MDOT: Political Signs are Illegal in Rights-of-Way

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 at 601-359-7074 or visit GoMDOT.com.