AUGUSTA, Maine — They won’t be pulled over by Maine State Police troopers or written up anytime soon, but the mobile billboards or advertising trucks appearing sporadically on Maine roads and parking lots are violating state law, according to the Maine Department of Transportation.
“I’m just finding this out myself only because no one’s ever asked, but yes, they’re definitely illegal by statute because, by definition, they are not carriers,” said MDOT spokesman Ted Talbot. “According to Title 23 of Maine state law, those types of trucks are illegal by statute because they’re not carrying anything other than the sign or billboard.”
A “carrier” is defined as any vehicle — such as a bus, taxi, 18-wheel transport or panel truck — that transports people, products or materials.
“The reason buses can get away with that wrap advertising you see all over the entire bus is buses are carriers,” said Talbot. “These billboard trucks aren’t and apparently that puts them in violation.”
According to the statute, “signs located on or in the rolling stock of common carriers, except those which are determined by the commissioner to be circumventing the intent of this chapter,” are allowed.
So the public buses with the advertising “wraps” around the whole bus that contain advertising and promotional material for a company such as U.S. Cellular are allowed. But billboard trucks are not allowed in Maine.
A spokesman for U.S. Cellular had only a short comment when asked about the extent of the company’s use of billboard trucks and how the law would affect them.
“We are currently looking into the matter,” said Kelly Harfoot, U.S. Cellular communications manager.
The trucks have been around for a year or two, according to Talbot. Since they serve no purpose other than advertisement, they violate the billboard statute.
“The spirit of the law might not be violated, per se, but it’s technically still a violation,” Talbot said.
So what to do the next time a billboard truck is seen rolling down the highway?
“We first have to catch up to the companies and let them know this is in violation of Maine law,” Talbot explained. “They will all be notified that the use of these trucks isn’t permitted in Maine.”
Talbot said he’s unaware of any complaints his department has received from people about the billboard trucks, although a BDN reader emailed the paper late last month, saying he had talked to an MDOT official and was told they did indeed violate the law.
“We will not enforce the law on those carrying out commerce initially,” Talbot said. “We never want to get in the way of commerce, ever, but it is a violation that would involve punishment for repeated violations.”
The first law banning billboards in Maine was enacted in 1977, according to Richard Hewes, an MDOT lawyer.
“And what followed was a whole slew of amendments and revisions,” said Hewes. “Billboard laws have been around in various forms since the 1930s, but this law sought statewide removal of all billboards in Maine.”
Hewes said the law was challenged in a lawsuit, which wound up in the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in 1982. The court upheld the ban.
I have never been inspired to buy anything advertised on a billboard. The only thing I find them good for is to let me know when the next McDonald’s is coming up if I’m driving through unfamiliar territory. Otherwise, I prefer scenery to billboards. Please keep them far away from here.
I, on the other hand find tasteful billboards quite handy in a strange area.
I am always pleased out West when there is a billboard announcing fuel and food at exit/milemarker 285 and I am at milemaker 230 for example. Makes it a little easier to travel in my opinion.
I don’t agree with the North Conway way of doing things but the State Of Maine in general has very poor road signage. Ask anyone from “away” that tries to locate something, they will tell you the same thing.
Now as far as dictating what can and can’t be done on a registered vehicle is pushing it.
Smart phones and vehicle navigation systems have fairly well negated the need for giant signs along our roads. I’ve seen some of these signs being towed on large trailers in the Bangor area. They could create a safety hazard by blocking other folks view of the road.
They don’t block vision anymore than a standard box trailer or truck.
I do argree Smart Phones and GPS help, but they are not safe if you are trying to operate them while driving.
Besides, I might change my mind regarding my next exit if I see a sign for all you can eat steak or something similar while I’m driving. :-)
Plus, not everyone owns a SmartPhone or a GPS – Seems like more and
more, we’re being told what to do and there is less Freedom of Choice
A smart phone is only as smart as the user:)
“…smart phone is only as smart as the user….”
But not while driving, please. Get there alive.
Tasteful being the keyword.
Head out to the midwest and every otehr sign is eitehr vacant or advertising a trucker massage parlor or a porn mega-mart.
Better off without them in my opnion.
“………………….. although a BDN reader emailed the paper late last month, saying he had talked to an MDOT official and was told they did indeed violate the law.”
Once again someone has to stick their nose in someone else’s business, no wonder this State and OUR Country are going to h*ll in a hand-basket.
so true,, maine is all for small business! ya right. i suppose the lettering on our van’s and pick-up’s are next. let’s just be a state that has restaurants and walmarts.. all it takes is one whiner and this state suddenly becomes massachusetts.. i remember a day when we stood on our own and we stood for something. not anymore. we wouldn’t want to hurt any feelings now would we..
Do you think this is a reporter trying to create news? Its happened before.
Never thought of it like that, but good point …………………………… or it could just be someone that has just to much time on their hands.
Is there a law against everything in the State of Maine? Everyday we learn more that the answer in “YES”
Just about. But, if not, the legislature will create a “crisis” so a new or in this case an old (stupid) law can save us from ourselves. Afterall, advertising on a vehicle? Well that might help out a business. We can’t have that now can we! No more stupid laws!
I surely am old enough to remember the old billboards. They were eyesores and i was glad when they was banned. Some of the old stubborn sods kept them until they fell down because they was not allowed to repair them But Maine is to beautiful of a sate to be burdened with billboards. The main issue i have now is the lack of enforcing the law. Billboards are slowly creeping back in varied forms. One of my pet peeves are real estate signs at intersections. Total violation of the billboard law. One sign on the property for sale is all that can be placed by an agent. They are taught this before they get their license but ignore it because of no enforcement. Maine doesn’t need any stinkin billboards, period.
I can see your point about actual billboards. This article seemed to be about ads on vehicles. Although I don’t particularly care for billboards, I think that they should be allowed in certain zoned areas. They are in NH. NH is every bit as beautiful as our great state of ME. I don’t really notice their billboards as they are not everywhere. Just in areas of heavy traffic, ie. Rt 1, Spaulding T-Pike, I95 etc. The point is, there are too many laws today and if there isn’t one, just wait. There will be…
Steve, your resoning is like the saying ” a little bit pregnant” either you ae are you are not.
This atrticle is about a ruling that makes these trucks considered billboards, Their only intent was to skirt the law now in place. Maine is one of ony thre staates that has a billboard law, it was adopted for a reason.
Really, it’s totaly shocking to me when I drive into certain parts of NH and all of a sudden I am bombarded by billboards.
When you are an anti business State like Maine was for 40 long years of anti business liberal rule, laws like these surface and cost business money to defend. A useless waste of time.
What are you talking about?
People come to Maine to get “away” from excessive development and associated signage!
Bombard them with signs and they just might go somewhere else!
Just like the other day when the friends of fort knox were told to take down there signs after one complaint by a possibly disgruntled state worker..
Actually they were told to move it because 1 it impeded the safe line of sight and 2 all signs advertising something are required to be with in 1000ft if you read the story
So you are saying there were lots of complaints? Or just one?
All one would have to do to skirt this law would be to transport some sort of product or material that could fit up in the cab of these kinds of trucks. Then they would be in compliance. This is all rather silly if you ask me though.
Then they would pass a law making you secure a different license, permit and charge you yet another fee.
I was thinking, make it a “box” truck and put a few supplies in it and then it’s a carrier. :-)
Not a billboard or a sign lover. They mess up the scenery.
We live in a world where too many messages/ distractions are being flashed at us at one time.
Has anyone driven down to Florida on 95? Ugh. South of the freakin’ border.
Whew! Can anyone else smell that? Parfum de Bigot, unquestionably!
I take it you have never been there
If you address the issues, so will we.
I guess I should have elaborated. South of the Border is a tacky tourist trap with billboards stretching 100 miles in both directions. It’s crazy. Coming home to Maine was a sight for sore eyes. Unquestionably.
I was talking about the damn billboards every 100 feet along the highway.
Pedro’s South of the Border, not south of the border in general. Clearly you’ve never made the drive or you would have been aware immediately. :)
What if you’re wrong?
There is more than one way to wear the Parfum.
Sorry….I’d hang out for the party but I’ve got a life. See ya.
LOL they have never been there or they would know. One thing for sure is you will never miss the place.
Pedro says….
Remember the Burma Shave signs? Now those were fun and entertaining.
agreed. I really don’t want parts of Maine to turn into a lighter version of “Bladerunner” either.
I wish the State would worry more about properly posting what Route we’re driving on than about a sign on a vehicle. Trying to find my way in unfamiliar territory in this state is horrible while at an intersection and trying to figure out what state road to take.
Exactly….
Unless there’s a nude woman on the side of the truck, I won’t be distracted.
Then you better not drive in Las Vegas, the city is full on billboard trucks with scantily clad women on them…
No wonder someone cut down the “Maine, Open for Business” sign, they didn’t want anyone to get into trouble for false advertising.
As unsightly as billboards can be, they could also generate revenue for the state of Maine- unless the state thinks they do not need the income…
How frustrating must it be for you with such a common sense, and logical point of view, to have to share a name with one of the states biggest anti-business liberals?!
Lol, MaineMurf, I hope the middle initial is different! If not, I’d change it but the state of Maine probably wouldn’t let me…I’m sure there’s a law against it:(
A little ridiculous, instead of big billboards you have a half million little signs littered all over the roads especially in Southern Maine.
You can only erect signs on propery owned or leased by the business for that business.
Notso ,the sign must be on the same land owned by the business and no further than 1000′ from that business. The land must be on the same land as the business, just because you own across the road or a 1/2 mile down the road doesn’t matter.
“The trucks have been around for a year or two, according to Talbot.”
Ha. Try more like 10 or 15 years.
What the libtards in Augusta have been doing to our state for the past 50 years. Good to have them out of there these days!
Doesn’t Maine have bigger things to worry about? Good grief!
You mean….like increasing revenue….. by permitting local businesses every opportunity to advertise the services they provide to people who want to buy them?
I grew up around run down old billboards everywhere, we had one in the corner of one of our fields for 20 years. the store owner never maintained it.
I for one am glad to see them gone.
Then you’re in charge of handing out tissues to everyone who no longer qualifies for the benefits they’ve been receiving as they leave the state for greener pastures.
yes advertize wal-mart all along the highway.
There are always greener pastures than Maine for the youngsters starting out.
Unless you concider working in a resturant or bar for your kids future, then they will have to leave to make more than minimum wage..
It’s not just billboards at issue here. Admit it…There is no advertising of any kind that Progressives will allow as they are anti-business and anti-Capitalists.
Billboards are ugly and clutter up the highways. I don’t miss the darn things at all.
Every time I leave the state and see those horrid signs and come back it’s wonderful to be billboard less.
I’m a capitalist
imagine a billboard advertizing wal-mart, sears, or home depot every 1/4 mile from kittery to Houlton. and all the usa routes in Maine. it would be insane.. I understand that local business want to advertize but it would open up a can of worms for every big box store in the State.I don’t want to look at that.
Have you listened to yourself lately? You sound certifiably nuts!
Yes…for beginners
“OMG WIND FARMS ARE DISGUSTING LOOKING BAN THEM”
“OMG WHY ARE YOU BANNING BILLBOARDS??”
like x 1000
Open for business but don’t advertise it.
If LePage had any dignity he would actually get this law changed. Stuff like this would be great for a small business owner.
This is one of the MANY screwed up laws the state has on the books, it needs to go.
First and foremost: They’ve never received a complaint! LEAVE IT ALONE. What a waste of time.
If your speeding down the highway at 105 miles per hour and nobody stops you are you breaking the law?
The State has highway advertizing covered with them little blue signs.
Wonder if campaign signs in the back of pick-up trucks and flatbed trucks are also in violation ?
Doesn’t this state have more important things to worry about , than a stupid sign on a truck?
“Yeah, let’s all rave about dumb guvmint tellin’ us what to do. Let’s get rid of it all, ‘cept course for the cops and the troops.”
Guess what? We NEED government. I know several survivalists. If everything truly breaks down it’s doubtful they’ll survive more than a short time after the rest of us and they’ll probably die starving in a hail of gunfire, killed by other survivalists. The world is more than filled up. There are no more frontiers to escape to. Get over it: we can no more continue to exist without government than a body can exist without its nervous system.
Guess what? We ARE the government. Or if not, why not? What can we do to make it a government that fairly represents the best interests of you and of me and of all the other people in this country?
Don’t you folks get it? Throw away your tinfoil hats! Stop drinking the KoolAid, please stop guzzling that Kochacola! Who — or what — do you think wants you to pay more taxes so it can pay less? Who — or what — do you think wants to eliminate all those pesky safety and environmental regulations, all those job protections and security for decent ordinary people that eat into its ever-swelling profit margin? Who — or what — do you think wants to eliminate government even more than you think you want to eliminate government?
Think about it for a change, really think about it. Turn off Radio VOMit and shut off the Faux channel. Don’t be satisfied with blaming all your woes on glib and often hypocritical Mr. Obama. The libtards may really be irritating sometimes, even smug, sanctimonious and two-faced. Most of the professional Democrats are close behind the Republicans on that score as well. But they are NOT your enemy. If you’re a Red Sox fan, they’re not the Yankees, and vice-versa. Making good and equitable government is not a sporting event.
Just for a change think for yourself and the first time you open your mouth let it be something original that wasn’t supplied to you by a sneering Mr. Limbaugh or a smirking Mr. Beck. Don’t let these millionaire tools of Big Media continue to play you for suckers and fools.
I don’t listen to rush….. In the past .. I used to laugh and ask my liberal friends to listen to him for a week and mark down rush lies or what he was wrong about. every single time the page came back empty. . glenn Beck is a freak of nature. I am a teaparty Democrat and believe in the constutition.
as for the survivalist, it’s a free country and you have the right to protect themselves and their family..
Why is it illegal for a business to advertise in Maine? But legal for the politicians who make the laws to put out thousands of signs and liter every street corner for months before an election.
They have a law about political signs!
The Governor Thinks He is Exempt!
That doesn’t even make sense. Where do you draw the line? I don’t want to see billboards any more than anyone else, but come on! How about UPS? Irving tanker trucks? The USPS trucks? The Maine DOT themselves? It’s called advertisement for buisnesses. I know Maine is against it and all.
They should carry a piece of PVC pipe with an invoice and get around that law.
So much for the freedoms of speech and expression
For heaven’s sake, it’s a truck. It’s not a billboard obstructing the view. Actually, it makes the truck a little more interesting. I recently was looking at a W.B. Mason ad on a truck, and I liked it. I especially like beer trucks. For some strange reason (I can’t imagine why), I sort of feel happy when I see them.
thank god we are not allowing this i mean look at the libs putting signs all over the place telling us how to live but thank god we dont have a vehicle promoting buisness,,,, i am at a lost
yes, you certainly are “at a lost.”
“I think that I shall never see
A billboard as lovely as a tree.
But perhaps, until the billboards fall,
I’ll never see a tree at all!”
— Ogden Nash.
Ya Maine is really open for business! Not!!
You should not breath the air.
Ive seen some nice billboards in my many travels and I was glad they were there ..I stopped and spent money with them…but will say this state I speak of has serious rules and regulations and there are limitations such as one billboard every so many miles and tough luck if u didn’t get the spot first…and u must maintain them and keep them in prestine condition….anyway Maine has so many rules and laws..
LOL! ya right.
Hmm, learn something new every day. I seriously never dreamed these trucks were solely for advertising! I guess I never thought much about it, but if asked I would’ve said they were full of whatever they advertising. Like when you see a Dead River truck full of oil or a Moore’s Septic Service truck full of…….you know. So the U.S. Cellular truck is full of airwaves, not phones. Huh.
There is also a statute in effect that bans Lepages “Political Sign” – ( Open For Buisness ) from the Interstate Highway.
But lets tear down Murals first!
Pedro is coming to Maine and you never sausage a sight! lol. Billboards are an eyesore, whether rolling or stationary.
Town owned buses shouldn’t either it distracts the drivers from texting
I have seen these rolling billboards in of all places, Manhattan, NYC. Talk about someplace that needs more congestion! That is all these do, is roll (or most likely, stop-and-go) around the city carrying the advertising, exposing it to hundreds of thousands of eyes, and polluting as a bonus.
Definitely NOT something you want to see happening in Maine. Get a license plate # and call it in to your local law enforcement. Laws are only as good as the enforcement.
If they are moving, they’re a distraction to other drivers. If they’re parked, they pollute the landscape and take up parking spaces. That one in the photo is blocking three spaces, maybe four . . .
Seems to difficult to define or enforce.
You just described 90% of the laws in this country.
Dick Curless can if he could change his song from a tombstone every mile to a Wal-Mart Billboard every mile
Absolutely and totally unconstitutional. The supremes will eventually kick this one to the curb. It violates half a dozen protections including freedom of movement, speech, and interstate commerce laws.
I agree that big trucks that waste a lot of fuel should not be driving around empty for the sole purpose of advertising. I do not believe this is illegal for smaller vehicles. Think about this one a bit more hmmmmm