reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1104. Expedited highway improvement contracts.

A. As used in this section:
1. "Highway emergency" means a situation or condition of a designed state highway that:
a.
poses a threat to life or property of travelers, or
b.
substantially disrupts the orderly flow of traffic and commerce; and
2. "Highway improvement contract" means a contract awarded by the Department of Transportation for the construction, repair, or maintenance of a designated state highway or any part of the highway.
B. As the part of any bidding procedure as provided by law for the letting of contracts by the Department of Transportation, the Department may award a highway improvement contract in a highway emergency in accordance with rules adopted by the Department which may include:
1. Contractor eligibility;
2. Notification of prospective bidders;
3. Bidding requirements;
4. Procedures for awarding the contract, pursuant to the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974;
5. Bonding or other requirements to ensure satisfactory performance by the contractor and the protection of claimants supplying labor and materials used in performance of the contract;
6. Contract form and contents;
7. Provisions for extended work days to expedite the improvement; and
8. Provisions for waiver of or exception to a procedure or requirement adopted pursuant to this section.
C. Prior to awarding a contract under this section, the Department shall certify in writing a description of the highway emergency. A copy of the certification of the highway emergency shall be attached to the contract. The Transportation Commission shall be sent a copy of the certification of the highway emergency for final approval.
D. In addition to the requirements of this section, any contract awarded pursuant to this section shall comply with the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974.
Added by Laws 1997, c. 70, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1997.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1201.1. Preexisting easements to remain in full force and effect

Whenever a section line is designated a "reserved section line," any preexisting easements granted to public utilities, rural electric cooperatives, rural water districts, rural sewer districts, nonprofit rural water corporations or other entities shall remain in full force and effect. After the effective date of this act, use for future public utility, rural electric cooperative, rural water district, rural sewer district or nonprofit rural water corporation easements of any section line in reserve status shall be subject to the same conditions and agreements between public utility companies, rural electric cooperatives, rural water districts, rural sewer districts or nonprofit rural water corporations and the board of county commissioners as apply on other section lines.
Laws 1975, c. 80, § 2, emerg, eff. April 24, 1975; Laws 1976, c. 47, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1976.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1201.2. New section lines not created - Existing lines not widened - Indian lands.

Nothing in this act shall be construed to create a section line where none existed, nor to widen an existing section line, nor in any way to conflict with provisions relating to section lines of Indian Treaties or acts of Congress providing for disposition of Indian lands, nor to diminish any existing rights of any owners of abutting land, or registered land surveyors to enter section lines in the official conduct of their business.
Laws 1975, c. 80, § 3, emerg. eff. April 24, 1975.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1204. Highway construction – No issuance of work order until securing of all rights-of-way.

No work order on a contract for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or any other type of highway construction shall be issued by the Transportation Commission unless all rights-of-way necessary for such construction shall have first been secured by the state or local units of government.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1204, operative July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1999, c. 341, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1206. Rights-of-way not secured by negotiation - Offers - Costs.

In any or all of the above cases where local units of government are required to pay or participate in the cost of right-of-way and such right-of-way cannot be secured by negotiation, the state and the local units of government involved shall agree upon a fair and reasonable offer to be made for the right-of-way and, should the eventual cost thereof exceed the offer, the excess shall be borne with the local units of government involved, in proportion to their respective obligations in the purchase of such right-of-way, and shall be computed on the basis of each tract separately.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1206, operative July 1, 1968; Laws 1971, c. 287, § 1, emerg. eff. June 19, 1971.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1206.1. State highways - Rights-of-way - County nonparticipation.

No county, regardless of population, and no municipality having a population of less than sixty thousand (60,000) persons according to the latest Federal Decennial Census shall be required to participate financially in the acquisition of lands for use for rights-of-way for state highways contracted for and constructed after the effective date of this section; provided, that this act shall not relieve any county or any said municipality, except those with a population of one thousand five hundred (1,500) or less, of such financial participation where responsibility for the same has been assumed under a preexisting contractual agreement with the department.
Laws 1976, c. 182, § 1, emerg. eff. June 4, 1976; Laws 1978, c. 84, § 1, eff. July 1, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1206.2. Municipalities - State highways - Right of way acquisition - Nonparticipation.

No municipality having a population of sixty thousand (60,000) persons or more according to the latest Federal Decennial Census shall be required to participate financially in the acquisition of land for use for rights-of-way for state highways contracted for and constructed after the effective date of this section; provided that this section shall not relieve any said municipality of such financial participation where responsibility for the same has been assumed under a preexisting contractual agreement with the department.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 84, § 2, eff. July 1, 1979.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1207. Purchase and sale of unneeded parcels.

Whenever a part of a parcel of land is to be taken for state highway purposes and the remainder is to be left in such shape or condition as to be of little value to its owner, or to give rise to claims or litigation concerning severance or other damage, the Department may acquire by condemnation or as otherwise provided by law the whole parcel and may sell the remainder or may exchange the same for other property needed for state highway purposes. The Department shall also have authority to acquire lands or interests therein to be used as passageways between tracts of land severed by limited access highways and to convey the same to the owners whose land is so severed.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1207, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1208. Structures in right-of-way or street prohibited - Public nuisance.

(a) The rights-of-way acquired by the Department or a county shall be held inviolate for state highway, departmental, or county purposes, and no physical or functional encroachments or uses shall be permitted within such rights-of-way.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, maintain or operate any gasoline pump, driveway canopy, building, sign, fence, post, or any thing or structure on or overhanging any right-of-way, or upon or overhanging any street occupied by a designated state or federal highway, or county roads and the construction or maintaining of any such thing or structure on or overhanging any federal or state highway or county roads shall constitute a public nuisance, which may be summarily abated by the Commission or board of county commissioners or its officers, agents, servants and employees in the manner provided in this article.
(c) This section shall not apply to the lawful use of such rights-of-way for the erection and operation of facilities of a public utility, or companies engaged in the activities defined in Section 137.1 of Title 52 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1208, operative July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 2023, c. 335, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2023.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1209. Removal of structures by highway commission.

The Commission, its officers, agents, servants and employees shall have authority to physically remove any such sign, post, thing or structure, gasoline pump, driveway canopy, fence, signpost and building; and if the owner of any such driveway canopy, gasoline pump, or building, thing or structure fails to remove the same within a reasonable time after written demand for the removal thereof has been made upon him by registered mail or personal service, the Commission, its officers, agents, servants and employees may physically tear down and remove such building, canopy, or pump, and for such purpose may enter upon private property to the extent necessary to accomplish the removal. Neither the state nor the Commission or its agents, servants, officers and employees shall be liable for any damage caused or sustained by reason of the abatement and removal of any such nuisance.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1209, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1210. Culverts, driveways, mailboxes and stock-pass fences excepted - Approval by Commission required.

Sections 1208 through 1211 shall not prevent the construction or maintenance of any culvert or driveway as a means of ingress and egress to private property, or prevent the placing of mailboxes or fences to stock-passes on any highway right-of-way. The Commission may regulate the construction and maintenance of such culverts, driveways, fences to stock-passes, and mailboxes with due regard to the safety of the traveling public and proper maintenance of the highway. No culvert, driveway, fence to stock-pass, or mailbox shall be constructed or maintained on the right-of-way of any designated state or federal highway by any person without the approval of the Commission, and the Commission may remove without notice any such culvert, driveway, fence to stock-pass, or mailbox constructed or maintained without first obtaining such approval when in its judgment such culvert, driveway, fence to stock-pass, or mailbox is dangerous to the traveling public or interferes with proper drainage or maintenance of the highway.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1210, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1211. Violation a misdemeanor - Punishment - Interference with abatement.

(a) Every person who shall construct, maintain, or operate any gasoline pump, driveway canopy, building, sign, fence, post, or any other thing or structure except such as may be specifically authorized by law upon the right-of-way of any designated state or federal highway, or upon any street designated as a part of any state or federal highway, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and each day such violation continues shall be a separate offense.
(b) Every person who, by threats, physical violence, or in any manner, prevents, obstructs or hinders the abatement of any such nuisance by the Commission, its agents, servants or employees shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1211, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1212. Geological signs on highway through Arbuckle Mountains not affected.

The provisions of Sections 1208 through 1211 shall not affect in any way the geological signs on the right-of-way of Highway No. 77 through the Arbuckle Mountains.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1711, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1213. Obstructing or damaging roads - Defacing, damaging, destroying or removing any traffic-control device, road sign, signboard, guide sign or signpost - Felony penalty.

(a) Any person or persons who shall willfully or knowingly obstruct or damage any public road or highway by obstructing the side or cross drain or ditches thereof, or by turning water upon such road or highway or right-of-way, or by throwing or depositing brush, trees, stumps, logs, or any refuse or debris whatsoever in the road or highway, or on the sides or in the ditches thereof, or by fencing across or upon the right-of-way of the same, or by planting any hedge within the lines established for such road or highway, or by changing the location thereof, or shall obstruct said road, highway or drains in any other manner whatsoever, or, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any person or persons who shall willfully or knowingly deface, damage, destroy or remove any traffic-control device, road sign, signboard, guide sign or signpost shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) If any person or persons willfully or knowingly defaces, damages, destroys or removes any traffic-control device, road sign, signboard, guide sign or signpost and such action results in personal injury to or death of any person, the person or persons responsible for such action shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not more than two (2) years, or by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment. Notice of this provision shall be placed in the manual provided by the Department of Public Safety which manual is issued for purpose of passing driving privilege.
(c) The governing body who finds any road or highway obstructed as above specified shall notify the person violating the provisions of this section, verbally or in writing, to remove such obstruction forthwith, and if such person does not remove the obstruction within ten (10) days after being notified, he shall pay the sum of Five Dollars ($5.00) for each and every day after the tenth day such obstruction is maintained or permitted to remain, such fine to be recovered by suit brought by the governing body in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1213, operative July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1993, c. 127, § 4, emerg. eff. May 4, 1993; Laws 1997, c. 133, § 570, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 5, § 413, eff. July 1, 1999.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 570 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1229. Location and identification of corners within right-of-way.

The Department shall, in cooperation with the county surveyor of the county affected, locate section and quarter section corners within the right-of-way of all state highways when surveys and plans are being made for contemplated new construction or resurfacing, and re-mark such corners in the right-of-way by a suitable marker, of a design to be approved by the Department.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1229, operative July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 2008, c. 320, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2008.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1230. Obliteration of corners by highway construction.

Where any section or quarter section corner is obliterated, or may be obliterated, by highway construction, the Department shall witness the location of such corners by two or more well defined objects located outside of the contemplated right-of-way limits and shall note such witnesses on the highway construction plans.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1230, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1232. Applicability to counties.

The provisions of Sections 1229 and 1230 shall apply with full force and effect and in like manner to the board of county commissioners of each county in this state.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1232, operative July 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 2008, c. 320, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2008.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1233. Right of entry.

For the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of Sections 1229 through 1232, it shall be lawful for all persons employed in making such re-marking of corners to enter upon and across all lands within the state; provided, however, that in so doing, no damage shall be done to private property.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1233, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1235. Right to purchase - Collection of pro rata share of costs.

The Highway Department shall have right to purchase right-of-way under the provisions of this act from the fund created hereby, and at such time as the right-of-way is to be utilized for construction thereon, the Department shall then proceed to replenish from the cost of said project the state's proportionate share of the purchase price paid for said right-of-way, and to collect the pro rata share required by present law from city or county governments, and any monies derived from said governments shall accrue to said fund.
Laws 1970, c. 118, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1236. Sale of unneeded property.

In the event that circumstances alter the highway requirements after the Director has acquired property so that it or a portion thereof is no longer needed for highway purposes, the Director is authorized to sell the real property involved or any portion thereof in the name of the state on the relation of the Director, and shall make deposit of the proceeds of such sale in the Highway Advance Right-of-Way Acquisition and Management Fund. Provided, if any funds have been contributed by municipal or county governments for the purchase of such property, such funds shall be returned to said municipal or county government together with any interest which such contributions have actually earned.
Laws 1970, c. 118, § 3.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1237. Deposit and investment of monies.

Any monies credited to, or appropriated to, the Highway Advance Right-of-Way Acquisition and Management Fund, shall be deposited in such fund in the State Treasury. Any monies in such fund shall be invested by the State Treasurer upon direction of the State Highway Director in direct obligations of the United States of America or in certificates of deposits from banks in the State of Oklahoma acceptable as depositories by the State Treasurer, when such certificates of deposits are secured by acceptable collateral and yield as much, or more, than direct obligations of the United States of America. Any such investment shall mature in time to enable the State of Oklahoma to issue warrants against the fund for payment of indebtedness incurred for the purpose for which the Highway Advance Right-of-Way Acquisition and Management Fund is created. Any interest earned on such investments shall likewise be deposited in said fund.
Laws 1970, c. 118, § 4.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1252. Declarations and findings.

For the purpose of promoting the public safety, health, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of public travel, to protect the public investment in public highways, and to preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of lands bordering public highways, it is hereby declared to be in the public interest to regulate and restrict the establishment, operation, and maintenance of junkyards and scrap metal processing facilities in areas adjacent to the Interstate and Primary Systems within this state. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that junkyards and scrap metal processing facilities which do not conform to the requirements of this Act are public nuisances.
Laws 1968, c. 98, § 2, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1254. Prohibition on operation of junkyards or facilities.

No person, firm or corporation shall establish, operate or maintain a junkyard or scrap metal processing facility, any portion of which is within one thousand (1,000) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any interstate or primary highway, except the following:
(a) Those which are screened by natural objects, plantings, fences or other appropriate means so as not to be visible from the main traveled way of the system, or otherwise removed from sight.
(b) Those located within unzoned industrial areas, which areas shall be determined from actual land uses and defined by regulations to be promulgated by the Commission.
(c) Those located within areas which are zoned for industrial use under authority of state or local law, regulation or ordinances. (d) Those which are not visible from the main traveled way of the system.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 4, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 2, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1254A. Removal of license tags

Any person, firm or corporation or employee of person, firm or corporation in the business of dismantling or salvaging any part or parts of junked or salvaged motor vehicles shall remove all license tags attached to said junked or salvaged motor vehicles within ten (10) days from receipt of said vehicle.
Laws 1976, c. 93, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1976.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1255. Screening required.

Any junkyard or scrap metal processing facility lawfully in existence on the effective date of this act which is within one thousand (1,000) feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of any highway on the interstate or primary system shall be screened by the person, firm or corporation operating said junkyard or scrap metal processing facility in the manner and at locations required by the Commission.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 5, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 3, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1256. Reimbursement for expenses.

Any person, firm or corporation in existence and doing business at a specified present location at the time of passage of this act, required to provide fencing or screening by this act, shall be reimbursed all actual and necessary expenses incurred thereby upon the prior submission of a plan or scheme to be approved by the Department and thereafter the submission of an itemized claim for such expenses to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation when such claim is approved by the Commission.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 6, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 4, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1257. Violations - Penalties.

From and after the effective date of this act, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct or establish any facility which would be in violation of the terms of this act and such would be a public nuisance, and provided further, that if any such person, firm or corporation did so establish such a facility in violation hereof, no state or federal funds would be used in any manner for the purpose of screening, moving or removing said nuisance. When the Department shall determine that any junkyard or scrap metal processing facility is not fenced or screened as required by this act, the person, firm or corporation operating the junkyard or scrap metal processing facility shall be notified of such violation and the manner in which compliance with this act is required. Such notice shall be in writing and require the person, firm or corporation operating the junkyard or scrap metal processing facility to comply with the provisions of this act within ninety (90) days from the date of such notice. Any person, firm or corporation failing to comply with the provisions of this act after the expiration of ninety (90) days from the date of such notice or the extension of such time authorized by the Department shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each day such violation continues after the expiration of the ninety-day notice or extension thereof.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 7, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 5, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1258. violations as public nuisance - Abatement.

Violation of the provisions of this act shall constitute a public nuisance, and the district court in the county in which said junkyard or scrap metal processing facility shall be located shall issue its order requiring immediate compliance with this act and the abatement of said nuisance upon the application of the Director or his authorized representative.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 8, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 6, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1259. Rules, regulations and policies.

The Commission is hereby empowered to prescribe reasonable rules, regulations and policies not inconsistent with this act for the implementation and administration of the junkyard control program required hereunder.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 9, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 7, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1260. Acquisition of interest in lands by state.

When the Commission determines that the topography of the land adjoining the highway will not permit adequate screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities or the screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities would not be economically feasible, the Commission shall have the authority to acquire, by gift, purchase, exchange or condemnation, such interest, either real or personal, as may be necessary to secure the relocation, removal or disposal of the junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities and to pay the costs of relocation, removal or disposal thereof. When the Commission determines that it is in the best interest of the state, it may acquire such real or personal property interest as may be necessary to provide adequate screening of such junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 10, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 8, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1261. More restrictive provisions unaffected.

Nothing in this act shall be construed to abrogate or affect the provisions of any lawful ordinance, regulation, or resolution, which are more restrictive than the provisions of this act.
Laws 1968, c. 98, § 11, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1262. Agreements with federal government.

The Director is hereby authorized to enter into agreements with the United States Secretary of Transportation as provided by Title 23, United States Code, relating to the control of junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities in areas adjacent to the interstate and primary systems, and to take action in the name of the state to comply with the terms of such agreement.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 98, § 12, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 9, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1263. Federal Funds.

The Commission may accept any allotment of funds by the United States, or any agency thereof, appropriated to carry out the purposes of federal law. In the event federal funds are not available for assistance in carrying out the provisions of the federal law, the Commission may defer the screening, removal or relocation of junkyards or scrap metal processing facilities until such time as federal funds are made available for such purposes.
Laws 1968, c. 98, § 13, emerg. eff. April 1, 1968; Laws 1978, c. 107, § 10, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1264. Use of funds.

The Commission is hereby authorized to use any funds appropriated to it or received by it from the State Highway Construction and Maintenance Fund for matching federal funds or for other lawful purposes of this act.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 107, § 11, emerg. eff. March 29, 1978.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1271. Legislative intent - Authority of State Highway Department.

For the purpose of promoting the public safety, health, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of public travel, to protect the public investment in public highways, and to preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of lands bordering public highways, while recognizing that outdoor advertising is a legitimate use of private property, it is hereby declared to be in the public interest to control the size, number, spacing, lighting, type and location of outdoor advertising devices, as hereinafter defined, in all areas within six hundred sixty (660) feet from the edge of the right-of-way of interstate and federal-aid primary highways located within urban areas, as hereinafter defined, in the State of Oklahoma and in all areas visible and intended to be read from the main traveled way of interstate and federal-aid primary highways located outside of urban areas in the State of Oklahoma. The Department of Transportation shall have the authority to implement and enforce this act, and may prohibit outdoor advertising devices in the control areas, and may regulate and permit certain outdoor advertising structures and devices in the control areas, within the limitations of this act and according to the standards and definitions set forth in this act.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 191, § 1, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968. Amended by Laws 1978, c. 199, § 1, emerg. eff. April 14, 1978; Laws 2010, c. 107, § 2, emerg. eff. April 16, 2010; Laws 2010, c. 405, § 1, eff. July 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1272. Application of act.

The provisions of this act apply only to the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices located in adjacent areas within six hundred sixty (660) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way and which are visible and intended to be read from the main traveled way and those which are located in controlled areas beyond six hundred sixty (660) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way, visible and intended to be read from the main traveled way and erected with the purpose of being read from the main traveled way.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 191, § 2, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 240, § 1, emerg. eff. March 28, 1972; Laws 1978, c. 199, § 2, emerg. eff. April 14, 1978; Laws 2010, c. 107, § 2, emerg. eff. April 16, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1274. Signs permitted in control area.

After the effective date of this act no sign shall, except as provided in Section 8, be erected or maintained in a control area, except the following:
(a) Informational and other official signs, including, but not limited to, signs pertaining to natural wonders, scenic and historical attractions, which are required or authorized by law, and which comply with regulations which shall be promulgated by the Department relative to their lighting, size, number, spacing, and such other requirements as may be appropriate to implement this act; provided, however, that such regulations shall not be inconsistent with, nor more restrictive than, such national standards as may be promulgated from time to time by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation of the United States pursuant to federal law.
(b) On-premise activities signs advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located, including but not limited to, goods sold, stored, manufactured, processed or mined thereon; services rendered thereon; and entertainment provided thereon.
(c) On-premise sale or lease signs advertising the sale or lease of property upon which they are located.
(d) Signs in existence in business areas on the effective date of this act and signs erected within six (6) months thereafter upon property in business areas leased prior to said effective date, subject to the conditions set forth in Section 8.
(e) Signs which are to be erected in business areas and which will comply when erected with the provisions of Section 5 of this act, and after the applicable provisions of Section 7 are met.
Adsded by Laws 1968, c. 191, § 4, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1276. Agreements with Secretary of Transportation.

The Department on behalf of the state shall seek agreement to the provisions of Sections 4 and 5 of this act by the Secretary of Transportation on the basis of their being consistent with federal laws and customary usages and zoning principles and standards which hold and govern in this state. In the event such an agreement cannot be achieved, this legislation shall be returned to the legislative bodies of the State of Oklahoma for remedial action and resubmission to the Secretary. In the event such a new agreement cannot be achieved, the Department shall promptly institute proceedings of the kind provided for in Title 23 U.S.C.A. 131 (1) in order to obtain a judicial determination as to whether this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder provide effective control of outdoor advertising as set forth therein. In such action the Department shall request that the court declared rights, status and other legal relations and declare whether the standards, criteria and definitions contained in the agreement proposed by the Department are consistent with customary use. If such agreement is held by the court in a final judgment to be invalid in whole or in part as inconsistent with customary use or is otherwise in conflict with Title 23 U.S.C.A. 131, the Department shall promptly negotiate with the Secretary of Transportation, or his successor, a new agreement or agreements which shall conform to said statute as interpreted by the court in such action.
Laws 1968, c. 191, § 6, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1277. Licenses and permits - Fees - Revocation.

A. The Transportation Commission is hereby authorized to enact and adopt rules and regulations for the issuance of licenses and permits and the charging and collection of permit fees for other than "on-premise" outdoor advertising structures as defined in this act.
B. The Department of Transportation shall have the authority to revoke any permit issued under Sections 1271 through 1288 of this title if the permit holder for any reason is no longer making lease payments or other agreed-upon compensation to the landowner for use of the land where the sign is located.
C. After July 1, 2014, the Department of Transportation shall have the authority to revoke a permit issued under Sections 1271 through 1288 of this title if the permit holder fails to construct a sign at the permitted site prior to the second expiration date of the permit, or the permitted site is determined by the Department to be a discontinued sign site.
Added by Laws 1968, c. 191, § 7, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 240, § 4, emerg. eff. March 28, 1972; Laws 1978, c. 199, § 4, emerg. eff. April 14, 1978; Laws 1994, c. 125, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Laws 2014, c. 269, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1279. Compensation for signs and rights taken.

The Department is directed to acquire by purchase, gift or condemnation, and shall pay just compensation upon the removal of, the outdoor advertising signs, displays and devices specified in subsections (a), (b) and (c) of this section, when and insofar as their removal is required hereunder, as follows:
(a) Those lawfully in existence on the effective date of this act.
(b) Those lawfully adjacent to any highway made a part of the interstate or primary system on or after the effective date of this act.
(c) Those lawfully erected, which later become unlawful.
(d) Such compensation shall be paid as follows;
(1) For the taking from the owner thereof the outdoor advertising device.
(2) To the owner of the land on which the outdoor advertising device is located for the right to erect and maintain outdoor advertising thereon.
Laws 1968, c. 191, § 9, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1283. Federal funds.

The Department may accept any allotment of funds by the United States, or any agency thereof, appropriated to carry out the purposes of federal law. The Department shall take such steps as may be necessary from time to time to obtain from the United States, or the appropriate agency thereof, funds allotted and appropriated, pursuant to said federal law, for the purpose of paying the federal share of the just compensation to be paid to sign owners and owners of real property under the terms of federal law and this act. In the event federal funds are not available for assistance in carrying out the provisions of the federal law, the Department may defer the removal of nonconforming signs until such time as federal funds are made available for such purpose.
Laws 1968, c. 191, § 13, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968; Laws 1972, c. 240, § 7, emerg. eff. March 28, 1972.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1284. Citation.

This act may be cited as the "Highway Advertising Control Act of 1972."
Laws 1968, c. 191, § 14, emerg. eff. April 15, 1968; Laws 1972, c. 240, § 8, emerg. eff. March 28, 1972.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1286. Highway beautification - Repair, maintenance or change to nonconforming signs.

For the purpose of highway beautification, the Transportation Commission may adopt rules regarding the repair or maintenance of, or changes to, nonconforming advertising signs, displays or devices, as defined in Section 1278 of Title 69 of the Oklahoma Statutes, including the size, height, lighting, replacement, rebuilding, or re-erection of such structures.
Added by Laws 1998, c. 249, § 1, emerg. eff. May 26, 1998.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1287. Certain signs allowed adjacent to interstate highways.

In counties that do not have county planning or zoning, signs located outside of incorporated municipalities which advertise or give directions to local outdoor recreation areas may be allowed adjacent to interstate highways if such signs are otherwise in compliance with this section and approval is given by the Director of the Department of Transportation.
Added by Laws 2003, c. 335, § 2, eff. July 1, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1301. Application of article to state and certain cities and counties.

The provisions of this article, except those provisions authorizing the use of special assessments, shall extend to the State of Oklahoma through the Commission, and to every city in this state having a population of two thousand (2,000) or more, according to the last preceding Federal Decennial Census, whether such city is or shall hereafter be operating under a charter form of government or under general law. The provisions of this article authorizing the use of special assessments shall extend to very county of the state having a population of forty-two thousand (42,000) or more, in which there is located a city having a population in excess of twenty-seven thousand (27,000) as shown by the last preceding Federal Decennial Census, and the provisions of this article authorizing the use of special assessments shall extend to every city in this state having a population in excess of twenty-seven thousand (27,000) as shown by the last preceding Federal Decennial Census.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1301, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1302. New and existing facilities - Grade crossing eliminations.

Each governing body shall have authority to designate and establish limited access facilities as new and additional highways, or may designate any existing street or highway as a limited access facility. The governing body shall have authority to provide for the elimination of intersections at grade of limited access facilities with any highway, road, street, or alley now or hereafter existing, either by grade separation, or by closing off such other highway, road, street or alley, or by otherwise protecting such limited access facility.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1302, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1303. Authority of governing bodies to cooperate.

Each governing body shall have authority to enter into agreements with any other governing body as herein defined, or with the federal government, or with the State of Oklahoma, respecting the financing, planning, establishment, improvement, maintenance or vacation of limited access facilities.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1303, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1304. Cost of limited access facilities.

(a) The governing body of a city or the board of county commissioners of a county, to the extent that such governing body or board of county commissioners shall determine that any benefit results to any property served by the limited access facility, shall have authority to:
(1) Assess the amount of the benefits against such property so served or benefited by the limited access facility;
(2) Create street improvement districts to the extent of such benefits and assess against such property benefited that portion of the cost of acquisition and construction of such limited access facility in the manner provided by this article.
(b) In the event the governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners shall find that such limited access facility does not benefit the property served by it, or that the benefits to such property do not equal the cost of acquisition or construction, or both, of such limited access facility, the city or county may pay the cost of such limited access facility in its entirety, or the amount in excess of the benefits assessed as herein provided, out of the proceeds of bonds to be issued for such acquisition or construction, or both.
(c) The city or county shall have authority to submit to the voters thereof the question of whether or not the city or county shall become indebted for the acquisition or construction of the limited access facility, and any and all bond issues for such purposes are hereby authorized to the same extent and in the same manner and with such limitations as is authorized by the Constitution for the creation of a debt in excess of the income and revenue provided for the year.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1304, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1305. Local benefits.

(a) When the governing body of a city or the board of county commissioners of a county deems that local benefits accrue to any property served by such proposed limited access facility, it shall by resolution determine the amount or percentage of cost thereof to be paid for by special assessment upon the benefited property, and by resolution shall require the city or county engineer, or consulting engineer, to prepare plans, profiles, specifications and estimates of the probable cost of the improvements, including acquisition, and also including such expenses and cost as may be necessary or essential to the completion of the limited access facility. The estimate of cost shall be on a unit basis.
(b) The resolution shall also define the boundaries or extent of the district or lands to be specially assessed to pay all or that part of the cost so determined to be so assessed. The district shall be defined by stating with particularity the exterior boundaries thereof, which in no event shall be in excess of two thousand six hundred forty (2640) feet from the center line of the proposed limited access facility, to be included in the assessment district, and which shall govern for all details as to the size and extent thereof.
(c) The engineer preparing the report shall appear at the hearing thereon and give all information to all interested parties and to the governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners. The determination by the governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners of the extent and area of the district shall be final and shall be binding for all purposes.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1305, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1306. Engineering.

(a) The governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners shall have authority to contract for the services of consulting engineers to make the necessary surveys, plats, plans, profiles, specifications, estimates, furnish construction stakes and supervise construction at a cost not to exceed six percent (6%) of the total cost of construction, exclusive of acquisition, and shall provide for the payment of such engineering services as a part of the cost of the limited access facility.
(b) The engineers may also be employed to supervise and coordinate all nonconstruction work necessary to each project, such as advertising, printing, typing, appraising, assistance in the preparation of the appraisers' report, abstract work, all procedure, clerical work, acquisition of right-of-way and all other work which is necessary or essential to the completing of such limited access facility.
(c) The city or county may cause the engineering and other work provided for herein to be performed by the city or county engineer and may cause the cost thereof to be included in the cost of that part of the work financed by special assessments, on the same basis as herein provided, for consulting engineers.
(d) The term "engineer" shall include the city engineer, county engineer, or the consulting engineer, as the case may be.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1306, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1307. Necessity resolution.

(a) Upon the filing of such plans and estimates with the City or county clerk, the governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners shall examine the same and if found satisfactory shall, by resolution, adopt and approve the same.
(b) The resolution shall be published in six consecutive issues of a daily newspaper or two consecutive issues of a weekly newspaper published in the county and having a general circulation in the city.
(c) The resolution so published shall provide that if the owners of more than one-half in area of the land liable to assessment shall not within fifteen (15) days after the last publication of the resolution file with the clerk of the city or county, as appropriate, their protest in writing against such improvement, then the city or the county shall have the power to cause the improvements to be made and to contract therefor and to levy benefit assessments under the provisions of this article for the payment of all or part of the cost thereof.
(d) If the improvement shall have been protested by the owners of more than fifty percent (50%) in area of the land, the governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners shall not advertise the same again for a period of six (6) months.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1307, operative July 1, 1968.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 69. Roads Bridges and Ferries › §69-1308. Action to contest.

The governing body of the city or the board of county commissioners shall promptly rule on the sufficiency of any such protest. No action or suit to question the ruling on such sufficiency or to contest the action of the governing body or the Board in adopting and approving the plans, specifications or profiles shall be commenced later than fifteen (15) days after the ruling.
Laws 1968, c. 415, § 1308, operative July 1, 1968.