reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part V - Industrial Access › Section 8-626 - Industrial Crossings

(a)    (1)    Subject to this section and with the advice and approval of the Administration, the legislative body of any county or municipal corporation in this State may designate an industrial crossing across any State highway located within the county or municipal corporation.
(2)    An industrial crossing may not be designated if it will endanger traffic on the highway.
(b)    (1)    Any person who desires an industrial crossing across a State highway shall apply for designation of the crossing to the legislative body of the county or municipal corporation where the highway is located.
(2)    An industrial crossing may not be designated unless the applicant pays or agrees to pay for:
(i)    The costs of any improvement required to strengthen or modify the highway for use as an industrial crossing;
(ii)    Any damage to the highway that results from its use as an industrial crossing; and
(iii)    The costs of making, installing, and maintaining any signs, markers, or signal devices that the legislative body, with the approval of the Administration, requires to designate the crossing.
(c)    If an industrial crossing is designated under this section, the applicant has the exclusive right to use the industrial crossing, subject to any conditions of use that the Administration requires. When using the crossing, the vehicles of the applicant are exempt from all weight limitations and registration requirements imposed by the Maryland Vehicle Law.
(d)    The designation of any industrial crossing continues as long as the applicant actually uses the crossing. However, after notice and hearing, the Administration, the Department of State Police, or the police department of the county or municipal corporation where the crossing is located may terminate the use of the crossing on the ground that the crossing has become a danger to traffic because of increased traffic or for any other good reason.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part V - Industrial Access › Section 8-627 - Closure or Restricted Access to Defense-Related and Other Properties

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Defense-related activity” means:
(i)    The preparation of the United States or a state for defense or war; or
(ii)    The prosecution of war by the United States or a country with which the United States maintains friendly relations.
(3)    “Highway authority” means a governing body or individual with the authority under law to restrict or close a highway to the public.
(4)    “Political subdivision” means a county, municipal corporation, special taxing district, or public corporation of the State.
(5)    “Public utility” includes a pipeline, gas, electric, heat, water, oil, sewer, communication, radio, transportation, railroad, airplane, or other system owned or operated for public use.
(b)    This section applies to property owned by a person, the State, or a political subdivision:
(1)    Engaged in, or preparing to engage in, the manufacture, transportation, or storage of a product to be used in a defense-related activity;
(2)    Engaged in, or preparing to engage in, the manufacture, transportation, distribution, or storage of gas, oil, coal, electricity, or water; or
(3)    Operating a public utility.
(c)    An owner of property described in subsection (b) of this section, who believes that the property will be endangered if public use and travel is not restricted or prohibited on a highway abutting the property, may petition the highway authority of the State or a political subdivision, as appropriate, to close or restrict public use of and travel on the highway.
(d)    On receiving the petition, the highway authority shall:
(1)    Set a hearing date; and
(2)    Provide notice of the hearing at least 7 days before the hearing by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the political subdivision where the property is located.
(e)    (1)    After the hearing, the highway authority may by order close or reasonably restrict the use of a public highway if the highway authority determines that the public safety and the safety of the property require the closure or restriction.
(2)    The highway authority shall conspicuously post a notice in letters at least 3 inches high at each end of a highway that the highway authority closes or restricts.
(f)    The highway authority may issue a written permit to persons to travel on a closed or restricted highway under conditions that the highway authority establishes.
(g)    The highway authority may revoke or modify an order issued under this section.
(h)    A person who violates an order issued under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VI - Sidewalks › Section 8-629 - Sidewalk Construction by Developers of Industrial, Commercial, or Apartment Areas Along Highways

(a)    (1)    With the concurrence of the local government, the Administration may require any developer of an industrial, commercial, or apartment area along a highway maintained by the Administration to construct sidewalks parallel to the highway.
(2)    The construction of these sidewalks shall meet the conditions specified in entrance permits and the standards adopted by the Administration or the local government.
(b)    Sidewalks may not be required under this section if the Administration determines that:
(1)    The establishment of sidewalks would be contrary to public safety;
(2)    The cost of establishing the sidewalks would be too great considering the need for them or their probable use; or
(3)    The sparsity of population, the existence of other available ways, or any other factor indicates that there is no need for the sidewalks.
(c)    After sidewalks are constructed under this section, they shall be maintained and repaired by the political subdivision in which they are located.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VII - Responsibility of Administration to Counties › Section 8-635 - Engineering Advice to Counties

At the request of any proper county agency, the Administration shall provide to the county engineering advice and information on the county’s road program, including its farm-to-market road program. The Administration may not charge the cost of this advice or information either to the county, to the county’s share of highway user revenues, or to other funds allocated to the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VII - Responsibility of Administration to Counties › Section 8-636 - Reports by Counties

(a)    Within 6 months after the end of each county’s fiscal year, the county shall file with the Administration a complete report of each project constructed during the preceding fiscal year.
(b)    The report shall include:
(1)    A full audit of the county’s accounts relating to the project; and
(2)    An engineering statement that states separately and in detail all costs incurred in the project.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VII - Responsibility of Administration to Counties › Section 8-637 - Traffic Calming Device

(a)    (1)    In this section, “traffic calming device” means a physical highway measure used to reduce vehicle speed and increase safety for bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.
(2)    “Traffic calming device” includes:
(i)    A speed bump;
(ii)    A raised crosswalk;
(iii)    A traffic circle; and
(iv)    A narrowed road.
(b)    (1)    The Administration, in consultation with appropriate county and municipal authorities, shall compile best practices for siting, constructing, and maintaining traffic calming devices that address:
(i)    The engineering and design of traffic calming devices; and
(ii)    The costs and benefits of various methods of traffic calming.
(2)    The Administration shall:
(i)    Coordinate and act as a clearinghouse for best practices for siting, constructing, and maintaining traffic calming devices; and
(ii)    Based on the best practices, publish and periodically update information about best practices for the siting, construction, and maintenance of traffic calming devices.
(3)    The information on best practices required under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall include the estimated costs of construction for each traffic calming device.
(c)    On the request of a county or municipality, the Administration shall provide information on best practices for the siting, construction, and maintenance of traffic calming devices.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VIII - Railroad Crossings › Section 8-639 - Power of Secretary Over Railroad Grade Crossings

(a)    Unless approved by the Secretary on application to him, and notwithstanding any other statute to the contrary:
(1)    Except for an industrial track spur or siding, a railroad may not:
(i)    Construct, reconstruct, improve, widen, relocate, or otherwise alter a railroad grade crossing over a State, county, or municipal highway, except in Baltimore City, or over a private road; or
(ii)    Change the crossing protection equipment at such a crossing; and
(2)    A person may not:
(i)    Construct, reconstruct, improve, widen, relocate, or otherwise alter either a railroad grade crossing over a public highway or a private road over a railroad; or
(ii)    Change the crossing protection equipment at such a crossing.
(b)    (1)    The Secretary has authority, subject to the provisions of Division II of the State Finance and Procurement Article, to approve the construction or modification of a railroad grade crossing or a change of crossing protection equipment and to impose conditions necessary to insure public safety at the crossing.
(2)    No other approval, safety condition, or protective measure may be required by any public authority.
(c)    When an application is made to the Secretary for approval of the construction or modification of a railroad grade crossing or a change of crossing protection equipment, the Secretary, after notice to all parties in interest, including adjacent property owners, shall hold a hearing on the matter if:
(1)    The Secretary considers a hearing to be necessary;
(2)    A hearing is requested by any party in interest; or
(3)    The proposed change would diminish or discontinue any crossing protection.
(d)    With any technical advice from the Administration that the Secretary considers necessary, the Secretary may:
(1)    Approve or disapprove the application; and
(2)    Impose on the person initiating the crossing project, under uniform standards and regulations, any condition necessary to insure public safety at the crossing, including a requirement for the installation of, payment for, and maintenance of crossing protection equipment.
(e)    For purposes of this section, the conversion of a private road grade crossing into a public highway grade crossing is a projection of a public highway over the railroad by the public authority taking jurisdiction of the private road.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VIII - Railroad Crossings › Section 8-640 - Construction and Maintenance of Railroad Crossings by Railroad and Administration

(a)    At each grade crossing of a highway and a railroad, the railroad shall:
(1)    Keep its roadbed and the highway in proper repair so as to provide absolutely safe and easy approach to and crossing of the tracks; or
(2)    Subject to approval by the Administration, construct a railroad grade separation.
(b)    (1)    The Administration may abandon, relocate, construct, or reconstruct any railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation that is dangerous or inconvenient for public travel.
(2)    If a railroad grade crossing is dangerous or inconvenient for public travel, the Administration may construct a railroad grade separation.
(c)    (1)    The Administration may require the railroad to do any of the work needed under this section, on the terms and conditions that the Administration specifies.
(2)    If the railroad fails to do any work required of it under this section, the Administration may perform the work itself and collect the railroad’s share of the cost from the railroad.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VIII - Railroad Crossings › Section 8-641 - Costs of Relocation; Damage to Adjacent Property

(a)    The Administration shall pay the costs of relocation to any public or private utility whose facilities are altered or relocated because of a railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation project. The plans for the alteration or relocation shall be approved by the utility.
(b)    If the owner of land adjacent to any State highway suffers damages as the result of the elimination of a railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation from that highway, the owner may sue the Administration and the railroad for these damages.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VIII - Railroad Crossings › Section 8-642 - Allocation of Costs

(a)    As to the costs of any railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation project or maintenance:
(1)    25 percent of these costs shall be paid by the railroads that benefit from the crossing or separation; and
(2)    75 percent of these costs shall be paid by the Administration.
(b)    If two or more railroads benefit from the crossing or separation, the railroads’ 25 percent share shall be apportioned among them as determined by the Administration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VIII - Railroad Crossings › Section 8-643 - Penalties

(a)    If any railroad does not comply with an order of the Administration under this part to do work on a railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation or to pay its share of the costs of any railroad grade crossing or railroad grade separation project or maintenance, the railroad is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 for each day that the order is not complied with.
(b)    The penalty provided for in this section is in addition to any other remedies available to the Administration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part VIII - Railroad Crossings › Section 8-644 - Exempt Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Plaque

(a)    The Administration may erect an exempt highway–rail grade crossing plaque at each railroad grade crossing in the State that is no longer in use by a railroad.
(b)    The design and placement of a plaque erected under this section shall be in accordance with the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-647 - Removal of Dirt, Sand, Gravel, and Other Material

(a)    (1)    A person may not remove any dirt, sand, gravel, stone, rock, or other material from the land adjoining any State highway, if the removal affects the surface or construction of the highway by changing the supporting slopes in a fill or the slopes supporting the adjoining land in a cut.
(2)    If the Administration has built up barriers to protect or support any highway, such as sand fences, retaining walls, or any other structure, a person may not remove any dirt, sand, gravel, stone, rock, or other material from the land adjoining the highway, if the removal is harmful to the construction or protection of the highway.
(b)    Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $100; and
(2)    For any subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-648 - Storm Drain Covers in Highways

Any new or replacement storm drain cover, installed on a street or highway in the State, after January 1, 1980, shall consist of:
(1)    Bars running perpendicular to the flow of traffic on the highway;
(2)    A grating composed of intersecting bars; or
(3)    Other designs approved by the Department of Transportation which meet safety design criteria as well as engineering and structural design demands.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-650 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway and Vietnam Veterans Highway

(a)    The Administration shall designate the portion of Maryland Route 24 located between the U.S. Route 1 Bypass and U.S. Route 40 as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.
(b)    The Administration shall designate the portion of Maryland Route 157 known as the Peninsula Expressway as the Vietnam Veterans Highway.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-651 - Korean War Veterans Memorial Highways

(a)    The Administration shall designate Maryland Route 43 as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
(b)    The Administration shall designate the portion of Interstate Highway 70 that is located in Frederick County, Maryland as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-652 - Flags at Rest Areas, Welcome Centers, and Exhibit Centers

The following flags shall be flown year round at each rest area, welcome center, and exhibit center within interstate and State highway rights-of-way:
(1)    The flag of the United States;
(2)    The State flag; and
(3)    The POW/MIA flag of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-655 - National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Information

(a)    The Administration shall post the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline information sign described in § 15–207 of the Business Regulation Article in each restroom at a rest area within the right–of–way of an interstate or State highway.
(b)    A sign required under this section shall be posted:
(1)    On the inside of each stall door in the restroom; or
(2)    On the back of the door at the entrance to the restroom.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-656 - Dedication of Structures (Hero's Highway Act)

The Department shall establish a process by which a member of the General Assembly, another elected official, or any member of the general public may request that the Department dedicate a bridge or another appropriate transportation structure under the jurisdiction of the Department to:
(1)    A deceased member of the armed forces:
(i)    Whose home of record was in the State; and
(ii)    Whose surviving spouse, parent, or next of kin is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Gold Star memorializing that the member was killed in action; or
(2)    A firefighter, law enforcement officer, or another emergency responder who died in the line of duty.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-657 - Relocation of Water or Sewer Lines

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Federal facility” includes:
(i)    An installation of the armed forces of the United States; and
(ii)    Any property owned or leased by an agency of the United States.
(3)    “Federal project” means a State highway project that is:
(i)    Financed in whole or in part with federal funds; and
(ii)    Designed to enhance access to a federal facility.
(4)    “Publicly owned utility” means a utility owned or operated by a political subdivision of the State or by a public agency created under the laws of the State.
(5)    “Relocate” includes to realign, raise, lower, rebuild, or remove.
(b)    If, due to a federal project, it is necessary to relocate any water or sewer line of a publicly owned utility, the Administration shall:
(1)    Notify the political subdivision or agency that owns the utility of the estimated cost of relocating the water or sewer line; and
(2)    Investigate funding sources to help the political subdivision or agency that owns the utility to meet its share of the cost of relocating the water or sewer line and, if needed, to develop a payment plan.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-659 - Henrietta Lacks Way

The Administration shall dedicate the portion of Maryland Route 695A (Broening Highway) that is located between the Baltimore City–Baltimore County line and the intersection of Maryland Route 695A with Maryland Avenue and Avon Beach Road as Henrietta Lacks Way.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-661 - Decorative Treatments of 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)    Illicit writings or drawings;
(2)    Illegal postings; or
(3)    Blight from incomplete mitigation of graffiti.
(c)    (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)    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)    The Administration shall adopt regulations for the installation of decorative treatments that prohibit decorative treatments from:
(i)    Interfering with the operation or maintenance of a traffic control device; or
(ii)    Obstructing access to and ventilation of a traffic control device.
(2)    (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.
(ii)    A decorative treatment may not:
1.    Contain an advertisement;
2.    Contain an image or a description of graphic violence;
3.    Contain profanity;
4.    Contain pornography, obscene material, or images of nudity;
5.    Demean or disparage an individual or a group of individuals;
6.    Violate a copyright or any other legal ownership interest; or
7.    Unnecessarily engage the attention of drivers or cause driver distraction.
(3)    The Administration may adopt any additional regulations necessary to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-662 - Information on Suicide Prevention -- Electronic Signs Along Highways

(a)    The Administration may post information on suicide prevention, including a hotline number, on electronic signs along any highway within a 5–mile radius of a high suicide risk zone, as identified by the Administration.
(b)    The Administration may adopt regulations to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 6 - Construction and Maintenance › Part IX - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-664 - Speed and School Bus Monitoring Systems in Montgomery County -- Annual Reports -- Items Included

(a)    This section applies only in Montgomery County.
(b)    (1)    On or before December 31 each year, Montgomery County shall:
(i)    Compile and make publicly available a report for the previous fiscal year on each school bus monitoring system operated by a local jurisdiction under this section; and
(ii)    Submit the report to Montgomery County Public Schools, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, the Montgomery County Vision Zero Coordinator, and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Montgomery County Delegation to the General Assembly.
(2)    The report shall include:
(i)    The number of violations that occurred at each school bus stop in the previous fiscal year;
(ii)    The number of violations that occurred at each school bus stop in each of the 5 fiscal years preceding the previous fiscal year;
(iii)    A breakdown of the violations by the direction in which each vehicle involved in a violation was travelling in relation to the stopped school bus;
(iv)    The total amount of fines issued for violations at each school bus stop in the previous fiscal year; and
(v)    The total amount of fines issued for violations at each school bus stop in each of the 5 fiscal years preceding the previous fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 8-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Erect” means, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, or in any other way bring into being or establish.
(2)    “Erect” does not include any of the activities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection when performed only as an incident to a change of advertising message or the customary maintenance or repair of an outdoor sign or outdoor sign structure.
(c)    (1)    “Main traveled way” means:
(i)    That part of a roadway that is used for the movement of vehicles and on which through traffic is carried; and
(ii)    In the case of a divided highway, that part of each of the separated roadways that is used for the movement of vehicles and on which through traffic is carried in opposite directions.
(2)    “Main traveled way” does not include:
(i)    Shoulders; or
(ii)    Frontage roads, turning roadways, parking areas, or similar facilities.
(d)    “On premise outdoor sign” means any outdoor sign that, regardless of content, is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public of:
(1)    The sale or lease of the property on which it is located;
(2)    The sale or lease of a product grown, produced, or manufactured on the property on which it is located;
(3)    The sale or lease of a service performed on the property on which it is located; or
(4)    The name of the owner, agent, assignee, or lessee of the property on which it is located.
(e)    “Outdoor sign” means any outdoor sign, display, light, structure, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, placard, poster, billboard, device, or other thing that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public.
(f)    “Visible” means capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by a person of normal eyesight.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 8-702 - Scope of Subtitle

(a)    The provisions of this subtitle are in addition to any other provisions of law that regulate or govern signs along highways or on public property.
(b)    This subtitle does not prohibit the erection or maintenance of any traffic sign, signal, or other device by the Administration or any local authority in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 8-703 - Effect of Subtitle on School Bus Shelter Signs

(a)    This subtitle does not apply to the erection or maintenance of any school bus waiting shelter displaying outdoor signs if:
(1)    The advertising does not exceed 32 square feet;
(2)    The shelter has no more than one sign facing in any one direction; and
(3)    The shelter has no more than two signs in all.
(b)    All outdoor signs on school bus waiting shelters are subject to applicable local zoning regulations and standards approved by the State Highway Administration and, in an area to which Part IV of this subtitle applies, that are consistent with the Code of Federal Regulations regarding national standards for outdoor signs on interstate and federal–aid primary highways.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 8-705 - Rules and Regulations

(a)    The Administration may adopt rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle, including those rules and regulations that, consistent with the safety and welfare of the traveling public, the Administration considers necessary to govern:
(1)    The issuance of licenses and permits under this subtitle;
(2)    The location, size, lighting, and spacing requirements for any outdoor sign for which a permit is to be issued; and
(3)    The method of erecting and maintaining an outdoor sign under a permit.
(b)    (1)    Before a rule or regulation may be adopted under this subtitle, notice of a public hearing on the rule or regulation shall be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation in this State. The notice shall specify a time and place for the public hearing.
(2)    After the hearing, the Administration may adopt the proposed rule or regulation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part II - Licensing of Outdoor Advertising Business › Section 8-708 - License Required

A person may not engage in the business generally known as outdoor advertising for profit gained from rentals or other compensation received for the erection, use, or maintenance on real property of any outdoor sign, unless the person is licensed by the Administration under this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part II - Licensing of Outdoor Advertising Business › Section 8-709 - License Application; Term and Renewal

(a)    Each application for a license under this part:
(1)    Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration; and
(2)    Shall include:
(i)    The full name of the applicant;
(ii)    The mailing address of the applicant; and
(iii)    Any other relevant information that the Administration requires for consideration of the application.
(b)    Each license issued under this part expires on the April 30 after its issuance and may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part II - Licensing of Outdoor Advertising Business › Section 8-710 - Annual License Fee

(a)    Each applicant for a license or the renewal of a license under this part shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration, based on the number of outdoor sign structures.
(b)    If a license is issued in any month after May, the fee for that license shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-714 - Permit Required

(a)    Whether or not the person must be licensed under Part II of this subtitle, a person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign outside the limits of any municipal corporation and within 500 feet of a State highway, unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign.
(b)    A permit is not required under this section to erect or maintain any outdoor sign:
(1)    That is used only to advertise the sale or lease of the property on which it is located;
(2)    That is on or within 100 feet of any building or the entrance to any building in which the business advertised is carried on;
(3)    That is used only to advertise:
(i)    A Maryland historic shrine or institution; or
(ii)    A county or church fair held in this State;
(4)    That advertises a candidate or the support or defeat of any proposition. This sign:
(i)    Shall comply with all provisions of the Election Law Article;
(ii)    Shall comply with public safety requirements as set forth in § 8–716 of this subtitle;
(iii)    Shall conform to all local restrictions and zoning requirements which are more restrictive than this section; and
(iv)    Shall conform to the restrictions and requirements of Parts IV and V of this subtitle; or
(5)    That is only a temporary outdoor sign that advertises the sale in season of fresh produce on property that adjoins a State highway by a person who has grown the fresh produce and who owns, rents, or has permission to sell on the property. This sign:
(i)    Shall comply with public safety requirements as set forth in § 8–716 of this subtitle;
(ii)    Shall conform to all local restrictions and zoning requirements that are more restrictive than this section, including any applicable time limitation;
(iii)    Shall conform to the restrictions and requirements of Parts IV and V of this subtitle; and
(iv)    Shall be removed or covered when produce is no longer for sale.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-715 - Application for Permit

(a)    Each application for a permit under this part:
(1)    Shall be made on a form provided by the Administration;
(2)    Shall be signed by the applicant; and
(3)    Shall include the information required by this section.
(b)    Each application for an outdoor sign permit shall include:
(1)    The name of the county and election district and the approximate distance from the nearest municipal corporation where the applicant proposes to erect or maintain the sign;
(2)    A statement as to whether or not the proposed location is within any area over which the General Assembly has granted zoning powers to any agency and, if the proposed location is within such an area:
(i)    The name of that area; and
(ii)    A certificate that satisfies the Administration that the appropriate agency has approved the erection or maintenance of the sign;
(3)    Specifications as to each of the following:
(i)    The dimensions and the area in square feet of advertising surface on the sign, as contained within a line drawn around the outer edge of its advertising matter, pictorial design, and all border and trim;
(ii)    The distance from the ground to the top of the sign;
(iii)    The material used in the construction of the sign; and
(iv)    The distance from the sign to the nearest highway;
(4)    A plat that accurately shows, for the area within 500 feet of the sign:
(i)    The proposed location of the sign with reference to the location of each State highway;
(ii)    The location of the boundaries of the State highway; and
(iii)    The relative location of any intersection at grade of the State highway with another highway or with a railroad; and
(5)    Any other plats or information that the Administration considers necessary to determine whether the sign qualifies for a permit under § 8-716 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-716 - Signs for Which Permit May Not Be Issued

The Administration may not issue a permit under this part for any outdoor sign if:
(1)    The area of its advertising surface, as required to be specified in the application, exceeds 1,000 square feet;
(2)    It might affect adversely the safety of public travel on any State highway by dangerously obstructing the clear view of the highway by the driver of a motor vehicle on it;
(3)    It is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on a State highway; or
(4)    It is located, as to any intersection at grade of a State highway with another highway or with a railroad:
(i)    At any point where it obstructs or interferes with the view of a train or other vehicle approaching the intersection; or
(ii)    At any other point where it is dangerous to the public in any way.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-717 - Term and Renewal of Permit

(a)    Each permit issued under this part expires on the April 30 after its issuance.
(b)    (1)    A permit issued under this part may be renewed annually on application and payment of the required fee.
(2)    If the renewal fee for a permit is not paid by July 1 of a permit year, the Administration may charge a $5 late fee for the permit.
(3)    If the renewal fee for a permit is not paid by October 1 of a permit year, the Administration may remove the outdoor sign for which the fee is not paid, as provided in Part VI of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-718 - Annual Permit Fee

(a)    Each applicant for a permit or the renewal of a permit under this part shall pay an annual fee established by the Administration, based as to each outdoor sign on the area of its advertising surface.
(b)    If a permit is issued in any month after May, the fee for that permit shall be prorated according to the number of months, including the month of its issuance, that remain in the license year, but the fee may not be less than $1.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-719 - Issuance of Permit; Numbering

(a)    The Administration shall issue a permit under this part to any applicant who has complied with the requirements of this part.
(b)    The permits issued under this part shall be numbered consecutively.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-721 - Information to Appear on Sign

On each outdoor sign for which a permit is required under this part, there shall be written plainly, in the manner that the Administration requires:
(1)    The name and mailing address of the person owning or controlling the sign; and
(2)    The number and expiration date of the permit for the sign.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part III - Outdoor Signs Along State Highways Generally › Section 8-722 - Effect of Part on Signs Existing on June 1, 1931

(a)    Except for payment of the annual fee required by § 8-718 of this subtitle, this part does not affect any outdoor sign in existence on June 1, 1931, unless the sign:
(1)    Affects adversely the safety of public travel on any State highway by dangerously obstructing the clear view of the highway by the driver of a motor vehicle on it; or
(2)    Is lighted in a way that makes it dangerous to drive a motor vehicle on any State highway.
(b)    If the outdoor sign affects adversely the safety of public travel or is dangerously lighted as described in subsection (a) of this section, the Administration may remove the sign as provided in Part VI of this subtitle, after 15 days’ written notice and an opportunity to be heard.
(c)    Any person whose outdoor sign is ordered removed under this section may appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the sign is located. The appeal shall be heard de novo.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways › Section 8-725 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    In this definition, “commercial or industrial activity” means any activity generally recognized as commercial or industrial by local zoning authorities in this State, except for the following activities:
(i)    Outdoor advertising;
(ii)    Agricultural, forestry, ranching, grazing, farming, and related activities, including wayside fresh produce stands;
(iii)    Activities normally or regularly in operation less than 3 months of the year;
(iv)    Transient or temporary activities;
(v)    Activities conducted in a building principally used as a residence; and
(vi)    Railroad tracks and minor sidings.
(2)    “Commercial or industrial area” means any area along the side of a highway:
(i)    That is reserved under a local zoning ordinance or regulation for business, commerce, or trade;
(ii)    That is not zoned and on which there are located one or more permanent structures devoted to a commercial or industrial activity or on which a commercial or industrial activity is conducted, whether or not a permanent structure is located there, including the area that, along or parallel to the edge or pavement of that side of the highway, extends 660 feet from the outer edges of the regularly used buildings, parking lots, or storage or processing areas of the commercial or industrial activity.
(c)    “Double–faced” means abutting and facing the same direction.
(d)    “Federal–aid primary highway” means any State highway that is part of the national federal–aid primary system as of June 1, 1991, or any highway on the national highway system, as designated by the Administration and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code.
(e)    “Scenic byway” means a transportation corridor designated by the Administration as having special scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, or natural qualities that have been recognized as such through legislation or some other official declaration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways › Section 8-726 - Legislative Policy

(a)    The General Assembly finds and declares that, except for on premise advertising, outdoor advertising along and adjacent to the federal-aid primary system of highways is a commercial use of these highways that should be regulated to:
(1)    Prevent unreasonable distraction of the drivers of motor vehicles;
(2)    Prevent confusion as to traffic lights, signs, controls, or signals, and prevent interference with the effectiveness of traffic regulations;
(3)    Promote the prosperity, economic well-being, health, safety, morals, order, convenience, and general welfare of this State;
(4)    Promote the enjoyment of travel on and protection of the public investment in highways in this State; and
(5)    Preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty or esthetic features and values of these highways and their adjacent areas.
(b)    (1)    It is a policy of this State that:
(i)    The erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising along the rights-of-way of the federal-aid primary system of highways in this State should be limited and regulated in accordance with this part and the rules and regulations adopted by the Administration under it; and
(ii)    All outdoor advertising that does not meet the requirements of this part and these rules and regulations is not in the public interest.
(2)    By enacting this part, the General Assembly intends to provide a statutory basis for the regulation of outdoor advertising consistent with the public policy for areas adjacent to federal-aid primary highways, as declared by the Congress in the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and the Federal-Aid Highway Amendment of 1974.
(c)    This part shall be liberally construed to carry out the legislative policy stated in this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways › Section 8-727 - Scope of Part

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, this part regulates the erection and maintenance of an outdoor sign along or near a federal-aid primary highway, only if:
(1)    The sign is wholly or partly visible from the main traveled way of the highway; and
(2)    The sign is:
(i)    660 feet or less from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway; or
(ii)    More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway, and intended to be read from the main traveled way of the highway.
(b)    Except as provided in §§ 8-734 and 8-735 of this subtitle as to the removal of nonconforming signs, this part does not apply to:
(1)    An outdoor sign that is 660 feet or less from the nearest edge of a federal-aid primary highway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1968; or
(2)    An outdoor sign that is more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of a federal-aid primary highway, if the sign was erected on or before July 1, 1975.
(c)    This part does not apply to on premise outdoor signs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways › Section 8-728 - General Prohibition

A person may not use his property or allow his property to be used by any other person for the erection or maintenance of any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, unless:
(1)    The sign is in a commercial or industrial area; or
(2)    The sign is:
(i)    In an urban area; and
(ii)    More than 660 feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of the highway.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Transportation › Title 8 - Highways › Subtitle 7 - Regulation of Outdoor Advertising › Part IV - Outdoor Signs Along Federal-Aid Primary Highways › Section 8-729 - Permit Required

(a)    A person may not erect or maintain any outdoor sign along or near any federal-aid primary highway, unless the person has a permit issued by the Administration for that sign.
(b)    A permit required by this section shall be issued in the same manner and is subject to the same annual permit fee and other requirements and limitations as are provided for a permit issued under Part III of this subtitle.