Political Signs are Illegal in Rights-of-Way

Jackson, MS – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds political candidates that campaign signs are not permitted on state highway 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. The width of highway right-of-way varies by location and includes the driving lanes, shoulders, mowed areas and potentially may reach distances of 300 feet or more from the centerline of driving lanes.
Keeping the right-of-way clear prevents safety hazards and interference with the 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 right-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.
Illegally placed campaign signs contribute to our state's $3.2 million litter problem spoiling Mississippi's natural beauty.
For information about right-of-way distances in specific areas along a state maintained highway, call the local MDOT maintenance facility.
For more information, call 601-359-7074 or visit GoMDOT.com.
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally-sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network which enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.