light sensor that automatically adjusts the intensity of the billboard according to the amount of ambient light;

(E) Is designed to either freeze the display in one static position, display a full black screen or turn off in the event of a malfunction;

(F) If available where the digital billboard is located, uses renewable energy resources to power the digital billboard, including but not limited to the following:

(i) Wind energy;

(ii) Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy;

(iii) Wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy;

(iv) Geothermal energy; and

(v) The purchase of carbon credits; and

(G) If wind energy is used, as specified in subparagraph (F)(i) of this paragraph, uses moving parts for the purpose of generating the wind energy to power the billboard.

(4) Has any lighting, unless such lighting is so effectively shielded as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the main traveled way of a state highway, or is of such low intensity or brilliance as not to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle or otherwise to interfere with the operation thereof.

(5) Is located upon a tree, or painted or drawn upon a rock or other natural feature.

(6) Advertises activities that are illegal under any state or federal law applicable at the location of the sign or of the activities.

(7) Is not maintained in a neat, clean and attractive condition and in good repair.

(8) Is not able to withstand a wind pressure of 20 pounds per square foot of exposed surface.

(9) Is on a vehicle or trailer that is located on public or private property. This subsection does not apply to a vehicle or trailer used for transportation by the owner or person in control of the property. [1971 c.770 §15; 1973 c.790 §3; 1977 c.256 §2; 1981 c.392 §1; 1999 c.877 §4; 2007 c.199 §8; 2011 c.562 §2]


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