PO Box 5251, Helena, MT 59604
800-285-5646
info@montanalogosigns.com
Q & A–Specific Information Signs
Q & A–TODS
Q: What is a Specific Information Sign?
A: Specific Information Signs are a motorist information sign that is located on the interstate highway system and that contains:
Q: Where are Specific Information Signs placed?
A: Specific Information Signs may be erected and maintained within the right-of-way of the interstate highway system to give the traveling public specific information as to motorist services available on a crossroad or near an interchange.
Q: Who may participate?
A: Specific Information Signs are available to all Montana gas, food, lodging, or tourist businesses, provided they meet the Specific Information Signs Criteria as outlined by the State.
Q: What is the participation fee?
A: Specific Information Signs' monthly fee is $99 per Mainline Sign, $23 per Supplemental Directional Sign, if needed, and $23 per Trailblazing Sign, if needed.
Q: Who supplies my Specific Information Sign(s)?
A: You do. You may purchase them from us or another approved supplier for a one-time cost. Your logo panel(s) remains your property. Please contact us for more information and sign specifications.
Q: Are Specific Information Signs effective?
A: Extremely. Specific Information Signs programs have been inexistence for ov er 30 years and traveler-related services rely heavily on them to direct customers to their businesses. Located directly on highway right-of-ways, participating businesses experience high exposure and visibility. Many will attest to sharp increases of customer visits, some as high as 25% or more, after placement of their logo panel.
Montana’s popularity as a must-see state continues to escalate. This year, well over a BILLION dollars will be spent by non-resident visitors.
Q & A–Tourist Oriented Directional Signs
Q: What is a TODS sign?
A: TODS is an acronym for Tourist Oriented Directional Signs. TODS are two feet tall by six feet wide sign panels with 3M® reflective sheeting that provide business identification and directional information day and night.
Q: TODS signs look state authorized. Are they?
A: Yes. The TODS program was designed by the Federal Highway Administration and established by the Montana Department of Transportation to provide motorists with directional information for tourist related businesses, services, and activities.
Q: Where are TODS signs placed?
A: TODS panels are placed in the right-of-way by Montana state and U.S. highways preceding intersecting roadways along which participating businesses and activities are located. Arrows and mileage on the panels will indicate which direction — left, right, or in some cases straight ahead — the business will be found.
Q: Who may participate?
A: All Montana providers of gas, food, lodging, camping, and tourist attractions subject to the “Criteria” and certain “Other Requirements” found in this pamphlet.
Q: What is the participation fee?
A: The participation fee is $43.00 per month, per direction.
Q: May I participate if I’m a seasonal business or attraction?
A: Yes, you may participate in the TODS program seasonally, and subject to a recent change, you need only pay for the months you are open with a five (5) month minimum each year. A “Closed” panel must overlay each of your TODS panel(s) when you are not open.
Q: Who supplies my TODS panel(s)?
A: You do. You may purchase them from us for a one-time cost of $250.00, per panel (block white letters on a blue background). Full color logos and trademarks are extra.
Q: Are TODS panels effective?
A: Studies done in Washington and Oregon by the federal government indicate an extremely high business benefit to cost ratio.
