Outdoor signs and advertising; penalties collected for violations of provisions. (HB209)
Introduced By
Del. David Bulova (D-Fairfax) with support from 7 copatrons, whose average partisan position is:
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Description
Outdoor signs and advertising. Provides that all penalties and costs collected for violations of advertising provisions when the locality has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner shall be paid to the affected locality. Excludes signs and advertising erected only from Saturday through the following Monday from those agreements with the Commissioner. View Full Text »
Outcome
Bill Has Passed
View Bill's History
Comments
Check it out, if this bill is signed by the Governor, it will legalize weekend spam! I wonder how many other states have something like that on their books!
Actually, it doesn't change the underlying fact that signs in road rights-of-way are illegal. VDOT can still fine someone at any time. However, the existing Code has special rules for Fairfax County that have made it impossible for the County to enter into agreement with VDOT to help with enforcement. While not a perfect fix, the bill will make it possible for the County to do this -- which is definitely a step in the right direction. Otherwise, Fairfax County won't be able to do any enforcement. Happy to give you more details if desired.
I don't understand how you can say that properly dated signs are illegal, when volunteers who pick them up over the weekend will be liable to the owners of the signs. Are you saying it will be illegal by VDOT rules to place them and illegal by HB209 to pick up this litter? See the summary above that says signs placed from Saturday through Monday are excluded from all penalties and costs of violation.
Again, this bill doesn't change any VDOT rules. VDOT can still fine someone for putting up a sign at any time. Also, a volunteer working under a VDOT permit (for instance, Adopt-a-Highway) can still remove these signs at any time as litter. The problem is this. Many years ago, legislation was passed that limited just Fairfax County's ability to help VDOT to enforce these rules. I do not agree with that legislation, but the reality is that overturning it is not in the realm of possibilities. This bill modifies the prohibitions imposed on Fairfax County in a way that makes it possible for the County to use County staff to help enforce the sign rules. It is not a perfect solution, but it is better than the status quo -- which is that Fairfax County does not, and cannot, enforce the sign laws.
Can you explain the three day exclusion? If the goal is to get rid of these signs, why are some being allowed?