Billboards

What do I have to do to put up a sign?
To erect a sign you need to obtain an application for a permit from the South Dakota Department of Transportation Region Office nearest you. See the listing of these offices at the end of this page. Applications need to be approved for zoning, size, lighting and spacing in accordance with the requirements of SDCL Chapter 31-29. Permits require the signature of the signowner. After the Region Office reviews the application and verifies the location as legal under current regulations, the permit is then approved by the Department.

What highways require a permit?
Permits are required before an advertising sign can be erected along the Interstate and other controlled highways providing the sign meets size, lighting and spacing requirements. Contact the nearest Region Office for information on which highways are controlled.

Why do I have to get a permit?
South Dakota State Law requires a permit to be on file with the Department of Transportation in order to control the number and placement of signs. Signs without a permit are considered illegal and are subject to removal.

Can I put my sign on the highway right-of-way?
No. All signs must be erected outside of the right-of-way and may not overhang the right-of-way. The right-of-way is reserved solely for official traffic control signs.

How big can I make my sign?
The maximum area of one sign can be 1,200 square feet and can not exceed thirty feet in height and sixty feet in length.

Do I need a permit from the town or city where I am erecting the sign?
Signs inside the incorporated city limits are monitored by the South Dakota Department of Transportation to see that they conform to size, lighting and spacing requirements. You do not need to obtain a permit from the state, but you may need to obtain a permit from the city.

Do I need a permit from the county where I am erecting the sign?
Some counties have their own regulations which require permits in order to erect a sign. You may need to obtain a permit from the county as well as from the state. Only state permits are available through the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Can I put a sign on my own property without a permit?
Yes and no. You may erect on-premise signs meeting the requirements of the law. The sign must advertise activities conducted on the property or advertise the sale or lease of the property. You cannot advertise products not sold on your property or activities that are conducted elsewhere.

How much do permits cost?
Fees are based on the square footage of the sign. Annual permits fees range from $8.00 to $32.00 per sign. Permits fees are listed on the back of the permit application. There are no fees for signs in the city limits or church signs under 65 square feet.

Can I use flashing lights on a sign?
No. Flashing, revolving or rotating lights of any kind are not allowed because they could be distracting to motorists or could be confused with emergency or maintenance vehicles.

May I erect a directional sign to a museum or recreational site?
Yes. Contact the Region Office in your area for eligibility criteria for historical, educational or cultural, scientific, scenic and outdoor recreational sites.

For more information on Outdoor Advertising law, refer to SDCL Chapter 31-29.



LOGOS

What is a Logo sign?
Logo signs are the blue panels located near interchanges and intersections that display the brand, symbol, trademark or name of the business. The signs are used to direct travelers to businesses that provide services to motorists including gas, food, lodging and camping.

What must I do to advertise on a Logo sign?
Applications for logo sign permits can be obtained from the South Dakota Department of Transportation Region Office in your area. All applications must be accompanied with $50 for each business sign requested.

What is the cost of advertising on a Logo sign.?
In addition to the $50 application fee, an annual rental fee of $155 per business sign is required.

For more information on Logos refer to Administrative Rules Chapter 70:04:02.



TODS (Tourist Oriented Directional Signs)

What is a Tods sign?
Tods signs are blue and white signs located at rural intersections on the state trunk highway system that give direction and identification to rural business and tourist-oriented businesses.

What must I do to advertise on a Tods sign?
Applications for tods sign permits can be obtained from the South Dakota Department of Transportation Region Office in your area. All applications must be accompanied with $50 for each business sign requested.

What is the cost of advertising on a Tods sign.?
In addition to the $50 application fee, an annual rental fee of $100 per business sign is required.

For more information on TODS refer to Administrative Rules Chapter 70:04:07.



Department of Transportation Region Map



For additional information regarding the placement of billboards along highways in South Dakota and for additional information on how to advertise your business using the LOGOS or TODS programs please contact the Region Office for the area of the state where you are located.