AUSTIN - State transportation officials are reminding citizens of the opportunity to offer comments on proposed rules for allowing electronic billboards along Texas highways.

In August, the Texas Transportation Commission voted to propose the rules that would allow changeable electronic signs to be located only in municipalities or their extraterritorial jurisdiction and the municipality must approve each one. No changeable electronic signs would be allowed in unincorporated areas.

The proposal, by the Texas Department of Transportation, would not allow moving images on billboards or flashing lights. The signs would display a static, electronic message.

To reduce distractions to motorists, several restrictions are proposed, including:

• Each sign must only be visible from only one direction of travel.
• Each message must be displayed for at least eight seconds.
• Changing of messages must be accomplished within two seconds and simultaneously on the entire sign face.
• Intensity of the display must be automatically adjustable to prevent glare and distraction.

A public hearing will be held at 9 a.m. on Nov. 28, at TxDOT headquarters, 125 E. 11th Street, in Austin. Written comments may be submitted to: John Campbell, Director, Right of Way Division, Texas Department of Transportation,125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483. Deadline for comments is 5 p.m., Dec. 6, 2007.