Section 40-1901 - LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND POLICY - TOURIST RELATED ADVERTISING DEVICES(1) The state of Idaho herewith finds and determines that the removal of tourist related signs which were lawfully created under state law in force at the time of their erection which do not conform to the requirements of section 131(o), title 23, United States Code, which provide directional information about goods and services in the interest of the traveling public, and which were in existence on May 6, 1976, may work a substantial economic hardship in defined areas within the state. (2) The legislature further finds and declares that outdoor advertising is a form of commercial use of the public highway and regulation and removal of outdoor advertising is a highway purpose. In order to provide for maximum visibility along highways and to permit unobstructed view of connecting highways and intersections, to prevent the distraction of operators of motor vehicles, to prevent confusion with respect to traffic lights, signs or signals, or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of traffic regulations, to preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty of areas traversed by interstate and primary highways, to protect the public investment in highways, to promote the recreational value of public travel, to conform to the expressed intent of congress to control the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising displays, and to promote the maximum safety, comfort and well-being, of the users of highways, the legislature finds and declares it to be necessary in the public interest to regulate the erection and maintenance of outdoor advertising structures, signs and displays and the business or occupation, in areas adjacent to interstate and primary highways, in accordance with the terms of this chapter and regulations promulgated by the board.[40-1901, added 1985, ch. 253, sec. 2, p. 682.]