§ 8-661. Decorative treatments of traffic control devices.

MD Transp Code § 8-661 (2019) (N/A)
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(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.