Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subtitle 04 - STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 11.04.10 - Specific Information or Business Signs
Section 11.04.10.03 - General Requirements for All Signing

Universal Citation: MD Code Reg 11.04.10.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, March 22, 2024

A. The specific services signing program applies only to expressways along the Maryland State highway system.

B.

(Repealed)

C. Logo signs are motorist information signs, therefore, advertising may not be permitted on the logo sign.

D. Placement and Maintenance of Logo Signs.

(1) The ability to place and maintain logo signing at a particular interchange is dependent upon the space available along the mainline and the space along the ramp to the intersected highway and other safety considerations.

(2) At those locations where insufficient space is available for the use of logo signs, such as in urban and suburban locations, the Administration will place and maintain at its cost the generic motorist services symbols.

E. Specific services signs may not be considered for placement at those interchanges which do not provide direct re-entry to the mainline.

E-1. Number of Logo Signs.

(1) Specific service signing is limited to no more than ten logos per service per direction per interchange.

(2) A specific service sign is limited to six logos.

(3) If there are more than six eligible logos for a service, the Administration may display up to four additional logos if:
(a) On a new service sign the number and placement of signs is consistent with §§M-O of this regulation; or

(b) On an existing service sign, at least two logo spaces remain available after additional logos are displayed.

F. Business to Provide Logo Sign Plates.

(1) The business establishment will be responsible for providing logo sign plates to the State Highway Administration.

(2) The logo sign plates shall follow State Highway Administration specifications with regard to sign material and fabrication. These specifications will be forwarded to the business upon approval of the application.

(3) Before the manufacture of the logo sign plate, the business shall submit to the Administration a layout plan of their proposed logo for approval.

(4) Alterations may not be allowed to the logo sign once installed. Any subsequent change in the logo design will require Administration approval, and logo plates of the new design shall then be provided to the Administration.

G. All sign maintenance activities will be performed at the discretion of the Administration. Maintenance will be performed by the Administration or its contractors.

H. Eligible service establishments may not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, nationality, or creed.

I. Eligible service establishments shall conform with all applicable State and local laws with regard to licensing and operation.

J. Logos will be placed on specific services signs on the basis of those establishments closest to the interchange.

K. In those instances in which the maximum capacity of the specific services signs has been reached and an additional qualified business is established closer to the interchange, the following procedure will be effective:

(1) The logo for the newer qualifying business shall be placed on the sign and the existing logo of the establishment farthest from the interchange shall be removed;

(2) The removal will occur on the anniversary date and there will be no refund of any fees paid.

L. Changes in service resulting in non-compliance with the requirements of this program will result in notification that signs shall be removed if the situation is not corrected within 30 days. There shall be no refund of fees under these circumstances.

M. Spacing between mainline signs shall be at least 800 feet and spacing between ramp signs shall be at least 100 feet.

N. Distance from gore to the first ramp sign shall be at least 100 feet.

O. Measurements to services are referenced to the gore, or if more than one, to the first gore.

P. Specific services signs are not advertising signs but are traffic control devices. Local zoning regulations may not apply.

Q. Specific services signs and generic motorist services symbols may be used at the same intersection. However, for any one specific service type, both logos and generic motorist services symbols may not be used.

R. In the event that specific services signs are not sought at a qualifying interchange, the generic motorist services symbols shall be used. Should one or more business at a qualifying interchange opt for a specific services sign, the generic motorist services symbols for that type of service or services shall then be removed. However, the generic motorist services symbols for the other service or services will remain.

S. In deciding the distance and routing to a particular service where two or more interchanges are closely spaced, the interchange best serving the public through better road alignment, higher class highway, and more direct access will be used for the placing of the specific services signing. Along any one highway only one access point shall be signed for any one specific service establishment per direction.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maryland may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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