Political signs along right of way are illegal, potentially dangerous, and will be removed

May 17, 2012

With a major election set for June 5, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is reminding citizens that state law prohibits the placement of any type of sign – including political, commercial or garage sale signs – on state highway right of way. 

"We certainly don’t want to discourage anyone from participating in elections, but signs within highway right of way are a public safety concern," said Deb Brucaya with WisDOT’s Bureau of Highway Maintenance. "Improperly placed campaign signs can distract motorists or obstruct their view, especially at intersections. And when people enter an intersection or highway right of way to install a sign, they’re putting their own safety at risk, as well as risking the safety of the road crew worker who will remove the sign."

Other than official traffic signs, state law prohibits the placement of signs within state highway right of way. The State Highway System includes all numbered state, federal and interstate highways. In general, state highway right of way in rural areas extends to beyond shoulders, ditches and any adjoining fence line. In urban areas along the state highway system, signs are prohibited from the roadway area to at least one foot past the sidewalk.

Signposts, street name marker posts and most utility poles are all within highway right of way. Signs are not allowed within highway medians or roundabouts. With the landowner’s consent, political signs are permitted on private property without a billboard permit as long as the signs do not exceed 32 square feet and contain no flashing lights or moving parts.

Improperly located signs are dealt with as part of regular highway maintenance. A sign that poses a traffic safety hazard will be promptly removed. Road crews are asked to make reasonable attempts to preserve campaign signs that are taken down and to provide campaign offices an opportunity to claim the signs.

"Remember, if you see road maintenance workers removing illegal signs, they’re simply following our directions to enforce state law and help keep our roadways as safe as possible for all travelers," Brucaya said.

State law (Section 86.19) provides for a fine from $10 to $100 for signs that violate state law. Local municipalities may have additional guidelines regulating the placement of political signs along county highways or local roads and streets.

More information on state laws pertaining to the placement of political signs can be found on the WisDOT Web site.

For more information, contact:
Deb Brucaya, WisDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance
(608) 266-3813, deborah.brucaya@dot.wi.gov