Mobile Variable Message Signage

Variable Message Signs (VMS) display electronically generated messages for advertising or information purposes.Variable Message Signs are generally mounted on a trailer or another vehicle that can be moved into a location as required, but also include portable electronically generated signs.

The use of VMS in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area is regulated under Council’s Interim Local Law (Advertising Devices) No. 2 2018 (Interim LL No.2 2018). They are a licensable sign under Council’sInterim LL No. 2 2018, as a Miscellaneous Advertising Device (see Table 3 of Interim LL No.2 2018).

Displaying VMS on public land

The display of VMS on public land i.e. land under federal, state or local government control including roads, roadsides, nature strips and pathways is prohibited with the exception of use by government bodies for community safety and information purposes. This is consistent with the regulation of ‘Mobile Advertising Devices’ under Interim LL 2, 2018 Table 2. Installation of a VMS that is also an ‘Election Advertising Device’ must not be installed on Public Land unless installed at a Political Information Booth.

Displaying VMS on private land

The display of VMS on private land is a licensable activity when the sign is visible from any public land (including roads), and is subject to Council approval and certain conditions.The VMS may contain Third Party Advertising unless the approval specifically restricts this.

Licence application process and requirements
If you wish to use VMS you must make application under Council’s Interim LL 2, 2018 by submitting an Installation of advertising devices (signs) application - Standard assessment orInstallation of advertising devices (signs) application – Expedited (Fast Track) Assessment and paying a non-refundable application fee.

Council’s approval and assessment process will confirm that the proposed VMS satisfies the local law requirements.

General conditions

  • The VMS must not endanger the health and safety of any person, and therefore should not obstruct or distract vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
  • The VMS must not be fixed to any tree, lighting standard, power pole or other infrastructure on, or otherwise exhibited upon or over a road or any land or public place controlled by the local government.
  • All approvals will be subject to conditions set by Council.
  • The VMS must be maintained in a safe, clean, tidy and sightly condition at all times to the satisfaction of the local government.
  • An operator must accept responsibility for any damage caused to the local governments' public infrastructure from the installation of a sign.
  • The operator must obtain and provide proof of public liability insurance to the value of $20 million in respect of the VMS.

General considerations

  • Visibility of signage from the roadway

Note: for any VMS visible from a Queensland State Government Main Road the sign must be suitable to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, which may require additional approval.

Where a VMS cannot be displayed

  • Generally in ‘Residential’ or ‘Rural area greenspace / open Space’ Environments as defined in Interim LL 2, - due to containing an electronic display aspect.
  • On public land - with the exception of use by government bodies for community safety and information purposes.

Non Compliance

The sign may only be displayed once the approval document has been issued. Approvals must generally be renewed each year.

Displaying a VMS on private land without local law approval is likely to be deemed conducting a ‘prescribed activity’ without approval and a contravention of Council’s local laws. Contravention of Council’s local laws can result in penalties and/or confiscation of the VMS.

Further Information

For further information refer to Moreton Bay Regional Council Interim Local Law (Advertising Devices) No. 2 2018, Licensable signs application fact sheet or contact Council during business hours on 07 3205 0555 or lodge a request via the website

Also refer to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads Traffic and Road Use Management Manual - Variable Message Signs: Use and Operation.

Note: information in this fact sheet is current to the 26 September 2018 when Interim Local Law (Advertising Devices) No. 2 2018 (Interim LL No.2 2018) expires.

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