The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) regulates signs within MDOT SHA rights of way, as well as outdoor advertising signs on private property adjacent to State roads, according to federal and State laws.

Regulated signs include official traffic safety signs and informational signs that are placed/maintained by MDOT SHA and those authorized by MDOT SHA, according to those federal and State regulations.

Signs placed on State rights of way that do not fall under those categories are illegal. In 2011, a State law authorized MDOT SHA, law enforcement officers, and local governments to remove illegal signs and issue fines to businesses and individuals who place such signs.

What is the law about unauthorized signs?

Maryland law, §8-605, authorizes MDOT SHA to remove unauthorized signage placed on State highway right of way. During routine maintenance activities, such as litter pick up and mowing, SHA maintenance forces will collect unauthorized signage identified in state right of way.

The law also authorizes local governments to collect and dispose of unauthorized signage within the State right of way. If the sign is a commercial sign, the local government may wish to collect a civil penalty not exceeding $25 per commercial sign.

What should I do to install a sign?

Determine the category of sign you are requesting. There are two types of signs: an “on-premise” sign, which is a sign for a business where the sign will be placed; and an “off-premise” sign, which advertises businesses located elsewhere. Learn more about advertising signage and the permit process ​at Outdoor Advertising.