1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Administration may not issue a permit for any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, if the sign:

   1. (1) Imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal, or device;
   2. (2) Is erected or maintained on any tree or painted or drawn on any rock or other natural feature;

   3. (3) Is erected or maintained in a way that:

      1. (i) Obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device; or
      2. (ii) Obstructs or interferes with a driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic;
   4. (4) Is located within 250 feet of any public park, public forest, playground, or cemetery that is adjacent to a federal-aid primary highway; or
   5. (5) Is along or near a scenic byway located on the federal-aid primary highway.

2. (b)

   1. (1) This subsection applies only in Calvert County and St. Mary's County.

   2. (2) The Administration may, in conformance with federal law, issue a permit for an outdoor sign along or near a scenic byway located on a federal-aid primary highway if the sign:

      1. (i) Was erected on or before January 1, 2008; or

      2. (ii) Is a directional sign for a facility that:

         1. 1. Sells principally local agricultural or aquacultural products; and
         2. 2. Is located within a 5-mile radius of the sign.
   3. (3) A sign erected under this subsection shall be erected and maintained in a manner that is safe and does not detract from the scenic or cultural character of the scenic byway along which the sign is located.

Added by Acts 1977, c. 13, § 2, eff. July 1, 1977. Amended by Acts 2011, c. 318, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; Acts 2015, c. 83, § 1, eff. June 1, 2015.

Formerly Art. 89B, § 252.