Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 8-661 – Decorative treatments on traffic control devices

(a) In this section, “traffic control device” has the meaning stated in § 11-167 of this article.
(b) The Administration shall establish a policy that allows for the installation of decorative treatments on traffic control devices that have been marred by graffiti or vandalism that includes:
1. (1) Illicit writings or drawings;
2. (2) Illegal postings; or
3. (3) Blight from incomplete mitigation of graffiti.
(c)
1. (1) A person may apply to the appropriate district office within the Administration for a permit to install a decorative treatment, including a digitally printed vinyl wrap or paint, on a traffic control device.
2. (2) Subject to the requirements of this section, a district office may issue a permit to install a decorative treatment on a traffic control device within the jurisdiction of the district office.
(d)
1. (1) The Administration shall adopt regulations for the installation of decorative treatments that prohibit decorative treatments from:
  1. (i) Interfering with the operation or maintenance of a traffic control device; or
  2. (ii) Obstructing access to and ventilation of a traffic control device.
2. (2)
  1. (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Administration shall adopt viewpoint and content neutral regulations that provide the minimum requirements for decorative treatments.
  2. (ii) A decorative treatment may not:
    1. 1. Contain an advertisement;
    2. 2. Contain an image or a description of graphic violence;
    3. 3. Contain profanity;
    4. 4. Contain pornography, obscene material, or images of nudity;
    5. 5. Demean or disparage an individual or a group of individuals;
    6. 6. Violate a copyright or any other legal ownership interest; or
    7. 7. Unnecessarily engage the attention of drivers or cause driver distraction.
3. (3) The Administration may adopt any additional regulations necessary to implement this section.

Added by Acts 2017, c. 761, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2017.