Chapter Trans 200

Trans 200.06(7)(b)3.b. b. At interchanges where not more than 2 qualified facilities are available for each of 3 or more types of motorist services, business signs for 3 types of motorist services may be displayed on the same specific information sign. Not more than 2 business signs for each type of motorist service may be displayed in combination on a specific information sign with 3 types of motorist services. When it becomes necessary to display a third business sign for a type of motorist service displayed in combination, the business signs involved shall then be displayed in compliance with subd. 1., 2. or 3. a.

Trans 200.06(7)(b)3.c. c. The name of each type of motorist service shall be displayed above its respective business signs, and the exit number shall be displayed above the names of the types of motorist services. At unnumbered interchanges, the legend “NEXT RIGHT (LEFT)” shall be substituted for the exit number. Business signs shall not be combined on a specific information sign when it is anticipated that additional motorist service facilities will become available in the near future.

Trans 200.06(7)(c) (c)

Trans 200.06(7)(c)1. 1. Business sign size. Each business sign displayed on a “GAS” specific information sign shall be contained within a 48-inch-wide and 36-inch-high rectangular background area, including border. Each business sign displayed on a “FOOD,” “LODGING,” “CAMPING” OR “ATTRACTION” specific information sign shall be contained within a 60-inch-wide and 36-inch-high rectangular background area, including border. If 2 business signs are displayed for 3 different types of motorist services on one specific information sign, the business sign size shall be contained within a 48-inch-wide and 36-inch-high rectangular background area, including border.

Trans 200.06 Note Note: After August 1, 2007, the Department may require all newly-erected or replacement specific information signs to contain business signs within a 48-inch wide and 36-inch high rectangular background area, including border, in order to accommodate the newly added ATTRACTIONS category of signs.

Trans 200.06(7)(c)2. 2. Legends. All letters used in the name of the type of motorist service and the directional legend shall be 10-inch capital letters. Numbers shall be 10 inches in height.

Trans 200.06(8) (8) Expressways—special requirements.

Trans 200.06(8)(a) (a) Sign location.

Trans 200.06(8)(a)1. 1. Interchanges. The location of specific information signs and exit ramp signs erected for interchanges shall be the same as for interstate highways and freeways under sub. (7) (a).

Trans 200.06(8)(a)2. 2. Intersections. The locations of specific information signs, the spacing between specific information signs, and between specific information signs and other traffic control devices shall be determined on the basis of the department’s engineering study.

Trans 200.06(8)(b) (b) Sign composition. The composition of specific information signs and exit ramp signs erected for interchanges shall be the same as for interstate highways and freeways under sub. (7) (b).

Trans 200.06(8)(c) (c) Sign size.

Trans 200.06(8)(c)1. 1. ‘Interchanges.’ Business signs shall conform to the sizes specified for interstate highways and freeways under sub. (7) (c) 1. Legends shall conform to the requirements for interstate highways and freeways under sub. (7) (c) 2.

Trans 200.06(8)(c)2. 2. ‘Intersections.’ Each business sign shall be contained within a 36-inch-wide and 24-inch-high rectangular background area, including border. All letters used in the name of the type of motorist service and the directional legend shall be 6-inch capital letters.

Trans 200.06(9) (9) Conventional highways—special requirements.

Trans 200.06(9)(a) (a) Sign location. The location of the specific information signs shall be the same as specified for expressway intersections under sub. (8) (a) 2.

Trans 200.06(9)(b) (b) Sign composition. The composition of the specific information signs shall be the same as specified for expressway intersections under sub. (8) (b).

Trans 200.06(9)(c) (c) Sign size. Each business sign shall be contained within a 24-inch-wide and 18-inch-high rectangular background area, including border. All letters used in the name of the type of motorist service and the directional legend shall be 4-inch capital letters.

Trans 200.06(10) (10) Compliance with federal law. The department may promulgate an emergency administrative rule under s. 227.24, Stats., that supersedes this chapter whenever federal standards become more restrictive than this chapter.

Trans 200.06(11) (11) Sign removal.

Trans 200.06(11)(a) (a) The department may remove a business sign at any time for any of the following reasons:

Trans 200.06(11)(a)1. 1. Failure to comply with any of the restrictions under sub. (1);

Trans 200.06(11)(a)2. 2. Failure to comply with any of the motorist service standards under sub. (2);

Trans 200.06(11)(a)3. 3. Failure to comply with any application or permit renewal requirement under sub. (3).

Trans 200.06(11)(a)4. 4. Failure to receive timely payment of any fee required by the department under sub. (4);

Trans 200.06(11)(a)5. 5. Failure to comply with any signing criteria under sub. (6) (a);

Trans 200.06(11)(a)6. 6. Failure to comply with an emergency rule promulgated by the department to comply with more restrictive federal standards under sub. (10);

Trans 200.06(11)(a)7. 7. Failure to have a valid business sign permit approved by the department at the time the sign is removed;

Trans 200.06(11)(a)8. 8. Failure to comply with any condition of any business sign permit;

Trans 200.06(11)(b) (b) The department may also remove a business sign to facilitate construction, maintenance or utility work within the limits of the public highway, including sign erection or maintenance, when approved by the department. The department shall provide restoration of the sign upon completion of the work.

Trans 200.06(11)(c) (c) Removal of a business sign by the department shall not be stayed by the filing of any contested case, by any appeal of the department’s decision or order to remove the sign, or while the final decision is pending in any contested case or appeal.

Trans 200.06(11)(d) (d) Removal of a business sign by the department as a result of the department’s denial of a permit renewal shall not be stayed pending the final decision in any contested case or any appeal of the department’s denial of the permit renewal.

Trans 200.06(11)(e) (e) The department may remove a business sign at any time for any reason stated in this subsection whether the reason for removal occurs before or after issuance of the permit by the department, renewal or denial of the permit, or erection of the sign.

Trans 200.06(11)(f) (f) The department may remove a business sign at any time for any reason stated in this subsection whether the reason for removal results from action or inaction of the department, an applicant, permittee, the department’s contractor, or any other person or any other event or occurrence. The department shall provide for restoration of the sign, or refund, if the removal results from an error of the department or the department’s contractor in locating the sign.

Trans 200.06(12) (12) 

Trans 200.06(12)(a) (a) Priority. The department will establish an initial application period for “ATTRACTION” category signs ending the first day of the second month commencing after the effective date of this chapter. If, after review by the advisory committee, there are more eligible applicants than spaces available at any one location, priority will be given to those eligible “ATTRACTIONS” recommended by the advisory committee and closest to the intersection or exit. When there is any eligible attraction within the first 3 miles from the intersection or exit that has applied, no applicants outside the 3-mile distance may be approved. Remaining applications will be retained for consideration when space becomes available for attractions at that location. Following the initial application period when opportunities arise to replace or add an attraction to a specific information sign, the applications on file for that sign location will be referred to the advisory council for review of current eligibility. The advisory council report will be used by the department in determining which applicant will be approved. The department will select the eligible attraction closest to the intersection or exit. When 2 or more eligible attractions exist at the same distance from the intersection or interchange, the date the application was received may be used as a tiebreaker. After the sign has been erected, attractions cannot be removed from a sign based on distance alone.

Trans 200.06(12)(b) (b) Distance. If the attraction is greater than 3 miles but less than the 5-mile limit from the highway interchange, the ramp sign shall include the number of miles to that location as part of the business logo. The ramp sign shall also include the number of miles to the location if the distance limit for the category of “ATTRACTION” is increased by a statutory enactment of the Wisconsin Legislature that is consistent with federal law.

Trans 200.06(12)(c) (c) Seasonal attractions. If the attraction is seasonal, the attraction business sign will be removed or covered with a closed plaque during the off-season. If a waiting list exists, the department may offer the spot temporarily, but the seasonal business will go back on the sign during the next “open” season.

Trans 200.06 Note Note: A different rate may be necessary to accommodate seasonal businesses due to the increased maintenance necessary.

Trans 200.06 History History: Cr. Register, March, 1984, No. 339, eff. 4-1-84; emerg. am. (1) (intro.), (a) to (h), (k), (q), (3) (e) and (f), (4) (a), (5) (a) and (b), (6) (e) 2., (7) (a) 4., r. (1) (a) and (b), (3) (d), (4) (b) to (d), cr. (1) (x), (3) (i), (5) (d), and (12), r. and recr. (3) (g), eff. 6-13-86; am. (1) (intro.), (e), (h), (k), (q), (3) (e) and (f), (5) (a) and (b), (6) (e) 2. and (7) (a) 4., r. (1) (a) and (b) and (3) (d), cr. (1) (x), r. and recr. (3) (g), Register, September, 1986, No. 369, eff. 10-1-86; am. (1) (d), (f) to (h), (k), (3) (f) and (5) (a), renum. (4) (a) to be (4) and am., r. (4) (b) to (d), cr. (3) (i), (5) (d) and (12), Register, February, 1987, No. 374, eff. 3-1-87; am. (1) (intro.), (h), (p), (2) (intro.), (6) (e), (7) (b) and (8) (a) 2., r. (1) (e), (x), (2) (a) to (d), (3) (b) and (6) (d), r. and recr. (6) (a), (c), (7) (c) 1. and (8) (b), renum. (12) to be (3) (a) 2. and am., Register, July, 1992, No. 439, eff. 8-1-92; correction in (9) (b) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 1999 No. 519; CR 05-082: r. and recr. (7) (b) 3., am. (7) (c) 1. Register February 2006 No. 602, eff. 3-1-06; CR 06-103: am. (2) and (7) (c) 1., cr. (2g), (2r) and (12) Register July 2007 No. 619, eff. 8-1-07; corrections in (3) (a) 1., (c) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6., Stats., Register February 2013 No. 686; CR 12-046: am. (7) (b) 3. a. Register December 2013 No. 696, eff. 1-1-14.

Trans 200.07 Trans 200.07 Disabled parking signs.

Trans 200.07(1) (1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to define and illustrate the design, size and installation requirements of the official traffic signs required under s. 346.503 (1m), Stats., related to reserved parking spaces for individuals with disabilities.

Trans 200.07(2) (2) Sign description.

Trans 200.07(2)(a) (a) The sign shall consist of a white rectangle with longer dimension vertical, having green message, a green arrow, if required under this section, and a blue and white international symbol for the barrier-free environments. The sign may be reflective or non-reflective.

Trans 200.07(2)(b) (b) The sign shall include the words “reserved parking” and the words “vehicles with VET or DIS plates or state disabled card”or other words with a similar meaning.

Trans 200.07(2)(c) (c) The size of the sign shall be not less than 12 inches by 18 inches. When used on a highway with a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour, it shall be not less than 18 inches by 24 inches.

Trans 200.07(2)(d) (d) A right arrow, left arrow or the words “This Stall” or similar wording shall be included near the bottom of the sign.

Trans 200.07(3) (3) Sign placement. Each sign shall be erected on an adequate support. On highways, the vertical distance from roadway to the bottom of a sign shall be not less than 7 feet, except when overhead obstructions necessitate a lower height. In off-highway parking lots, the vertical distance from the parking lot surface, or top of curb if any, to the bottom of a sign shall be not less than 4 feet. A single sign with the message “This Space” or similar wording shall be used to designate a single reserved space. At least 2 signs are required for multiple reserved spaces. When 2 signs are used they shall be located at the outermost limits of the spaces reserved and, by arrow, designate the location of the reserved spaces.

Trans 200.07(3)(a) (a) A sign shall be located at the end of an angled or right-angled space and shall be set to face a motorist entering the space.

Trans 200.07(3)(b) (b) When the reserved space is parallel to the edge of a roadway, a sign shall be set at an angle of approximately 30° with the line of traffic.

Trans 200.07(4) (4) Signs which are in place prior to May 1, 1983 may remain in place and have the same effect as the signs described herein for 5 years after May 1, 1983 provided that they include the international symbol for barrier-free environments and the wording required under sub. (2) (b) either as part of the original sign or on a supplementary plaque or plaques. The requirements under sub. (3) do not apply to these signs.

Trans 200.07 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1983, No. 328, eff. 5-1-83; r. (5), Register, September, 1986, No. 369, eff. 10-1-86; correction made in (4) under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 14., Stats., Register, July, 1992, No. 439; correction in (1) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2012 No. 675; CR 22-048: am. (title), (1) Register July 2023 No. 811, eff. 8-1-23.

Trans 200.08 Trans 200.08 Tourist-oriented directional signs.

Trans 200.08(1) (1) Signs permitted. The department and local authorities that have adopted an enabling ordinance may authorize the erection and maintenance of tourist-oriented directional signs within highways under their jurisdiction subject to the provisions of s. 86.196, Stats., and the following restrictions:

Trans 200.08(1)(a) (a) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained by an applicant.

Trans 200.08(1)(b) (b) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained for any business that has a guidance sign erected on a right-of-way under s. Trans 200.03 on the same road, in the same direction, unless the guidance sign is removed before the tourist-oriented directional sign is erected.

Trans 200.08(1)(c) (c) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be installed or maintained directing to a tourist-oriented business, service or activity that is located within an urban area as defined by s. 86.196 (1) (c), Stats.

Trans 200.08(1)(d) (d) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained that fails to conform with s. 86.19, 86.191, 86.196 or 346.41, Stats., or rules implementing or interpreting these statutes, as determined by the department.

Trans 200.08(1)(e) (e) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained if the applicant has an outdoor advertising sign for the same business, service or activity in violation of s. 84.30, Stats., or ch. Trans 201.

Trans 200.08(1)(f) (f) Any person permitted to have a tourist-oriented directional sign shall provide for the installation and maintenance of any supplemental signing deemed necessary by the department to guide traffic to the tourist-oriented business, service or activity.

Trans 200.08(1)(g) (g)

Trans 200.08(1)(g)1. 1. No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected on a conventional state trunk highway directing to a tourist-oriented business, service or activity that is located on a freeway, expressway or any other conventional state trunk highway. Local authorities may adopt similar restrictions with reference to highways under their jurisdiction.

Trans 200.08(1)(g)2. 2. No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected on an expressway directing to a tourist-oriented business, service or activity that is located on a freeway or any other expressway.

Trans 200.08(1)(h) (h) No intersection tourist-oriented directional assembly may be erected or maintained at a location such that there exists another intersection between the assembly and the intersection at which the assembly applies. The department may authorize advance tourist-oriented directional assemblies in accordance with sub. (6) (d) and (e) at locations where 2 intersections are so closely spaced that it is not practical to install intersection tourist-oriented directional assemblies between the 2 intersections.

Trans 200.08(1)(i) (i) The location of an existing official traffic control device, or the need for a new device, shall take precedence over the location of a tourist-oriented directional sign, either existing or proposed.

Trans 200.08(1)(j) (j) The department reserves the right to require the relocation or removal of tourist-oriented directional signs, if necessary, for the safety of the traveling public, to install official traffic signs at or in the vicinity of existing tourist-oriented directional signs.

Trans 200.08(1)(k) (k) When there are more tourist-oriented directional signs requested than the number that may be permitted, priority shall be given in the following order:

Trans 200.08(1)(k)1. 1. The businesses, services or activities with existing permitted tourist-oriented directional signs.

Trans 200.08(1)(k)2. 2. Businesses, services or activities with the earliest received application. Applications received on the same day will be considered received simultaneously.

Trans 200.08(1)(k)3. 3. The business, service or activity that is nearest the highway on which the tourist-oriented directional sign is located.

Trans 200.08(1)(L) (L) Any tourist-oriented directional sign for a business, service or activity operated on a seasonal basis shall be removed during off-seasons. The permittee shall notify the department or its contractor not less than 15 calendar days before the closing and reopening date.

Trans 200.08(1)(m) (m) No tourist-oriented directional sign may be erected or maintained:

Trans 200.08(1)(m)1. 1. That does not meet department specifications.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)2. 2. That has an objectionable appearance as determined by the department due to accident, vandalism, fading, deterioration or other causes.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)3. 3. That fails to conform with Wisconsin or federal statutes or rules.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)4. 4. In violation of an order of the department or any court of competent jurisdiction.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)5. 5. For any business service or activity that fails to conform with all applicable laws concerning the provision of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)6. 6. If the business, service or activity does not meet pertinent health and other administrative regulations including, but not limited to, licensure by an appropriate agency.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)7. 7. Until an investigation by the department determines that no conflict resulting in unsafe driving conditions will exist with other official traffic control devices.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)8. 8. Which displays the hours of operation or dates of operation, if seasonal, of the business, service or activity.

Trans 200.08(1)(m)9. 9. To direct to a business, service or activity that is located on the same highway on which tourist-oriented directional signs are requested.

Trans 200.08(1)(n) (n) Tourist-oriented directional sign removal shall not be stayed by filing any appeal of the department’s decision or order to remove a tourist-oriented directional sign. A reviewing court may order a stay upon such terms as it deems proper pursuant to s. 227.54, Stats.

Trans 200.08(1)(o) (o) Tourist-oriented directional sign removal shall not affect a sign requestor’s liability for any unpaid fees, interest and costs of collection as determined by the department.

Trans 200.08(2) (2) Businesses, services, activities permitted. In order to qualify for a tourist-oriented directional sign, the business, service or activity:

Trans 200.08(2)(a) (a) Shall be conducted in an appropriate area or in a building appropriately designed for the purpose and shall be open to the public;

Trans 200.08(2)(b) (b) May not be conducted in a building principally used as a residence unless there is a convenient, separate and well-marked entrance leading to the business, service or activity;

Trans 200.08(2)(c) (c) Shall be maintained in a manner consistent with standards generally accepted for that type of business, service or activity;

Trans 200.08(2)(d) (d) Shall be of significant interest to the traveling public to the extent that 50% or more of its annual visitors or its annual gross income is derived from customers residing outside the immediate area in which the business, service or activity is located; and

Trans 200.08(2)(e) (e) Shall qualify under one of the following categories: