Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

County considers mobile billboard safety regulations

Mobile Billboards

Christopher DeVargas

A mobile billboard promoting the Atomic Saloon Show is seen on the Strip, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019

Two years ago, Michael Foland launched a digital mobile billboard company with the goal of building the “biggest, brightest truck in the world.”

Since then, FLO Advertising’s business has skyrocketed, Foland said. Its trucks, featuring digital displays more than 30 times brighter than the typical TV, can be spotted cruising the Strip advertising everything from energy drinks to beer to tech companies.

And Flo Advertising isn’t alone. More than a half dozen other companies offer similar services, prompting Clark County officials to take a closer look at safety regulations for mobile billboards.

“I’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff here that needs to be cleaned up,” Foland said, citing things such as driver licensing issues and traffic violations.

A proposed county ordinance would prohibit trailer-drawn billboards and limit the overall size of vehicles to 32 feet long and 8.5 feet wide. The trucks would also be prohibited from operating in winds over 35 mph and from making U-turns.

The ordinance would also bar billboard trucks from parking in residential neighborhoods.

“We are proposing the ordinance because of some of the public safety concerns,” said Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson, whose district covers the Strip. “We really want to implement minimum safety standards of operation, especially on congested roadways like the Strip.

“We’ve talked to representatives of the industry; it’s our belief they don’t have a problem with adding regulations,” Gibson said.

Foland said he isn’t bothered by the ordinance, although he expects a proposed $500 per truck annual licensing fee might get some pushback from the industry.

“I do take a lot of pride in this,” Foland said. “I want to help people get their message out, but these regulations will tighten things up.”

Jeremie Watkins, managing partner at Kre8 Media Outdoor Advertising, said the ordinance would put some additional burdens on the business.

But, he said, “It’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make for the greater good. The Strip is probably the single most important road in our state.”