ODOT is removing improperly placed political signs

SALEM – The Oregon Department of Transportation is routinely removing improperly placed signs – both political and nonpolitical – as well as other displays and items on state highway rights-of-way. That’s the law.

With the May 19 primary approaching, crews are seeing more political signs. ODOT also receives complaints from the public and from candidates. Only official traffic-control devices are allowed in the rights of way.

Wrongly placed signs are being removed and held at a nearby ODOT district maintenance office for 30 days. To claim signs, go here to find the nearest such office. Candidates or campaigners who aren’t certain whether they are placing a sign on private property or a highway right-of-way can check with their local maintenance office.

ODOT reminds people that signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts, and natural features within the rights-of-way. They are also prohibited within view of a designated scenic area.

Political signs are allowed on private property within view of state highways, however there are restrictions:

• Signs are limited to 12 square feet but can be up to 32 square feet with a variance permit from ODOT’s Oregon Advertising Sign program.
• Signs cannot have flashing or intermittent lights, or animated or moving parts.
• Signs must not imitate official highway signs or devices.
• Signs are not allowed in scenic corridors.
• No payment or compensation of any kind can be exchanged for either the placement of or the message on temporary signs, including political signs, which are visible to a state highway.

For more information go to ODOT’s Outdoor Advertising Sign Program.

Photo via ODOT

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