Which States Ban Billboards? Hawaii, Vermont, Maine and Alaska Explained
Updated 2026-10-14
Four US states ban billboards: Hawaii, Vermont, Maine and Alaska. Each one prohibits off-premise roadside billboards statewide, mainly to protect scenic landscapes that matter to tourism and residents. Everywhere else, billboards are legal but regulated, and many cities and counties restrict or prohibit new ones.
| State | Billboard ban since | How it passed |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 1927 | State law |
| Vermont | 1968 | State law |
| Maine | 1977 (took effect 1978) | State law |
| Alaska | 1998 | Voter initiative |
Sources: Alluvit Media, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Portland Press Herald, Scenic America.
Hawaii (since 1927)
Hawaii has the oldest billboard ban in the country. Today, Hawaii Revised Statutes §445-112 prohibits billboards and outdoor advertising devices except for listed exceptions like on-premises business signs, real estate signs, official signs and signs on vehicles that carry people or goods (HRS §445-112). Hawaii also bans mobile billboard trucks: since 2006, it has been unlawful to drive or park a vehicle used primarily to display paid advertising (HRS §445-112.5).
Full guide: advertising in Hawaii without billboards.
Vermont (since 1968)
Vermont was the first state on the mainland to ban billboards, in 1968 (VNRC). Instead of billboards, Vermont uses standardized travel information signs along state highways to direct visitors to businesses and attractions. The law does not regulate on-premise signs, so businesses can still put signs on their own property.
Maine (since 1977)
Maine's Legislature banned off-premises advertising signs in 1977, and the ban took effect in 1978, making Maine the first state on the East Coast to eliminate highway billboards (Portland Press Herald). The law, the Maine Traveler Information Services Act, replaced billboards with Official Business Directional Signs and travel information centers. Businesses can still display on-premises signs, and vehicles with advertising are allowed as long as they aren't parked permanently as a stationary sign.
Alaska (since 1998)
Alaska's ban came from voters. In 1998, Alaskans overwhelmingly approved Measure 5, declaring that "Alaska shall forever remain free of billboards" to protect the state's scenic beauty (Scenic America). An earlier territorial law had restricted roadside advertising as far back as 1949.
Why these states banned billboards
The reasons are similar in all four:
- Scenery is the economy. Tourism depends on landscapes, coastlines and mountain views.
- Local character. Residents saw billboards as visual clutter on rural roads.
- Federal momentum. The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 already required states to control billboards along major highways, and these states went further.
What about everywhere else?
In the other 46 states, billboards are legal but regulated. The federal Highway Beautification Act requires states to control outdoor advertising along Interstate and federal-aid primary highways, generally limiting new billboards to commercial and industrial areas (FHWA). On top of that, many cities and counties cap, restrict or prohibit new billboards, so even in billboard-friendly states, permits can be hard to get. See how to start a billboard business for how permits work.
How businesses advertise outdoors in states without billboards
A billboard ban doesn't end out-of-home advertising. In these states, businesses use:
- Transit and vehicle advertising, including fleet wraps on vehicles that carry people or goods
- Airport advertising, which reaches visitors and residents. See airport advertising costs
- Place-based and indoor screens in malls, hotels, gyms, offices and EV charging stations. See billboards vs street furniture vs place-based
- On-premises signs at their own locations
- Official directional signs, where state programs offer them (Vermont and Maine)
- Stadium, event and sponsorship signage
Always check state and local rules with the seller before you buy an outdoor-facing placement.
Frequently asked questions
What states don't allow billboards?
Hawaii, Vermont, Maine and Alaska ban roadside billboards statewide.
When did Vermont ban billboards?
In 1968. Vermont was the first mainland state to ban billboards, and it uses state travel information signs instead.
Why are there no billboards in Maine?
Maine's Legislature banned off-premises advertising signs in 1977, effective 1978, to protect its scenic highways. It replaced billboards with Official Business Directional Signs and travel information centers.
Are billboards allowed in Alaska?
No. Alaska voters approved Measure 5 in 1998, declaring that Alaska shall forever remain free of billboards.
Are there any cities that ban billboards?
Yes. Many US cities and counties prohibit or restrict new billboards through local zoning, even in states where billboards are legal.
Find outdoor advertising options
Browse operators by state and city, or request quotes for transit, place-based and other formats wherever you advertise.
Sources
- Alluvit Media, Which States Ban Billboards?
- Hawaii Revised Statutes §445-112 and §445-112.5
- Vermont Natural Resources Council, Banning Billboards
- Portland Press Herald, Have billboards been banned in Maine since 1977?
- Scenic America, Honoring Alaska's Billboard Ban
- Federal Highway Administration, Federal Outdoor Advertising Control Program