173.155 CHANGEABLE ELECTRONIC VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS.

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Subdivision 1. Definition.

For the purposes of this section, "changeable electronic variable message sign" or "CEVMS" means an outdoor advertising device that contains light-emitting diodes or other technology to display copy visible during the day and during the night, with the copy changes initiated electronically.

Subd. 2. Prohibition.

Intermittent, animated, scrolling, full-motion video elements, or moving lights are prohibited on outdoor advertising devices, including CEVMS.

Subd. 3. Exceptions.

(a)Notwithstanding subdivision 2, a CEVMS is permissible if:

(1)the message does not change more frequently than once every six seconds;

(2)the transition between messages or copy does not exceed two seconds in duration;

(3)the message brightness does not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light, as measured using a foot candle meter from the following distances:

(i)for signs with a nominal face size of 12 feet by 25 feet, from 150 feet;

(ii)for signs with a nominal face size of ten feet, six inches, by 36 feet, from 200 feet; and

(iii)for signs with a nominal face size of 14 feet by 48 feet, from 250 feet; and

(4)the sign must not cause beams or rays of light to be directed at the traveled way if the light is of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare that impairs the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle, or interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle.

(b)The brightness measurement under paragraph (a), clause (3), must be conducted at least 30 minutes after sunset or at least 30 minutes before sunrise. Each CEVMS must have automatic dimming technology that adjusts the device's brightness levels in response to changes in ambient light.