Signs

How do I get a sign installed?
If your community needs a sign installed such as a dead end street sign or pedestrian crossing sign on a public road, contact the agency that is responsible for that road. All cities and most large towns (over 3,500 population) maintain their own street signs. VDOT maintains street signs in all counties except secondary roads in Arlington and Henrico. For VDOT maintained signage, call your local VDOT residency office.
 
How do I get a street name sign installed?
VDOT is responsible for the initial installation of a system of street name signs on facilities that it maintains. Each locality is responsible for all maintenance of the signs thereafter. For more details, contact your local VDOT residency office.
 
How do I get a speed limit sign installed?
Speed limit signs are installed on VDOT maintained roadways following a traffic engineering study that assesses the roadway characteristics, conflict potential, 85th percentile speed and other factors. Once the study is complete, a recommendation is provided to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner for approval. To request a study and posting, contact your local VDOT residency office. VDOT does not study or post private roads, only public roads. Public roads can be identified by the black and white route number signs located where multiple public roads intersect. Before calling VDOT to request a study, you should obtain the route number for your road.
 
How do I get a historical marker installed?
The Department of Historic Resources administers the Historic Highway Marker Program. The contact for this program is Scott Arnold, (804) 367-2323.
 
Why doesn't VDOT do something about all of the sign clutter along the highway?
VDOT shares your concerns about the overuse of many signs and the impact it has on the safety, efficiency and aesthetics of our highway system and we are constantly seeking out means to reduce the number of existing signs and be more prudent about what signs we permit. For concerns or for further information, contact your VDOT residency office.
 
Why don't the changeable message signs along the highway work?
Due to the tendency for motorists to become complacent to static messages, states nationwide are employing the use of changeable message signs to relay urgent or other important messages. When messages appear on these signs, they are generally visible from a much greater distance than static signs and motorists are more prepared to read and respond to the message as they approach. However, if these signs are overused by providing routine or static information, they do not command sufficient attention during emergency or other urgent situations. Usage rates can vary from approximately 3% in rural areas to well in excess of 20% in urban areas.
In some cases, the signs may have been recently constructed or under construction and not yet operational. Although the sign structure may be in place, wiring and other connections may not be complete. If you observe a problem with a changeable message sign, contact your VDOT residency office.
 
Can I rent a portable changeable message sign from VDOT for my event?
Normally VDOT does not rent such equipment since it needs to be available in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, VDOT does not wish to compete with the private sector in renting or leasing such equipment. Depending on the event however, VDOT may consider working with the sponsoring organization or locality to use such signs on a cost reimbursement basis to assure efficient traffic operations. For further information, contact your VDOT residency office.
 
How do I get a sign for my facility or attraction installed?
The Virginia Department of Transportation is developing the Integrated Directional Sign Program (IDSP) to serve as an umbrella for four specific programs that include those signs. Until the IDSP development is complete, VDOT isn't recommending that additional signs be installed.
 
How do I get my business logo on a highway sign?
The Travel Service (Logo) Sign Program is operated by Virginia Logos Inc. (VLI) under contract to VDOT. To apply for the Logo Program, contact VLI at (804) 754-0970 or (800) 229-2809. Businesses must meet specific criteria to be considered for the program and must be one of the six closest qualifying businesses to the interchange. Click here for fee information and frequently asked questions about this program.
 
Can I install a billboard or other advertising sign on my property?
The regulations covering such advertising in Virginia are extensive and too detailed to discuss in a simple response. You can refer to the Code of Virginia §§33.1-351 to 33.1-381 for the Outdoor Advertising Regulations or contact your local VDOT residency office. Also, localities may have additional regulations governing such signs. To determine what regulations the locality may have, contact the Zoning Administrator or Zoning Office.
 
Why doesn't VDOT install "Left-hand Passing Only" or "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs to tell motorists which lane to use? 
The Code of Virginia §46.2-804 generally requires vehicles to be driven in the right lane except when overtaking and passing other vehicles. VDOT has installed "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs along many sections of I-95 and I-81. However, based on the number of vehicles not in compliance, it is obvious that the signs provide little if any benefit. In congested situations, it is extremely difficult to differentiate who is actually violating the law thereby making enforcement extremely difficult.
 
How does VDOT decide how often a city or town is located on a distance sign?
Distance signs, which are located before the "on" ramps at each interchange, generally show the distance to the next local community on the interstate route along with the distances to the next "control city" as designated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for consistency of guide signing. A control city is a city on or near the interstate system whose general location can be easily identified, and whose population and character are generators of sufficient traffic to be a focal point for interstate travel.
 
How do I return a road sign that I have? 
Simply return the sign to any local VDOT residency office.
 
Can I purchase a sign from VDOT?
VDOT does not make signs for sale to the public, as we do not want to compete with commercial business. There are a number of companies that can supply highway type signs to you, though. Check your local yellow pages for a list of sign fabricators that may be able to produce an official looking highway sign. Owning such a sign is perfectly legal, but you should retain your receipt for proof of purchase. However, posting signs on public highways or streets by citizens is against the law, whether they are standard highway or simple cardboard signs.
 
Does VDOT sell old signs?
No, we do not sell surplus signs as they are salvaged for recycling.
 
What are VDOT's sign standards?
The Virginia Department of Transportation adopted the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as our traffic control manual. Sign information including placement is included within that manual. That manual also refers to the Standard Highway Signs book which provides specific sign details (color, size, height of letters, etc.). 

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