Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-02-03-.05

Current through April 28, 2024

Section 1680-02-03-.05 - DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Directional devices must meet the following criteria:

(1) Directional Signs shall not exceed the following size limits:

(a) Maximum area - 150 square feet

(b) Maximum height - 20 feet

(c) Maximum length - 20 feet

(2) All dimensions include border and trim, but exclude supports.

(3) The lighting requirements are explained in § 1680-02-03-.03.

(4) Spacing of Directional Signs:

(a) Each location of a directional sign must be approved by the Department.

(b) No directional sign may be located within 2000 feet of an intersection or interchange at grade measured along the interstate system or controlled access highway. Measurement shall be made from the nearest point of the beginning or ending of pavement widening at the exit from or entrance to the main traveled way.

(c) No directional sign may be located within 2000 feet of a rest area, parkland, or scenic area.

(d) No two directional signs facing in the same direction of travel shall be spaced less than one (1) mile apart:

1. Not more than three (3) directional signs pertaining to the same activity facing the same direction of travel shall be erected along a single route approaching the activity.

2. Signs located adjacent to the Interstate System shall be within 75 air miles of the activity.

3. Signs located adjacent to the Primary System shall be within 50 air miles of the activity.

(5) Message Content - Directional Signs

The message on directional signs shall be limited to the identification of the attraction or activity and directional information useful to the traveler in locating the attraction, such as mileage, route numbers, and exit-numbers. Descriptive words or phrases and pictorial or photographic representations of the activity or its environs are prohibited.

(6) Selection Methods and Criteria

(a) In determining whether privately owned attractions or activities can be eligible for directional signing the following must be met:

1. The site must fall into one of the categories as listed in § 1680-02-03-.02, paragraph 8.

2. The attraction or activity must document that it is nationally or regionally known in the Southeastern United States.

3. It must be determined that the activity or attraction is of outstanding interest to the traveling public.

(b) All applications for directional signing must be submitted to the Highway Beautification Headquarters Office in Nashville, Tennessee, whose personnel will determine eligibility.

If an application is approved, a metal identification tag will be issued at no cost to the sign owner. This tag will be displayed on the pole nearest the highway, at least four (4) feet off the ground and visible from the highway. This tag is a permanent identification of the sign.

(7) The following directional devices are prohibited:

(a) Signs advertising activities that are illegal under Federal or State Laws or regulations in effect at the location of such devices or at the location of such activities.

(b) Devices located in such manner as to obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.

(c) Devices which are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.

(d) Obsolete signs.

(e) Devices which are structurally unsafe or in disrepair.

(f) Devices which move or have any animated or moving parts.

(g) Devices located in rest areas, parklands, or scenic areas.

(8) Civic or Service Club Signs

(a) Any civic or service club sign that is requested shall be approved by the Regional Engineer. Such requests shall be rejected if they encroach any primary or interstate right-of-way.

(b) Criteria for civic or service signs are as follows:

1. The sign must be no larger than eight (8) square feet.

2. The message must pertain only to a religious, charitable, or civic organization.

3. Such signs will not be placed in any intersection or in any other location that would block sight distance.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1680-02-03-.05

Original rule certified June 10, 1974. Repeal and new rule filed June 9, 1977; effective July 11, 1977. Repeal and new rule filed January 27, 1989; effective March 13, 1989. Amendment filed December 21, 2006; effective March 6, 2007.

Authority: T.C.A. § 54-21-112.