Harris County, TX Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Bulb limit
- 10 bulbs, 100W max each
- Circuit
- Single 120-volt lighting circuit
- Dimmer
- Sunshade screen dimmer required
- Reflectorized lights
- Banned on sign face
- Unshielded glare
- No lights aimed at roadway
Summary
Electrical signs visible from Harris County toll roads are capped at 10 bulbs of 100 watts on a single 120-volt circuit, must carry a sunshade screen dimmer, and can't use reflectorized lamps or unshielded beams aimed at the roadway.
All electrical signs shall be limited to not more than 10 bulbs of 100 watts or less, shall be limited to lighting circuits of one 120 volts, shall contain a sunshade screen dimmer, and shall not use reflectorized lights as part of the face of the sign.
Full Breakdown
Harris County's Toll Road Sign Regulations, adopted by Commissioners Court acting as the Harris County Toll Road Authority under Texas Transportation Code Ch. 395, set the illumination rules for signs visible from the main-traveled way of a county toll road. Electrical signs are limited to 10 bulbs of 100 watts or less on one 120-volt lighting circuit, must include a sunshade screen dimmer, and cannot use reflectorized flood- or spot-type lamps on the sign face. Separately, any sign whose lights are not effectively shielded to keep beams from being directed at the toll road cannot be permitted at all. The County Engineer administers permits and can revoke them for noncompliance.
Violations & Fines
Erecting or maintaining a noncompliant sign is a Class C misdemeanor prosecutable under state law, with each day of violation a separate offense; the County Engineer can also deny, suspend, or revoke the sign's operating permit and order removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to every billboard in Harris County?
What if a sign's lights aren't shielded from the road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas outdoor lighting overview
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