Highways: signs; right-of-way access for billboard owners; provide for. Amends sec. 17b of 1972 PA 106 (MCL 252.317b).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 3 co-sponsors

SB 834 requires permits to cross a limited access right-of-way for erecting or maintaining highway signs, unless no alternative access exists.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

#highways:signs

Summary of SB 834 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and intent

SB 834 aims to modify how highway sign owners and property owners may access a limited access right-of-way (LAROW) to erect or maintain signs, by clarifying when a permit is required and establishing penalties for unauthorized crossing of the LAROW.

The bill focuses on the intersection between highway right-of-way access and outdoor advertising (billboards), seeking to enforce compliance and deter unauthorized sign placement or maintenance that requires crossing a LAROW.

Key provisions and changes

Section 17b (1): Prohibits sign owners, their agents, property owners, or property-owner agents who have a contractual relationship with the sign owner from crossing a limited access right-of-way to erect or maintain a sign without a permit issued under subsection (3).

Section 17b (2): Establishes that, except as otherwise provided in subsection (3), the Department cannot issue a permit to cross a LAROW for erecting or maintaining a sign to the specified parties.

Section 17b (3): Creates an exception in which the Department shall issue a permit to cross a LAROW for erecting or maintaining a sign if the property is only accessible by crossing the LAROW. In other words, if no alternative access exists, a crossing permit may be issued.

Section 17b (4) (penalties): Sets penalties for unauthorized crossings of a LAROW to access a sign:

(a) First violation: a fine of $1,000 for each sign location.
(b) Second violation: removal of the sign and sign structure and cancellation of the associated permit.

Affected parties

Sign owners and their agents.

Property owners (or their agents) who have contractual relationships with sign owners to maintain signs on their property.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (or the state agency responsible for highway right-of-way permitting and administration).

Contractors or businesses involved in erecting or maintaining highway-adjacent signs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on March 17, 2026.

The bill would govern the permitting process for crossing a LAROW to access signs, with a conditional exception if the property is only accessible by crossing the LAROW.

Penalties are specified for noncompliance, including fines and removal/cancellation actions on a second violation.

Practical impact and considerations

Tightens controls over crossing LAROWs for billboard access, requiring a formal permit unless there is no alternative access.

Creates financial and operational consequences for unauthorized sign access, potentially reducing unauthorized or undocumented placement and maintenance activities.

Could affect developers and operators of highway-adjacent signage by requiring upfront permitting where no alternative access exists and by increasing potential penalties for violations.

May influence negotiations between sign owners and property owners regarding access needs and contractual arrangements.

Note: This summary reflects the text as introduced and does not include potential amendments or committee-submitted changes that may occur during the legislative process.