If you would like to skip the “rates and FAQs” section and proceed to the application process, please refer to the “technical resources” section at the bottom of this page. You will need the free Adobe Reader application. (A link is provided to the Adobe Reader site as well.)
Oregon Travel Experience sign fees are determined by highway location and traffic density:
I-5, Exits 249-308, Salem-Portland; Hwy 217, Tigard & Beaverton; Hwy 26, Portland-North Plains; I-205; Hwy 213, Oregon City; I-84 Exits 13-17, Portland-Troutdale:
I-5, Exits 189-248, Eugene-Turner; OR 126, Springfield; Beltline Hwy, Eugene; Hwy 22 East, Salem-Stayton; Bend Parkway, Exits 135-142:
I-5, Exits 5-188, Ashland-Goshen; I-84, Exits 18-376, Corbett-Ontario; Hwy 97, Klamath Falls; I-82:
Logo sign: The first or primary sign a business has in any given direction of travel is known as the logo sign. This blue sign precedes the exit ramps on the freeway. They include a service designation (e.g. gas, food, lodging, camping, or attraction), next exit or a specific exit number, and a business logo plaque. On the billing invoice, these signs are referred to as “LOGO”.
Supplemental sign: The secondary sign a business may have in any given direction of travel is known as the supplemental sign. If a business is not visible from the freeway off-ramp, they may require a supplemental sign. This blue sign typically includes a directional arrow, a service designation (e.g. gas, food, lodging, camping or attraction) and a business logo plaque. When necessary, mileage is also indicated below the plaque. These signs are located on or following the off-ramp. On the billing invoice, these signs are referred to as “SUPP”.
The placement of logo and supplemental signs is determined by an engineering study of the Interstate.
Where navigation is difficult, multiple supplemental signs may be necessary.
If more than one business requests a sign at the same exit, multiple plaques may be installed on the same logo or supplemental signs.
What are Interstate logo signs? Interstate logo signs are seen as an alternative to billboard advertising by many businesses, but in fact they are classified as traffic control devices and must meet all regulations set by the Federal Highway Administration and State of Oregon standards. If sign regulations set by federal and state agencies are not strictly enforced, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) could lose federal funding.
Interstate logo signs are constructed with a blue back panel where individual business logos are mounted. Interstate logo signs display five different types of services: gas, food, lodging, camping, and attractions.
How long does it take to get a logo sign? It depends. In addition to OTE’s criteria and roadway review, new sign installation requires an ODOT engineering review. Oregon Travel Experience strives to process applications within 30 days. Once ODOT is in receipt of the application, their process is usually completed within 40 days. After approval, the installation time table is based on customer response to OTE’s contract and plaque manufacturing standards. (Plaque receipt from the customer’s manufacturer of choice impacts the final installation timetable.)
How much does it cost? Annual permit fees are based on population density (how many people live in a particular area) and highway traffic volume (number of cars on the road). For example, a sign located near Portland might cost more than a sign located near Klamath Falls.
How many logo signs are allowed per interchange (off-ramps and exits)? A maximum of four logo signs may be allowed per interchange, per direction (north and southbound).
How many logo plaques can be placed on each sign? A maximum of six logos may be placed on each sign.
If there is no sign currently near the exit or off-ramp, can one be installed there? Logo signs can be placed at an interchange as long as it meets highway sign-spacing requirements. Federal regulations require 800 feet between highway logo signs. No signs can be placed near highway junctions or interchanges guiding motorists to another freeway or expressway. Signs cannot be placed at interchanges where a motorist cannot easily exit the highway and re-enter to travel in the same direction.
How many logo plaques can one business have per direction? Logo plaques are limited to one per direction, per business. For example, a business cannot have logo signs at two consecutive interchanges on I-5 northbound. Logo plaques are mounted on signs at the exit closest to the actual business location.
How far away from the interchange (exit) can a business be located and still qualify? If the logo represents a gas, food, lodging, or attraction location, it must be located within one mile of the interchange. If the logo directs travelers to a camping location, the facility must be located within three miles of the interchange. (A business or facility may apply for a distance waiver in some cases. Please contact OTE for more information.)
How can motorists find my business if it is not visible from the off-ramp? Supplemental signs with mileage indicators are placed on exit ramps. They are smaller versions of the highway logo signs. Supplemental signs are required when a business is not visible to motorists exiting the highway and where safety might be compromised in routing traffic to the location.
Where do I get a logo plaque? Logo plaques will be supplied by you, after the application process is complete. After sign approval, OTE will provide you with a contract and plaque manufacturing specifications (as well as a list of plaque manufacturers). After the preliminary design sketch is approved by you and OTE, the manufacturer sends the finished plaques to a specific sign crew for installation.
You may download the OTE Interstate Logo Application (PDF format) and return it to our offices via email or by US mail. For more help with the application process, please contact us at the phone number below. If you need the free Adobe Reader to download the form, please visit: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
If you have remaining questions about Interstate logo signs or supplemental signs, please contact Oregon Travel Experience Sign Program staff or call 1-800-574-9397.