The term dynamic message sign is an umbrella classification for numerous intelligent transportation systems (ITS) en-route information sign technologies. Included under this umbrella are: changeable message signs, variable message signs, blank out signs, and lane control signs. This research effort looks at permanent variable and changeable message sign technologies only and will refer to them as "variable message signs (VMS)." With the proliferation of dynamic message signs throughout the United States, are variable message signs being operated and maintained uniformly at a national level, if not, is the overall effectiveness and benefits to the motoring public being compromised? Past experience with static signs has shown that by unifying how signs are installed, operated and maintained the same "look and feel" is created so that all motorists respond to the sign in the same manner regardless of where they are in the nation. With no clear guidance on this issue, state and local agencies are struggling with, and at times developing their own standards on VMS operations. This challenge has led many practitioners to haphazardly install variable message signs around the nation without being accountable of any consequences.
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