Rhode Island General Laws Title 24. Highways § 24-10.1-1. Declaration of policy

In order to prevent unreasonable distraction of operators of motor vehicles, to prevent confusion with respect to compliance with traffic lights, signs, signals and regulations, to promote the safety, convenience, and enjoyment of travel upon highways within this state and to protect the public investment therein, to preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty or aesthetic features of the highways and adjacent areas, and in the general welfare of the people of this state, the general assembly declares it to be the policy of this state that the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising in areas adjacent to the rights-of-way of the interstate, primary, secondary road systems within this state shall be regulated in accordance with the terms of this chapter and the regulations promulgated by the director of transportation pursuant thereto and finds that all outdoor advertising which does not conform to the requirements of this chapter is a public nuisance. It is the intention of the general assembly in this chapter to provide a statutory basis for regulation of outdoor advertising consistent with the public policy relating to areas adjacent to the interstate and primary highway systems as declared by congress in title 23 of the United States Code, Highways. Further, the general assembly declares the policy also to regulate other roads within the state.