KEEP CAMPAIGN SIGNS LEGAL, TxDOT URGES

State regulates placement of signs along highways

Political elections are usually accompanied by 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 their placement along state highways.

Under Texas law, it is a class C misdemeanor to place any sign on state highway right of way.  The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to $500 per sign. It is legal to place a campaign signs on private property adjacent to state highways with landowners’ permission.

Restrictions require that signs be constructed of lightweight material and limited to 50 square feet in size.  Signs may be placed as early as 90 days prior to an election and must be removed within 10 days after an election.

TxDOT officials say the laws are intended to reduce clutter along highways so that official traffic control signs and vehicles approaching intersections are clearly visible for the safety of all the traveling public.

TxDOT’s regulatory authority allows the immediate removal of a sign placed on state highway right of way without prior notice, if the sign is not authorized by state law or approved by the department. Signs posing potential safety hazards will be removed as soon as possible.

Texas is subject to the Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965. Under the federal law, if the state fails to control signage visible from interstate and other federally funded highways, Texas may be subject to sanctions of up to 10 percent of its federal transportation construction funds.

If someone needs help in determining where campaign signs can go or to find out more information about campaign signs and the law, they can contact the nearest TxDOT Office.