MDOT Reminds Candidates of the Proper Placement of Political Signage
"During election season they sprout up like wildflowers, but one candidate’s
political sign is just more roadway litter..."
Jackson, MS - During election season they sprout up like wildflowers, but one candidate’s political sign is just more roadway litter for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Unlike wildflowers that are welcome anywhere, putting campaign signs on public land is illegal and contributes to MDOT’s $3.2 million a year battle against litter and spoils Mississippi’s natural beauty.
Mississippi campaign sign ordinances vary across cities and counties, but MDOT is charged with maintaining federal standards, which call for the removal of any signs, structures or other obstructions that occupy the highway or interstate right-of-way. MDOT advises candidates to be aware of local, state and federal laws before placing their signage and that campaign signs are not permitted on state right-of-way.
To maintain traffic safety, the following rules govern the placement of signs.
It is illegal to place signs within the right-of-way on state highways and interstates. The width of rights-of-way areas vary by location and includes the driving lanes, shoulders, mowed areas and potentially may reach distances of 300 feet or more from the centerline of the driving lanes.
Keeping the right-of-way clear prevents safety hazards and interference with traveling public along roadways.
Signs with steel or wooden posts pose potential hazards which may cause harm to roadside workers, damage to roadside equipment and become projectiles if hit by mowers.
Signs are not permitted within areas used for clear vision at intersections so they will not interfere with the sight distance of a driver. No signs are allowed in limited access rights-of-way. Typically, the right-of-way is larger near roadway intersections.
Any illegally placed signs will be removed. Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for two weeks at a local MDOT maintenance facility, then discarded. Candidates may retrieve signs from MDOT without penalty.
For more information about MDOT, visit www.GoMDOT.com; follow, like and subscribe to MississippiDOT on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. For the latest travel information, call 511 or visit www.MDOTtraffic.com. For after-hours media inquiries, call 601-359-9777 or visit http://mdot.ms.gov/portal/public_affairs.aspx.
