As Election Day draws near, state transportation officials are reminding residents to be careful about where they put up signs for candidates.
While putting up candidate signs on private property is perfectly legal, placing them in public right-of-ways is against the law. Allan Johnson with the state Department of Transportation says it’s primarily a safety issue. “You can imagine having a sign at an intersection, and you’re approaching that intersection and you can’t see that car or that car can’t see you because there’s a sign in the way.”
The signs can also put those placing them in danger, as well as those who have to remove them.
Johnson says those who find signs placed in medians or other public spaces should not try to remove them. Instead, they should contact the DOT or their county highway office.
Those caught illegally placing a sign in a public right-of-way could face a fine of up to $500.