OTE - Oregon Travel Experience

Highway Business Signs

*Please note that signs may not be available at all locations. Federal and state rules govern sign placement, the number of signs in any given area, and what types of businesses are allowed on signs. We will work with you to research availability, and place you on a wait-list if applicable. There is no charge to apply for a sign permit or to retain your rank on the wait-list.

sign_web_box1Oregon Travel Information Council serves both local businesses and the larger business community through our logo and directional signs. Showcasing your brand to the motoring public is vital to business identity. OTIC signs carry a unique, timely, and credible endorsement to motorists.

In many instances, highway signs help form a visitor’s first impressions of Oregon and are often a reflection of the local communities in which they exist. Our highway business sign staff will look for innovative ways to help sustain your business while providing accountability for your investment.

This web page is a summary of each of the OTIC highway business signs. While permit applications are included under each sign type, linking directly to the FAQ pages provides more in-depth information that may help you successfully complete the application.

Interstate Logo Signs

or_signAlmost 100 percent of motorists in a random survey told OTIC they could recall seeing iconic blue highway logo signs. Typically the signs are located near a freeway exit and call attention to essential services (gas, food, lodging, camping and attraction categories). When interstate logo signs were introduced in 1972, Oregon was one of the first states to adopt the concept, thereby replacing cluttered billboards.

The Interstate Logo Sign functions as a two way street on the information highway. They not only benefit the traveler but are invaluable to the businesses who secure space on them. OTIC’s business customers report that logo and attraction signs help guide motorists to their venue, thereby increasing their revenue.  Signs are not considered advertising but are officially known as “traffic controlled devices.” Whatever they’re known as, they actually alert motorists to upcoming services (and businesses) and local attractions—providing drivers the opportunity to exit the freeway to sample local food, enjoy the sights or participate in a great travel experience.

Want to learn more about how your business can be featured on an Oregon Travel Information Council Interstate logo sign?

If you need the free Adobe Reader application to download the PDF, please see the link at the bottom of this page.

Off-interstate Logo Signs

Oregon is one of two states in the entire US to offer these smaller versions of freeway logo signs. The off-interstate sign is normally installed on primary and secondary highway routes. With help from the Oregon Department of Transportation, OTIC obtained federal approval in 1979 to begin off-interstate sign placement.

Off-interstate logo signs are similar to their larger cousins, but are scaled down versions with smaller logos for gas, food, lodging, and camping categories. (There is no Off-Interstate logo sign for the category “Attraction,” however, a Tourist Oriented Directional may be what your business needs to help motorists find their way to you via secondary roadways.)

If you think your business might be a good fit for this sign style, find out more:

If you need the free Adobe Reader application to download the PDF, please see the link at the bottom of this page.

Tourist Oriented Directional (TOD) signs

Oregon Travel Experience Tourist Oriented DirectionalDo you own a glass blowing studio near Cannon Beach or a hops tasting room in the Willamette Valley? The TOD may be exactly what you need to pull in a greater number of visitors and help grow your business. Tourists and vacationing Oregonians enjoy discovering new and unique places to stop and savor the flavor of the “real” Oregon. Qualifying tourist oriented businesses are facilities offering cultural, recreational, educational, agricultural or other entertainment activities.

If you think a TOD might be up your salt water taffy alley, read more:

Museum and Historic Site signs

The earthy brown color on this sign is easily recognized and directs travelers to nearby museums or historic sites. The brown and white panels were adopted by OTIC in 1991 to help visitors find their way to historical attractions while remaining consistent with nationally recognized colors. These signs are placed along non-interstate and rural highways.

OTIC coordinates the installation of museum and historic site signs with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Qualifying museums or historical sites are facilities approved by OTIC after consultation with the Oregon Historical Society and the Oregon Museum Association. If you believe your museum or historic site should be included in this site specific program, please find out more:

If you need the free Adobe Reader application to download the PDF, please see the link at the bottom of this page.

Traffic regulation note

While businesses may view logo placement as a form of highway business advertising, the signs are in fact classified as official traffic control devices and are regulated by both federal and state laws.

Contact, brochures, and help answering sign program questions

If you’ve read the FAQs for each type of sign and you still have questions or want to “sign” your business up, contact the Sign Program staff:

Brochures

Are you already a sign customer, but would like refer OTIC to your friends who own businesses that might benefit from an OTIC sign? Download a copy of our latest brochure. * New brochure coming soon.*

Technical resources

To read PDF files, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is free downloadable software on the Adobe solutions website and will help you to print out your application and fill in by hand. Unless you have Adobe Pro (a paid software component) you will not be able to fill in the above permit applications on your computer. The files have not been formatted to allow for this. If you would prefer documents in Word, which may be filled out on your computer, please use this link. Please contact our office if you experience any difficulties printing your brochure and we will mail you one.