Sec. 394.003.  EXEMPTIONS.  (a)  This chapter does not apply to:
(1)  a sign that is allowed to be erected and maintained under the highway beautification provisions contained in Chapter 391;
(2)  a sign in existence before September 1, 1985;
(3)  a sign that has as its purpose the protection of life or property;
(4)  a directional or other official sign authorized by law, including a sign that pertains to a natural wonder or a scenic or historic attraction;
(5)  a sign that gives information about the location of an underground electric transmission line or a telegraph or telephone property or facility, a pipeline, a public sewer, or a waterline;
(6)  a sign erected by an agency or political subdivision of the state;  or
(7)  a sign erected solely for and relating to a public election if the sign:
(A)  is on private property;
(B)  is erected not earlier than the 90th day before the date of the election and is removed not later than the 10th day after the election date;
(C)  is constructed of lightweight material;  and
(D)  has a surface area not larger than 50 square feet.
(b)  Subsection (a)(2) does not exempt a sign from Section 394.048 to the extent that section applies.
 
Text of subsec. (c) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 718, Sec. 1
 
(c)  This chapter does not apply to a directional sign for a small business, as defined by Section 2006.011, Government Code, if the sign:
(1)  is on private property;  and
(2)  has a surface area not larger than 50 square feet.
 
Text of subsec. (c) as added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 2.05
 
(c)  This chapter does not apply to a directional sign for a small business, as defined by Section 2006.001, Government Code, if the sign:
(1)  is on private property;  and
(2)  has a surface area not larger than 50 square feet.
(d)  This chapter does not apply to a temporary directional sign or kiosk erected by a political subdivision as part of a program approved by the department and administered by the political subdivision on a highway within the boundaries of the political subdivision.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.23(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 718, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, Sec. 2.05, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by: 
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 611 (H.B. 412), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.