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 State
Regulates Placement of Campaign Signs Along Highways
LUFKIN - Political elections usually mean an increase in the number of campaign
signs placed along roadways this time of year. State transportation officials
want to make sure citizens and candidates are aware of the laws regulating sign
placement.
State highway right of way is reserved for official traffic control signs.
Under Texas law, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) can remove any
signs erected on highway right of way and the owner can be charged for removal
costs. It is a Class C misdemeanor and violators face fines and referral to the
Office of the Attorney General. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of
up to $500 per sign. Legally, campaign signs can be placed on private property
adjacent to state highways with landowners’ permission.
“What this means is you can’t put signs on trees, mailboxes, utility poles,
traffic signs or other objects in the highway right of way, said Kathi White,
TxDOT Public Information Officer. “It’s a distraction and it compromises the
safety of motorists. The intent of the law is to ensure that official traffic
control signs are clearly visible to the traveling public."
The rules allow for the placement of signs as early as 90 days prior to an
election, with a requirement that they be removed within 10 days after an
election, White said. Restrictions require that campaign signs be constructed
of lightweight material and limited to 50 square feet in size.
“We’re highlighting political signs now but it’s important to note that the law
includes all types of signs from garage sales to businesses, automobiles and
other permanent structures,” White said. “They’re all violations if placed on
the right of way without approval. Signs within city limits may be subject to
local ordinances.”
TxDOT’s regulatory authority allows the immediate removal of signs and objects
placed on state highway right of way without prior notice, if not authorized by
state law or approved by the department. Signs posing potential safety hazards
will be removed as soon as possible.
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