Billboards are ugly, and they wreck Ohio’s beauty. We call upon our state leaders to enact legislation that bans the construction and renewal of off-premise billboards along all highways and major roadways in the state of Ohio.

🌄 Why This Matters

Ohio’s rolling fields, wooded hills, lakeshores, and historic towns deserve to be seen — not sold. As we travel across our state, towering billboards block the views that give Ohio its identity and beauty, replacing them with cluttered commercial messages. We believe our public roadways should reflect our character, not our consumption.

🚘 Billboards Are Unsafe, Unnecessary, and Obsolete

Distracted driving is a growing threat. Digital and oversized billboards divert drivers’ attention and increase the risk of accidents.

Environmental impacts include constant lighting, visual pollution, and damage to trees and wildlife corridors.

Tourism and local economies thrive when roads are beautiful, not bombarded by ads. Clean visual corridors enhance first impressions and support pride in place.

Billboards are no longer needed. With smartphones, GPS, Google Maps, and platforms like Yelp and Waze, travelers already know where to go. Modern digital tools have made physical roadside advertising functionally obsolete.

📜  Other States Have Done It — Successfully

Four U.S. states have already banned off-premise billboards — and the results speak for themselves:

Vermont (since 1968) — used a 5-year phase-out plan and strict legal definitions to eliminate billboards statewide. Scenic tourism flourished.

Maine (since 1979) — restored visibility to its world-famous coastlines and backroads.

Alaska and Hawaii — protect two of the most iconic natural landscapes in America by refusing visual advertising clutter.

These laws have survived legal challenges, enhanced public spaces, and strengthened state identities. Ohio can do the same — and become a leader in the Midwest.

✅  What We’re Asking For

We urge Ohio to pass legislation that includes:

A statewide ban on new off-premise billboard construction along all state and federal highways and major roadways.

A clear amortization period (e.g., 5–10 years) for the removal of existing nonconforming signs.
Legally precise definitions distinguishing off-premise from on-premise signs to ensure constitutionality.

Statewide preemption authority to close loopholes in local zoning ordinances and avoid industry manipulation.

Encouragement of on-premise signage and digital alternatives to support local business visibility in a modern, respectful way.

We recommend Vermont’s legislation (10 V.S.A. Chapter 21, §§ 480–491) as a model. It is proven, effective, and can be tailored to Ohio’s needs.

🎥 Watch and Learn

🌼 Vermont’s Model Billboard Ban https://www.scenic.org/take-action/resources/billboard-resources/case-study-vermonts-billboard-ban/

🎥 The Highway Beautification Act Explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IxTbgBmukE&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD4gcNEgtjaGF0Z3B0LmNvbQ%3D%3D

📽️ Short Video: The States That Banned Billboardshttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/itnu1JDqr6c

✍️ Sign Today

Let’s return dignity to Ohio’s roads. Let’s protect the views we all share and enjoy. Let’s stop selling our skyline to the highest bidder — and preserve it for future generations.

Sign now to support a statewide ban on highway billboards in Ohio.