To achieve these objectives, the Act prohibits the erection or maintenance of signs visible from any public way,
23 M.R.S.A. s 1908, with three general exceptions. First, the Act permits on-premises advertising not containing moving parts or flashing lights, subject to certain restrictions as to size, height, placement and number of signs.
23 M.R.S.A. s 1914. Second, in order to provide a means of disseminating information to the traveling public with respect to business facilities and points of historical, recreational, or cultural interest, the Act empowers the Commissioner to establish a system of “official business directional signs.”
23 M.R.S.A. s 1906. Though these signs may be located off-premises, they are regulated as to type, size, location, color, lighting, and number.
23 M.R.S.A. ss 1909-
1912. In addition, the Commissioner is also to provide traveler information directories, guidebooks and maps and to establish tourist information centers at principal entrance points into the State.
23 M.R.S.A. ss 1907,
1905. Finally, the Act exempts from its ban certain classes of off-premises signs including signs erected by churches and civic, historical and cultural organizations, signs promoting fairs and expositions, and signs which serve public functions.
23 M.R.S.A. s 1913. Included in the latter category are signs which pertain to activities such as charity drives and political campaigns.
23 M.R.S.A. s 1913(9).