Your service station and convenience store would be a perfect stop for travelers, but how do you let them know about it?
Getting your business onto a services sign is great advertising if you are located anywhere near a highway exit. But because the signs are controlled by government entities, there are a few hoops to jump through before you can get that coveted spot on the sign.
Signs appear before exits and also on exit ramps to indicate the direction and distance to your business.
First, your business has to meet the requirements defined by your state in terms of when you are open and what you provide. There are also regulations of logos used on signs and the manufacture of the signs themselves. Depending on the state, some of those details may be taken care of by one entity.
Keep in mind that your business will be expected to pay for signs for the main roads and the exit ramps in both directions.
Here’s an overview of how to get your gas station or related business on a highway sign in three Southeast states.
Florida
• Hours of operation vary per business. Among them, a gas station must operate at least 16 hours per day, 360 days per year to be eligible.
• Gas stations must provide fuel, oil, water and tire inflation; restrooms; a public telephone; and drinking water.
• You must be located within six miles of the interchange, but priority goes to those within three miles of the interchange.
• You can request an “RV-friendly” marker if your business caters to recreational vehicles.
• Permit fees may be higher for urban areas. Annual fees are based on traffic and population for each exit, ranging from $700 to $1245.
• Click here for an application and details
Georgia
• To be eligible, gas stations must be open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Gas stations must offer unleaded gasoline, oil and water; clean and accessible restrooms; and a public telephone.
• You must be located within two miles of the interchange.
• Annual fees are $1000 per main road, $200 per exit ramp, per direction.
• Click here for an application and details
Alabama
• To be eligible, gas stations must be open 16 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Logos are preferred for signage; if the business is national, a national logo is desired. Descriptive marketing words are prohibited. If a business is closed on a certain day, that may be indicated on the sign.
• Logos must be approved by the state Department of Transportation.
• The designations available are gas, food, lodging, camping and attractions.
• Gas businesses must be located no more than two miles from the Interstate and have an attendant on duty.
• Gas stations must offer gas, oil and air; free water for cars; a public telephone; rest rooms, and drinking water.
• Signs on main roads are $450; on ramps, $250. Click here for more options and fees
• You can pay for an “RV-friendly” marker if your business caters to recreational vehicles.
• Get General Information and information on Specific Contacts for your Area
