Montana Department of Transportation

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
Overview
Program Details
OAC Contacts

ADVERTISING CONTROL
Control Area Definition
Fee Schedule
Forms | Manual
Sign Exemptions
Sign Limitations
Sign Permits
Rules/Regulations

PROGRAMS
Specific Information Signs (LOGO)
Tourist-Orientated Signs (TODS)

HELPFUL LINKS
Montana Motorist Sign Group - LOGO/TODS

Outdoor Advertising in Montana

Congress passed the Highway Beautification Act to control and limit signs along the interstate and primary highways which allows the traveling public to enjoy the nation's scenic beauty.

The Montana Legislature also enacted laws consistent with the federal act. Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is responsible for enforcing these laws, and failure to do so could jeopardize millions of dollars in highway construction funds.
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Program Features
The State of Montana agreed to provide "effective control" of outdoor advertising by establishing a sign permit system; maintenance of an inventory of all permitted signs, and periodic surveillance of the controlled routes to discover unlawful signs and monitor other signs as required by state law.
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Sign Permits
In order to inventory and control signs along the highway, permits are issued to the sign owner and a permit plate must be attached to the sign. The law requires MDT to charge both an application fee for the initial application and to assess a fee after the permit is issued. The initial application fee is non-refundable even if the permit can't be issued.
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