The Highway Advertising Act of 1972 (Act) was amended in 2006, and recently in September 2009.

2006 Amendments

No new commercial permits will be issued to an individual or company who does not currently hold a commercial permit. If an individual or company does hold a commercial permit, they have the option of removing their current sign, receiving interim permits, and finding a more desirable location for a new sign. The maximum interim permits a permit holder can receive for removing a structure is two. The relocating and consolidation of existing commercial permits will allow for a reduction in the number of billboard structures throughout the state.

Vegetation management requirements were established to provide for the controlled use of removing and trimming to protect Michigan's roadside view scapes while at the same time allowing individuals and the billboard industry to fully utilize their existing signs. New penalties and streamlined administration processes will provide a more effective deterrent to illegal activities and more efficient regulation of the Highway Advertising Program.

2009 Amendments

The $100 penalty fee for delinquent renewal payment was eliminated. Permit holders are now charged an additional $20 renewal fee per permit if payment is not received at least 30 days prior to the permit(s) expiration date.

Religious and service club organizations may now apply for a non-commercial permit. Religious organization and service club signs can be no larger than 8 square feet and give notice of religious services, or about nonprofit service clubs or charitable associations. Those that hold permits in this category cannot surrender the permit(s) for an interim permit.