OOH glossary · Operations
Highway Beautification Act
The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 is the federal law that makes states control highway billboards.
President Johnson signed the act on October 22, 1965. It lives in federal law at 23 U.S.C. 131, and FHWA oversees each state’s program.
The law covers Interstate, federal-aid primary and National Highway System roads. States must control signs within 660 feet of their right-of-way. A state that fails can lose 10% of its federal-aid highway funds.
Billboards are allowed in zoned or unzoned commercial and industrial areas. Each state agrees with FHWA on size, lighting and spacing rules.
When a lawful sign must come down, the law requires just compensation. This is a summary, not legal advice.