Dallas, TX Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- State permit
- TxDOT outdoor-advertising license
- Statute
- TX Transp. Code Ch. 391
- Max height
- 42.5 feet
- Minimum interstate spacing
- 1,500 feet
- Dallas overlay
- Ch. 51A-7 sign district
Summary
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 391 (Highway Beautification Act) requires TxDOT outdoor-advertising licenses and permits for any sign visible from an interstate or primary highway right-of-way. Dallas Chapter 51A-7 layers zoning and spacing rules on top.
Sec. 391.031. UNLAWFUL COMMERCIAL SIGNS; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person erects or maintains a commercial sign, or allows a commercial sign to be erected or maintained on property owned by the person: (1) within 660 feet of the nearest edge of a right-of-way if the sign is visible from the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary system; or (2) outside an urban area if the sign is located more than 660 feet from the nearest edge of a right-of-way, is visible from the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary system, and is erected for the purpose of having the sign seen from the main-traveled way of the interstate or primary system.
Full Breakdown
Texas adopted the federal Highway Beautification Act through Transportation Code Chapter 391, administered by the TxDOT Right of Way Division. Any off-premise sign visible from the main-traveled way of an interstate (IH-30, IH-35E, IH-635, IH-45) or primary highway (US-75, US-175, SH-114, SH-183, SH-310 Tollway) requires an outdoor-advertising license for the operator and an individual permit for each sign face. Permits cap height at 42.5 feet, area at 672 square feet for one face, and minimum spacing at 1,500 feet on interstates. Within Dallas city limits, Chapter 51A-7 adds a sign-district overlay that bans new off-premise signs and requires a take-down credit for any relocation. Both layers must be cleared before erection.
Violations & Fines
TxDOT may issue notice-of-violation letters and remove non-permitted signs at the operator's expense under Chapter 391. Dallas can pursue Class C misdemeanor charges with daily fines under 51A-7. Federal funds-withholding penalties also apply against the state for non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TxDOT permit for a sign visible from IH-35E in Dallas?
Are on-premise business signs covered by Chapter 391?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas 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.
Freeway-Facing Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle freeway-facing signs.