As a result of the emphasis on removing illegal advertising signs adjacent to highways, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has received complaints from businesses that without these advertising signs, motorists are unaware of their services. Often these businesses provide necessary motorist services (GAS, FOOD, LODGING, and CAMPING) for which general services signs (D9 series) can be provided by TxDOT. General services signs for qualifying businesses may help alleviate business owners’ complaints of reduced retail sales due to the removal of illegal advertising signs.

In the past, general services signing was primarily used on freeways and expressways where an exit maneuver had to be made before the services became visible to motorists. General services signing is usually unnecessary on conventional highways where the businesses are adjacent to and directly accessible from the highway. However, some businesses providing motorists services which are not directly visible or accessible from a conventional highway may be signed (D9 series), as referenced in of the TMUTCD. Districts should consider greater use of general services signs in areas where motorist services are infrequent.