TxDOT: Campaign signs on highway right of way illegal

CHILDRESS – During campaign season the landscape seems to bloom with a special kind of flower – the political sign. In some places campaign signs seem to be blooming like wildflowers even though it is still winter.

Campaign signs on public lands are illegal. Before you plant a sign, there are a few things you need to know:
It is illegal to place any signs on or within the right of way.

This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way.

Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner’s permission.

Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election (no earlier) and must be removed within 10 days after the election.

Before placing a sign inside of incorporated city limits, check with the city for applicable ordinances.

Anyone running for office is reminded that it is illegal to put any sign on state highway right of way without authorization. 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 TxDOT. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to $500 per sign.

The law does not just apply to campaign signs. It is illegal to put any sign, including garage sale and business signs on state highway right of way without authorization. “Sign” is defined as any outdoor sign, display, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, or other thing that is designed and/or intended to advertise or inform.

For more information contact Barbara Seal, Childress TxDOT Public Information Officer at 940-937-7288 or Twyla Hardin at 940-937-7124.