§ 445.3. Directional and official signs.
(a) Application. This section applies to directional and official signs and notices which are erected and maintained within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the interstate and Federal aid primary system and which are visible from the main-traveled way of the system and those signs located more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible as aforesaid if located outside of an urban area and erected with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way.
(b) Standards for directional signs. The following apply only to directional signs:
(1) General. The following signs are prohibited:
(i) Signs advertising activities that are illegal under Federal or State laws or regulations in effect at the location of those signs or at the location of those activities.
(ii) Signs which obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with the driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
(iii) Signs which are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
(iv) Obsolete signs.
(v) Signs which are structurally unsafe or in disrepair.
(vi) Signs which move or have any animated or moving parts.
(vii) Signs located in parklands or scenic areas.
(2) Size. Size of the sign shall conform with the following:
(i) A sign may not exceed the following limits:
(A) Maximum area—150 square feet.
(B) Maximum height—20 feet.
(C) Maximum length—20 feet.
(ii) Dimensions include border and trim, but exclude supports.
(3) Lighting. Signs may be illuminated, subject to the following:
(i) Signs which contain, include or are illuminated by a flashing, intermittent or moving light are prohibited.
(ii) Signs which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at a portion of the traveled way or which are of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or which otherwise interfere with a driver’s operation of a motor vehicle is prohibited.
(iii) A sign may not be so illuminated as to interfere with the effectiveness of or obscure an official traffic sign, device or signal.
(4) Spacing. Requirements for spacing shall be as follows:
(i) Each location of a directional sign shall be approved by the Department.
(ii) A directional sign may not be located within 2,000 feet of an interchange, or intersection at grade along the interstate system or other freeways (measured along the interstate or freeway from the nearest point of the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way).
(iii) A directional sign may not be located within 2,000 feet of a safety rest area, parkland or scenic area.
(iv) Two directional signs facing the same direction of travel may not be spaced less than 1 mile apart.
(v) Not more than three directional signs pertaining to the same activity and facing the same direction of travel may be erected along a single route approaching the activity.
(vi) Signs located adjacent to the interstate system shall be within 75 air miles of the activity.
(vii) Signs located adjacent to the primary system shall be within 50 air miles of the activity.
(5) Message content. The message on directional signs shall be limited to the identification of the attraction or activity and directional information useful to the traveler in locating the attraction, such as mileage, route number or exit number. Descriptive words or phrases, and pictorial or photographic representations of the activity or its environs is prohibited.
(6) Selection methods and criteria. Selection methods and criteria shall include:
(i) Privately-owned activities or attractions eligible for directional signing are limited to the following: natural phenomena, scenic attractions; historic, educational, cultural, scientific and religious sites; and outdoor recreational areas.
(ii) To be eligible, privately owned attractions or activities shall be nationally or regionally known, and of outstanding interest to the traveling public.
Source The provisions of this § 445.3 adopted May 12, 1972, effective May 13, 1972, 2 Pa.B. 845; amended May 21, 1976, effective May 22, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 1135; renumbered September 8, 1978, effective September 9, 1978, 8 Pa.B. 2534.
Cross References This section cited in 67 Pa. Code § 445.6 (relating to permits).
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