During campaign season, the landscape blooms with political signs. The TxDOT Lufkin District is reminding local candidates that putting political signs on public lands and/or a right-of-way is illegal. TxDOT regulates campaign signs under Chapter 394 of the Texas Transportation Code.
“We are beginning to see many signs in several counties of the Lufkin District placed illegally on the right-of way,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “If they do not pose a hazard, we try to contact the owner so they can remove them for placement off the right-of-way. If that contact cannot be made or the owner does not move the signs within a couple of days, we will remove them. However, if the sign poses a traffic hazard, we will remove them immediately.”
Below is a guide for placing political signs:
What You Need to Know
- It is illegal to place any signs on or within the right of way. This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the state right of way.
- Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner’s permission.
- Before placing a sign inside of incorporated city limits, check with the city for applicable ordinances.
Sign Removal
- If a sign is placed in the right-of-way or is posing a traffic hazard, crews will remove the sign without prior notice. All costs associated with sign removal will be paid by the sign owner.
More Information
- TxDOT only controls the placement of signs in relation to the highway. For other questions concerning campaign signs or political advertising, candidates can visit the Texas Ethics Commission website. Candidates may also visit the Texas Transportation Code, chapters 392 – 394 for further information.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
