A California appeals court has rejected arguments that a 2002 ban on new off-site digital billboards in the City of Los Angeles constitutes a violation of the First Amendment.
The 2nd District Court of Appeals handed down its ruling Thursday, reversing a lower court decision in favor of Baton Rouge, La.-based billboard company Lamar Central Outdoor. Contrary to the company's contention, cities can have different rules for on and off-site signage without violating constitutional principles, the three-judge panel said.
Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer praised the court's decision, saying it will stem "an uncontrolled avalanche of billboards throughout the city." But Lamar Central Outdoor has already promised to continue fighting on.
Read more about the 2002 ordinance and Thursday's ruling here.