Our goal is to keep Michigan's motorists safe, informed, and mobile. That is why MDOT offers many ways to help ease the stress of commuting by providing information that commuters want and need as they make daily travel decisions.
Did you know that millions of people visit the Great Lakes State every year? Whether you are from out of state or right here in Michigan, we want to ensure your travel throughout Michigan is informative, comfortable, and fun.
At MDOT, safety is paramount. It is our goal to improve overall safety for all road users, internal staff, contractors performing work on roads, and emergency responders.
Every year, MDOT produces an updated version of the state transportation map. The department also produces numerous geographic information system maps to assist commuters, tourists, and businesses.
In Michigan, there are three publicly-owned and operated bridges: Mackinac Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, and International Bridge. There are also two privately-owned and operated border crossings: Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
A vibrant and sustainable multimodal transportation system is vital to Michigan's future economic viability and competitiveness. From aviation to public transportation, rail, freight, and marine, MDOT is involved in all modes of transportation.
MDOT's Office of Business Development (OBD) manages external civil rights programs, such as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, the On-the-Job Training Program, and the Small Business Program, and ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, equal opportunity requirements for contractors, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
MDOT is committed to ensuring that projects, programs and services are performed without discrimination, under Title VI.
Contractors and vendors who work on federally assisted projects are required to establish and carry out policies to assure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, age, or disability.
The Bureau of Bridges and Structures is responsible for statewide policy, procedure development, and execution to ensure all bridges and structures are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to ensure safety.
MDOT provides funding for competitive grant and loan programs primarily, but not exclusively, for state and local road agencies for the greatest impact on economic development and job creation.
MDOT's Highway Programs focus on the development and management of the department's roadsides, environmental efforts and policies, and federal-aid highway information.
The Bureau of Transportation Planning develops and implements a comprehensive transportation planning process which results in investments that are consistent with the policies of the State Transportation Commission.
Research Administration supports and promotes innovative research that encourages safe, sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions throughout Michigan.
MDOT provides technologies and partnerships in order to make the transportation system safer and less congested.
MDOT has ongoing government-to-government communication with 12 federally recognized sovereign tribal governments whose lands are situated within Michigan.
The Office of Communications works with the media to inform the public of MDOT's mission, policies and practices in a positive, consistent and credible manner. The office is responsible for media relations, social media, and website development.
Public participation is integral to efficient, effective and responsive transportation decisions. At MDOT, we want to ensure your voice is not only heard, but makes a difference in moving Michigan forward.
Transportation Reality Check takes on transportation myths and misconceptions, and explains why MDOT does things the way they do.
Resources for the development of quality transportation project documents and services.
Resources for specialized engineering and technical support for construction staff.
Resources for prequalification, bid letting, contract awards, and payments.
Resources for consultant advisories, prequalification information, contracts, and proposals.
Resources for grant and economic development opportunities and project coordination.
Resources for local governmental agencies that regularly require access to state right of way.
Resources for MDOT real estate standards, policies and procedures, and training.
Resources for general work zone mobility guidelines for engineering and technical staff.
Resources for rules, guidelines, restrictions, and permits to safely transport goods.
Open data refers to data that has been officially classified as public that can be made freely available for everyone to use without credentials or restrictions. MDOT promotes transparency, innovation and informed decision-making by providing datasets classified as public freely available to everyone.
MDOT's goal is to support the implementation and use of GIS software and hardware through innovative solutions that solve spatial problems and support more informed decisions about Michigan's transportation infrastructure.
The technical training (TT) course schedule lists the various technical training courses offered through the Office of Organizational Development during the construction off-season months for the local agencies and consultants.
The Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students interested in civil engineering and construction management careers, valuable experience by working with professional field staff.
TRAC engages high school and middle school students in solving real-world problems, such as designing bridges or analyzing the environmental effects of building a highway.
The MDOT Transportation Career Pathways Program is committed to helping you build a fulfilling and rewarding career in the transportation industry, even if you're not entirely sure where to start.
MDOT's Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a rotational program that provides new engineers experience in multiple work areas while being assigned a senior-level mentor.
The Veteran Internship Program assists honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces as they transition into the civilian workforce.
Engineering Week videos and lesson plans are all-inclusive resources to show early elementary to high school students the career of civil engineering at MDOT.
At MDOT, we are here to help. If you can't find what you are looking for in our popular topics, frequently asked questions or website search, give us a call at 517-241-2400 or fill out our contact form.
MDOT's seven region offices each handle transportation-related construction, maintenance and programs within the region's geographic boundaries.
The Office of Policy and Government Relations represents MDOT's interests as new or amendatory legislation is developed or moving through the legislative process.
Commissions and councils provide a public forum for policy development and implementation.
Policies help the department implement its mission of serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation.
Allows MDOT's regions and engineers to expand their knowledge on how Michigan freeways are operating over time and how they compare to each other.
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No. MDOT does not have the authority to regulate the content of billboards. The Highway Advertising Act of 1972 limits MDOT to regulate the location, size, lighting, and spacing of billboards.
Businesses serving travelers and tourists can have signs erected along Michigan highways and state roads under two programs offered by the MDOT.
The Tourist Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) program provides directional signs for eligible tourist attractions located off the state rural roadway system.
The Specific Services Signing Program (also known as Logo Signing) permits eligible businesses to place their logos on specific service sign panels that identify key services along designated freeways.
Get the criteria about these programs at Michigan Logos, Inc., 517-337-2267 or 888-645-6467.
On-premises signs and official signs are exempt from the permit requirement. An on-premises sign is a sign advertising activities conducted or maintained on the property on which it is located. An official sign is erected within a municipality, by the municipality or governmental entity, for non-commercial purposes, and maintained by the local governmental entity.
An interim permit is not for a specific location. It allows a permit holder to apply for a location anywhere in the State of Michigan to erect a sign. MDOT shall issue an interim permit or permits to a holder of a valid permit or permits if the following conditions are met:
An interim permit is also transferrable. A permit holder can transfer an interim permit.
If the permit holder has an interim permit, and has determined a proposed location, they can apply on-line using the interim permit(s). If the permit holder has a permit associated with a built sign, the sign and sign structure would need to be removed, and that permit exchanged for an interim permit. Prior to applying for a location approval, the permit holder should be aware that the location needs to meet, but is not limited to, the following requirements:
MDOT accepts applications for vegetation removal or trimming anytime during the year. Applying for a permit is a three-step process:
Effective July 1, 2010, permit holders must apply for permit(s), renew, or transfer permit(s) on-line. New or existing permit holders will register through the MDOT Permit Gateway (MPG) to access the Internet Highway Advertising Program (IHAP). For more information, visit the MPG page.
In order to meet the requirements of the Highway Advertising Act of 1972 as amended, a proposed sign location shall meet the following zoning requirements:
Zoning that is not part of a comprehensive zoning plan and is taken primarily to permit outdoor advertising structures shall not be accepted.
The minimum distance required from one sign to the next on the same side of the highway or roadway, regardless of which way the sign faces, is as follows:
When signs are located outside of incorporated municipalities, a sign structure shall not be permitted adjacent to or within 500 feet of an interchange, an intersection at grade or a safety roadside rest area. A municipality is an incorporated city, an incorporated village, or a charter township.
MDOT will send you a letter explaining why your proposed location does not qualify for a state permit. If you disagree with the denial, you may request a hearing in front of the Administrative Law Judge at the Michigan Administrative Hearing System within 60 days of the denial.
You will receive location approval from the MDOT stating that you have one year from the date of location approval to construct your sign. If the sign is not constructed within that timeframe, the location approval expires and you will need to submit new applications. If the sign is constructed, the applicant will notify MDOT of completion. MDOT will confirm compliance with the approval. Permits will then be issued.
The permit holder, at their own expense, shall place all permits issued on each sign facing or sign structure. The permit number or permit numbers shall be visible from the highway faced by the sign or sign structure and shall be at least 4 inches in height. If the permit issued is for a religious or service club sign, the numbers shall be at least two inches in height.
The application fee (for each side of a sign) is as follows:
Permit fees are as follows:
Expiration dates are on a quarterly system for the year to provide for a more even workload for the MDOT staff. The expiration dates will be the last day of March, June, September, or December. A prorating of the renewal fee will be made for permits that fall on quarter that does not match the assigned expiration dates. This typically happens when permits are transferred to another.
When a permit or permits expire, a Notice of Non-Payment - 60 Day Compliance will be sent by certified mail to the permit holder. The permit holder shall pay the amount due or cancel the permit or permits and remove the sign and sign structure. MDOT shall cancel the permit should one of the foregoing is not completed within 60 days from the expiration date.
An annual application for sign permit renewal will be e-mailed to the permit holder 60 days prior to the permit(s) expiration date.
If renewal fees are not paid on-line by the permit(s) expiration, the annual renewal fee for each permit shall increase by an additional $50. If the annual renewal fee for any permit is not paid on-line within 60 days after the permit expiration date, the department shall cancel the permit.
Payment is required to be made on-line by e-check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa or Discover). There is a $2 processing fee added to the payment.
Sign permits and interim permits are transferrable. The transfer shall be completed online. If the purchaser does not have an online account, a new account will need to be created. Instructions and information on registering a new account and transferring a permit can be found on the Highway Advertising (Billboards) webpage.
In accordance with Section 252.307(4) of the Highway Advertising Act of 1972, as amended, a transfer fee of $100 shall be assessed for each permit requested to be transferred, up to a maximum of $500 for a request that identifies five or more permits. If the department incurs additional costs directly attributable to special and unique circumstances associated with the requested transfer, the department may assess a transfer fee greater than the maximums identified in this subsection to recover those costs incurred by the department.
If you remove the sign to repair it or remove it for a season and intend to put it back, please inform MDOT. If you receive a violation letter regarding your sign, you may have the option to apply for a permit. If the sign location does not qualify for a permit, and the sign is required to be removed, you will either need to remove the sign and sign structure within the timeframe specified in the violation letter or request an administrative hearing.
If you have been ordered by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to remove your sign, you are to remove it within the time frame prescribed in the ALJ's order. If you do not remove the sign and the removal falls on MDOT, the sign owner or the landowner (if the sign owner cannot be found) will be charged double the cost of removal or $500, whichever is greater.
MDOT has not issued new permits for signs since January 1, 2007. This means that an applicant cannot begin an application for a new location without holding an interim permit and using that interim permit to begin the application process. To obtain a permit, you will need to purchase it from an existing permit holder. Inquiries related to existing permit holders can be directed to Melissa Staffeld at 517-335-2209.
