South Carolina Department of Transportation vehicles could soon be advertising more than just road construction if a plan by the department is approved.
The Associated Press reported that the SCDOT has asked a panel in the State House of Representatives if it could begin selling advertisements on department property like trucks and even buildings to raise money.
“We view it as a potential opportunity,” DOT Secretary Christy Hall said.
Hall said one example could be selling ad space to insurance companies on the side of the department’s blue trucks that help motorists on the interstates.
The department hopes advertising will help raise revenue at the department, partially to help make up for the $76,000 in unpaid fines from out-of-state drivers.
The House panel hasn’t voted on the proposal yet, as they want to work out how the wording for ads would be sold. And members of the House Oversight subcommittee are asking SCDOT to be more specific with how the process might work.
SCDOT legislative liaison Allen Hutto said whatever the department does, it will comply with all of the local laws.
“This isn’t free rein to do anything,” Hutto said. “We can’t in the middle of a downtown somewhere put up a big banner on the front of the building.”
