(a) As used in this section, “specific information sign” means a rectangular sign with the word GAS, FOOD, LODGING, or CAMPING and exit directional information pertaining to the designated motorist service placed at the top of the sign and upon which is mounted separately attached business signs showing the brand, symbol, trademark or name, or any combination of these, for the designated service available on a crossroad at or near an interchange or intersection.

(b) The Commissioner of Transportation may issue permits for the erection and maintenance of specific information signs and business signs within the rights-of-way of any portion of a state-maintained limited access highway, except a parkway. The commissioner shall not issue any such permit to any person or company until such person or company files with the commissioner a bond or recognizance to the state, satisfactory to the commissioner and in such amount as the commissioner determines, subject to forfeiture upon failure to comply with (1) the requirements of this section, (2) regulations adopted pursuant to this section, or (3) any orders of the commissioner relating to the erection and maintenance of specific information signs and business signs. Any such bond or recognizance shall remain in full force and effect as long as such person or company is subject to any such requirements, regulations or orders as provided in this section.

(c) Any person or company issued a permit in accordance with subsection (b) of this section shall be reimbursed, by subsequent permittees on the same sign, the costs associated with said sign divided by the number of other permittees on said sign.

(d) The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to carry out the purposes of this section. Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to, establishment of (1) fees for the permits issued under subsection (b) of this section, (2) reimbursements issued pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, and (3) standards for the location, size and maintenance of specific information signs and business signs.

(P.A. 83-498; P.A. 84-327, S. 2, 3; P.A. 98-91, S. 2; P.A. 06-196, S. 196.)

History: P.A. 84-327 amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision limiting specific information signs to sparsely settled areas; P.A. 98-91 added Subsec. (c) providing costs of the sign to be divided by the number of permittees on the sign, relettering former Subsec. (c) as (d); P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective June 7, 2006.

Cited. 41 CS 66.