(6)__"Sign assembly" means the display, border, trim and all supporting apparatus, including posts, columns, pedestals and foundation.

(7)__"Time and temperature sign" means a changeable sign that electronically or mechanically displays the time and temperature by the complete substitution or replacement of a display showing the time with a display showing the temperature.

B.__The display on each side of a changeable sign:

(1)__May be changed no more than once every 20 minutes;

(2)__Must change as rapidly as technologically practicable, with no phasing, rolling, scrolling, flashing or blending;

(3)__May consist only of alphabetic or numeric text on a plain background and may not include any graphic, pictorial or photographic images; and

(4)__Is limited to no more than 2 colors, one of which must consistently be used for the background and the other of which must consistently be used for the text.

C.__The display may comprise no more than 50% of the surface area of a changeable sign.

D.__No more than one changeable sign with 2 sides is allowed per lot of record.

E.__Changeable signs may not be located so that the message is readable from a controlled-access highway or ramp.

F.__The highest point of the display of a changeable sign may not exceed a height of 25 feet above either the centerline of the nearest public way or actual ground level adjacent to the sign, whichever is lower.

G.__Changeable message board signs existing in accordance with the requirements of former subsection 11 continue to exist if the signs:

(1)__Are reasonably incapable of being modified or reprogrammed to comply with this section as amended; and

(2)__Are not replaced, substantially rebuilt, reconstructed or repaired beyond routine maintenance.

H.__The size, intensity of illumination and acceptable rate of change between the time display and the temperature display of a time and temperature sign must comply with rules, policies or guidelines adopted by the Department of Transportation.__Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.__Time and temperature signs erected prior to September 29, 1995 need not comply with those rules, policies or guidelines.

SUMMARY

This bill imposes changes to the use of electronic, digital or mechanical changeable signs. The bill increases the frequency that messages change from every 4 hours to every 20 minutes and prohibits flashing, rolling, scrolling or blending. It requires that changes in sign text must be limited to alphabetic or numeric text and prohibits pictures. The bill also makes color and sign dimension requirements.