Transport Authority Has Not Fined Roadside Advertisement Sign Violations

Advertising farm products at the roadside requires permission from the Transport Authority, but many farmers are unaware of this requirement. The authority has so far limited itself to explanatory work in cases of unauthorized signs and has not issued any fines.

Hand-written signs advertising strawberries, cucumbers, honey, and other farm products appear along Estonian roads each summer. However, few sellers are aware that this activity requires prior authorization from the Transport Authority.

What does the law require?

According to the Traffic Act, all roadside signs are classified as traffic-unrelated information media, which are subject to strict requirements. To obtain permission, one must submit a written application to the Transport Authority along with a colored design of the sign and a location diagram. Viktor Kisseljov, head of the Northern Department of the Road Maintenance Service of the Transport Authority, confirmed that application processing is quite swift. "As a rule, we process things quickly. I believe that within seven working days it is possible to receive feedback or even approval if everything is in order. The sign must not resemble a traffic sign nor draw excessive attention, must not mislead road users, and must not obstruct visibility," Kisseljov explained.

The sign must not be attached to a traffic sign post or placed in a location where it could interfere with other road users. On major state roads, the distance from the roadside must be at least 12 meters. According to Kisseljov, an improperly placed sign can create a traffic hazard: drivers may suddenly brake to see what is being sold, or park dangerously.

Farmers Surprised

Such requirements have been in force in the Traffic Act for over ten years, but for many this comes as news. Strawberry seller Ilmar Rohusalu finds the process overly bureaucratic. "I think this is too much bureaucracy, this could be done much more simply," he said, adding that people should have access to simple and clear instructions rather than a complex application process.

Timo Varblas, head of the Estonian Farmers' Association, admitted that he too learned of this requirement for the first time. He believes that instead of requiring applications, officials could provide practical guidance, such as how far before a turn-off to place a sign so that drivers have time to react. "This certainly does not align with our bureaucracy reduction plan," Varblas noted.

Authority Prefers Explanation

The Transport Authority does not keep statistics on applications, but acknowledges that in summer, when farmers sell fresh produce, there are many unauthorized signs. When finding unauthorized advertisements along the roadside, the authority contacts the seller; often a phone number is written on the sign, which facilitates communication. In recent years, the authority has issued fewer than ten orders regarding unauthorized advertisements, and no fines have been imposed.