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California billboard rules: spacing and controlled roads
What California's rules say about a new billboard beside an interstate or a federal-aid primary road. Each figure is from the text our rule pack cites.
Not legal advice; confirm with the state and the city.
Spacing between signs
The gap a new sign needs to the next sign on the same side of the road, by Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 5408(d):
| Road | Gap to the next sign |
|---|---|
| Interstate | 500 ft |
| Freeway that isn't an interstate | 500 ft |
| Federal-aid primary road | 100 ft inside city limits, 300 ft outside |
- The inside figure applies in incorporated cities and urban areas (urban area as in 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 5408(f)).
- Back-to-back and V-type faces at one site don't need the spacing, with at most two signs per facing (5408(e)(2)).
- On an interstate or freeway outside cities and urban areas, no sign within 500 ft of an interchange, an at-grade intersection or a rest area (5408(d)).
- A message center (digital) display needs 1,000 ft to another on the same side (5405(d)(1)).
- Sign face: up to 1,200 sq ft, 25 ft high and 60 ft long (5408(a)).
Measured along the nearest edge of the pavement. (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 5408(e)(3))
The 660 ft controlled area
A sign within 660 ft of an interstate or federal-aid primary road's right-of-way needs a state permit. California's rule is Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 5408 (with 5405).
The federal frame is 23 U.S.C. 131(b)-(d).
Find billboard sites in California
The billboard site finder scores sites by traffic and checks this spacing and the controlled area. Area searches come with a monthly plan.
Other states: Florida, Missouri, Texas.
Go further with a paid plan
A paid plan runs billboard area searches and full site reports across California.
Starter: US$39 a month for 100 credits. Run full site reports, area scans and letter drops.
Or create a free account first. No card needed.
Not legal advice; confirm with the state and the city.