Provided are an apparatus and method for extracting a salient line for an information sign. The apparatus includes an image input portion configured to receive an image including information indication lines to be detected, a signal calculator configured to generate a symmetric function signal consistent with a thickness and a direction of an information indication line having a preset thickness in the received image and perform a convolution of the information indication line and the generated symmetric function signal, a highest value enhancement portion configured to enhance highest values in results of the convolution using a signal quality improvement filter, and a local highest value extractor configured to find local highest values among the enhanced highest values and extract a line connecting the local highest values as a salient line connecting center points in the information indication line.