# Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-103: Restrictions on outdoor advertising devices on interstate and primary highways

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-103

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-103
- **Heading:** Restrictions on outdoor advertising devices on interstate and primary highways
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 54 / Chapter 21 / Section 54-21-103

## Text

(a) An outdoor advertising device shall not be erected or maintained within six hundred sixty feet (660') of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of the interstate or primary highway systems in this state except the following: (1) Outdoor advertising devices located in areas that are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of local government law and whose size, lighting, and spacing are consistent with customary use as determined by agreement between the state and the secretary of transportation of the United States; and (2) Outdoor advertising devices located in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as may be determined by agreement between the state and the secretary of transportation of the United States. (b) The following types of signs are not subject to regulation as outdoor advertising devices under subsection (a): (1) Official signs and notices, including directional signs, authorized or required by law; (2) On-premises devices; (3) Signs other than outdoor advertising devices that: (A) Have a sign face that does not exceed twenty square feet (20 sq. ft.) in total area; and (B) Do not contain any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights; (4) Landmark signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, as authorized under 23 U.S.C. § 131 and 23 CFR 750.710 ; and (5) Utility signs. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 706, s 8, eff. 6/22/2020. Acts 1972, ch. 655, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 54-2603; Acts 1980, ch. 470, § 2.
(a) An outdoor advertising device shall not be erected or maintained within six hundred sixty feet (660') of the nearest edge of the right-of-way and visible from the main traveled way of the interstate or primary highway systems in this state except the following: (1) Outdoor advertising devices located in areas that are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of local government law and whose size, lighting, and spacing are consistent with customary use as determined by agreement between the state and the secretary of transportation of the United States; and (2) Outdoor advertising devices located in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as may be determined by agreement between the state and the secretary of transportation of the United States.
(1) Outdoor advertising devices located in areas that are zoned industrial or commercial under authority of local government law and whose size, lighting, and spacing are consistent with customary use as determined by agreement between the state and the secretary of transportation of the United States; and
(2) Outdoor advertising devices located in unzoned commercial or industrial areas as may be determined by agreement between the state and the secretary of transportation of the United States.
(b) The following types of signs are not subject to regulation as outdoor advertising devices under subsection (a): (1) Official signs and notices, including directional signs, authorized or required by law; (2) On-premises devices; (3) Signs other than outdoor advertising devices that: (A) Have a sign face that does not exceed twenty square feet (20 sq. ft.) in total area; and (B) Do not contain any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights; (4) Landmark signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, as authorized under 23 U.S.C. § 131 and 23 CFR 750.710 ; and (5) Utility signs.
(1) Official signs and notices, including directional signs, authorized or required by law;
(2) On-premises devices;
(3) Signs other than outdoor advertising devices that: (A) Have a sign face that does not exceed twenty square feet (20 sq. ft.) in total area; and (B) Do not contain any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights;
(A) Have a sign face that does not exceed twenty square feet (20 sq. ft.) in total area; and
(B) Do not contain any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights;
(4) Landmark signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, as authorized under 23 U.S.C. § 131 and 23 CFR 750.710 ; and
eed twenty square feet (20 sq. ft.) in total area; and (B) Do not contain any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights;
(A) Have a sign face that does not exceed twenty square feet (20 sq. ft.) in total area; and
(B) Do not contain any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights;
(4) Landmark signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, as authorized under 23 U.S.C. § 131 and 23 CFR 750.710 ; and
(5) Utility signs.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 706, s 8, eff. 6/22/2020.
Acts 1972, ch. 655, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A., § 54-2603; Acts 1980, ch. 470, § 2.

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-101 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-102 Chapter definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-102.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-103 Restrictions on outdoor advertising devices on interstate and primary highways](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-103.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-104 Permits and tags - Fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-104.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-105 Failure to comply with Section 54-21-104 - Effect](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-105.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-106 Disposition of fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-106.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-107 Acquisition by commissioner of outdoor advertising devices along the interstate and primary highway systems](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-107.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-108 Restrictions on outdoor advertising devices adjacent to state highways](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-108.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-109 Damage, destruction, or removal of signs or markers on state highway system](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-109.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-110 Information for traveling public](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-110.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-111 Rulemaking and enforcement by commissioner](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-111.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-112 Commissioner's authority to enter on property without penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-112.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-113 Commissioner's authority to enter into agreement with secretary of transportation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-113.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 54-21-114 Exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-114.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T54_C21_S54-21-103. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.