September 24, 2018 – As mid-term elections draw near, candidates and their supporters are once again posting signs of support. The Texas Department of Transportation would like to remind candidates that election law dictates where campaign signs can be placed along Texas roadways.
“We are beginning to see a lot of signs along the right of ways prior to the November election and we want everyone to be aware that we are required to remove signage of any kind when it is placed on the right of way,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District.
Posting signage on public lands is illegal. Anyone posting a sign should remember that it is illegal to place any signs on the right of way. This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way. TxDOT urges candidates and their supporters to remember:
- Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner's permission. Signs must be made of lightweight material and be no larger than 50 square feet.
- Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election (no earlier) and must be removed within 10 days after the election.
- Before placing a sign in an incorporated city limits, check city for applicable ordinances.
- If a sign is placed in the right of way or poses a traffic hazard, it will be removed. All costs associated with sign removal will be paid by the sign owner.
For more information, visit the Texas Election Code, section 255.007, or the Texas Transportation Code, chapters 392 and 393.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
