As we approach the final stretch before Election Day, state transportation officials are warning supporters to be careful about where they place political yard signs supporting candidates.
Those signs are a frequent sight this close to an election, but Deb Brucaya with the state Department of Transportation is reminding supporters that it’s illegal to set them up within a highway right of way. The signs are fine though on private property that faces state roads.
Brucaya says it’s primarily an issue of safety. She says signs in the median can be distracting to drivers. Those putting them up or crews forced to take them down can also be put at risk, especially if the sign is placed along a heavily traveled road and crews have to cross traffic to get to them.
Signs illegally placed on a highway right-of-way are taken down and usually thrown away.
If political supporters want to make sure their candidate’s sign is seen, Brucaya suggests talking to the owners of property adjacent to highways.