Signs visible from I-90, I-94, I-294, I-55, I-57, I-80, I-88, and I-355 in Cook County are governed by the Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act (225 ILCS 440), administered by IDOT. Counties and municipalities cannot authorize signs that fail state spacing, size, lighting, or zoning standards.
The Illinois Highway Advertising Control Act, enacted to comply with the federal Highway Beautification Act, gives IDOT exclusive permitting authority for off-premises signs visible from interstate and federal-aid primary highways. Cook County hosts hundreds of freeway-facing signs along expressways. Permits require commercial or industrial zoning, a maximum 1,200 square foot face, height of 50 feet above ground or 25 feet above pavement (whichever is greater), and 500-foot spacing in urban areas. New signs in scenic byway segments are prohibited. Local codes can be stricter but never more permissive. On-premises business signs are exempt from HACA permitting.
Erecting an off-premises freeway-facing sign without an IDOT permit, exceeding 1,200 square feet, or violating spacing rules under 225 ILCS 440 triggers IDOT removal orders and civil penalties. Local zoning citations stack with state fines; daily penalties accrue until removal.
See how Evanston's freeway-facing signs rules stack up against other locations.
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