Maryland Transportation Section 8-605

      (a)      Along any State highway, the Administration may place signs, signals, or markers to inform the traveling public of directions, distances, danger, or other information.

      (b)      (1)      Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall assume the full cost of installing and maintaining traffic signals required at the intersection of a State highway with any municipal street or highway or at any other place along a State highway that is within the limits of any municipal corporation.

            (2)      This subsection does not apply where the traffic signal primarily will serve traffic generated by a private development, such as an apartment complex, shopping center, industrial plant, or drive-in theater.

      (c)      Signs, signals, and markers placed along any interstate highway shall conform to all applicable federal standards.

      (d)      (1)      For the purpose of providing information to the driving public on the availability of gas, food, lodging, camping, or attractions, the Administration may place along State controlled access highways specific service signs, subject to the applicable federal standards.

            (2)      (i)      The Administration shall adopt regulations governing specific service signs.

                  (ii)      The regulations shall conform to all applicable federal standards, and shall govern the type, lighting, size, number, and location of specific service signs.

                  (iii)      The Administration shall consult with:

                        1.      The Maryland Travel Council prior to drafting regulations; and

                        2.      The Department of Business and Economic Development and the appropriate local government officials concerning the placement of specific service signs under this subsection.

            (3)      The business or attraction identified in a specific service sign shall pay for the full administrative and operational cost of procurement, installation, and maintenance of the sign.

            (4)      The Administration shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on or before January 9, 2002 on the installation of service signs along State controlled access highways under this subsection.

      (e)      Any person who removes, damages, or defaces any sign, signal, or marker placed under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.