Sign of the End Times

Arkansas News Bureau reports today that the Administrative Rules and Regulations Committee of the Arkansas Legislative Council approved a proposed regulation by the state Highway Department to allow advertisers to apply for permits to place "electronic message devices" alongside state highways. The Arkansas Association of Outdoor Advertising asked for the change, which drew only positive reactions during the period allowed for public comments, said Scott Bennett of the Highway Department.

The regulation requires messages displayed on the billboards to remain static for at least eight seconds at a time to avoid distracting drivers, Bennett said. The transition from one message to another can take no more than two seconds. Other states that have chosen to allow electronic billboards have not seen increases in accidents.

Fayetteville saw a 7-year legal battle over an 8-inch by 3-foot electronic sign inside the window of John La-Tour’s Sprint Tax office on Sixth Street that flashed Bible verses and Jim Bob Dugger political messages. The City of Fayetteville had him arrested for having a non-conforming sign, claiming that it could distract motorists and cause traffic jams on 6^th Street. The guy was convicted in municipal court then settled with an agreement that he could change his message no more frequently than every three hours, but the constitutional controversy eventually went to the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court, which ruled in favor of the City.

Since LaTour’s Sprint Tax office is on Highway 62, will his sign be covered by the city’s 3-hour rule or the state’s 8-second rule? Will Developer Dan have him arrested again for making 6^th Street look tacky?