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<br />driver is exposed to a light source so bright that it temporarily blinds the driver, impairing their <br />ability to perform driving tasks, This temporary blindness is brief, but can be dangerous. <br />Discomfort Glare occurs when a light source is bright enough to distract or encourage the driver <br />to look away from the light, but is not blinding. Discomfort glare is of particular concern in <br />cases where a bright sign is located in the same line of sight as a traffic sign, signal or another <br />vehicle. <br /> <br />While concerns about glare are not unique to dynamic signs, newer sign technologies, which <br />often include dynamic components, have the technical capability to emit more light and/or <br />respond to ambient light conditions, raising additional concerns about sign brightness in areas <br />where signs compete with regulatory traffic signs or signals. <br /> <br />3.6 Billboards and Other Signage Regulation: a Minnesota Perspective <br /> <br />Roadside signage is governed by policies and laws at the federal, state and local levels. <br />Minnesota Statute, Chapter 173 seeks to "reasonably and effectively regulate and control the <br />erection or maintenance of advertising devices on land adjacent to such highways." The statute <br />requires adherence to federal statutes with respect to interstate and primary systems of highways, <br /> <br />Minnesota Statute Ch. 173.16 Subd. 3, regulates lighting of signs. Signs which are "illuminated <br />by any flashing light or lights, except those giving public service information" (time, date, <br />temperature, weather or news) are prohibited, This section also states: <br /> <br />(b) Advertising devices shall not be erected or maintained which are not effectively <br />shielded so as to prevent beams or rays oflight from being directed at any portion of the <br />traveled way of an interstate or primary highway, of such intensity or brilliance as to <br />cause glare or impair the vision of the operator of any motor vehicle; or which otherwise <br />interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle are prohibited. <br /> <br />and <br /> <br />(c) Outdoor advertising devices shall not be erected or maintained which shall be so <br />illuminated that they interfere with the effectiveness of or obscure any official traffic <br />sign, device or signal. <br /> <br />3.7 Billboard and Other Signage Regulation: Other Perspectives <br /> <br />During the course of this study, several articles were found which summarize regulation of <br />dynamic signage in other states: <br /> <br />Wisconsin Department of Transportation <br />Electronic Billboards and Highway Safety (2003) 26 <br /> <br />The Wisconsin Department of Transportation also published a literature review report to <br />further explain the current state of EBB research, Although much of the information is <br /> <br />~19 <br />