(1) Not more than six business signs may be permitted on motorist information sign panels authorized by RCW 47.36.310 and 47.36.320.

     (2) The maximum distance that eligible service facilities may be located on either side of an interchange or intersection to qualify for a business sign are as follows:

     (a) On interstate highways, gas, food, or lodging activities shall be located within three miles. Camping or tourist-oriented activities shall be within five miles.

     (b) On noninterstate highways, gas, food, lodging, recreation, or tourist-oriented activities shall be located within five miles.

     (3)(a) If no eligible services are located within the distance limits prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, the distance limits shall be increased until an eligible service of a type being considered is reached, up to a maximum of fifteen miles.

     (b) The department may erect and maintain signs on an alternate route that is longer than fifteen miles if it is safer and still provides reasonable and convenient travel to an eligible service.

     (c) The department may erect and maintain signs on a route up to a maximum of twenty miles if it qualifies as an eligible service and is within a distressed area as defined in RCW 43.168.020.

[2005 c 136 § 16; 1999 c 213 § 2; 1999 c 201 § 5; 1985 c 142 § 3. Formerly RCW 47.42.0475.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 1999 c 201 § 5 and by 1999 c 213 § 2, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

     Savings--Effective date -- 2005 c 136: See notes following RCW 43.168.020.