Killeen, TX Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Full color NITS cap
- 7,000 day / 2,500 night
- Message hold time
- 10 seconds minimum
- Message change speed
- 2 seconds or less
- Required equipment
- Dimmer control and photocell
- Certification
- Manufacturer NITS certification required
- Max penalty
- $2,000 per day (Sec. 1-8)
Summary
Off-premises digital billboards in Killeen are "changeable electronic variable message signs" (CEVMS) under Sec. 31-502, and Sec. 31-507(B)(11) caps their brightness at 7,000 NITS in full color, requires a factory pre-set light limit certified by the manufacturer, and mandates a dimmer and photocell on every sign so it dims automatically after dark.
Changeable electronic variable message sign (CEVMS) shall mean an off-premises sign which permits light to be turned on or off periodically or which is operated in a way whereby light is turned on or off periodically, including any illuminated sign in which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use, including an LED (light emitting diode) or digital sign that varies in intensity or color. Sec. 31-507(B)(11): a.Each message shall be displayed for at least ten (10) seconds.b.A change of message shall be accomplished within two (2) seconds or less, and a change of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face...f.Prior to issuance of a sign registration, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory pre-set not to exceed seven thousand (7,000) NITS and that the intensity level is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software...i.Signs must be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell, which automatically adjusts the display's intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Killeen's sign code defines a CEVMS as an off-premises sign that turns light on or off periodically or otherwise varies its illumination, intensity or color, including LED and other digital displays, under Sec. 31-502. Off-premises CEVMS billboards are regulated under Sec. 31-507(B)(11), which layers on top of the size and spacing rules already applying to small, medium and large off-premises signs in districts B-3, B-4 and B-5. Each displayed message must stay up for at least 10 seconds, and a change of message must complete within 2 seconds and occur simultaneously across the entire sign face, so a billboard cannot scroll or fade one section at a time.
A default mechanism must freeze the display in a single position if the sign malfunctions, rather than flash or cycle uncontrolled. Brightness is capped by a NITS table tied to color: 3,150 NITS daytime and 1,125 nighttime for red only, 6,300 and 2,250 for green only, 4,690 and 1,675 for amber only, and 7,000 daytime and 2,500 nighttime for full color, the ceiling that applies to most commercial digital boards. Before the city issues a sign registration, the sign operator must submit written manufacturer certification that the light intensity is factory pre-set not to exceed 7,000 NITS and locked against end-user changes with password-protected software.
Every CEVMS must also carry both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically lowers intensity as ambient daylight fades. The city can require operators to display emergency information such as Amber Alerts or disaster warnings in the sign's rotation, and converting an existing off-premises sign to CEVMS is treated as new development requiring a full permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating a CEVMS above the NITS ceiling, without manufacturer certification, or without a working dimmer and photocell is a sign code violation, an offense classified under Sec. 1-8 with a fine of up to $2,000 for each day the excess intensity or missing equipment continues. The building official can require immediate correction of a sign whose brightness impairs driver vision, and an unregistered or noncompliant CEVMS can have its registration denied or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can a digital billboard be in Killeen?
Does a digital billboard need special equipment beyond a permit?
How fast can the message on a digital billboard change?
Can Killeen force a digital billboard to show emergency alerts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Killeen
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Killeen to another location·View the Texas sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.