July 6, 2016 - With summer garage sales and upcoming elections, TxDOT wants to remind the public what is allowed to be placed on TxDOT right-of-ways.
Encroachments on state highways and right-of-ways includes any unauthorized structures, vehicles or roadside vendors. These items could cause damage to the roadway system, increase litter and frequently create an unsafe or hazardous condition.
Under the provisions of the Texas Administrative Code, a person may not park or place any vehicle, structure or sign wholly or in part within a TxDOT right-of-way with the purpose of selling any item or service, with the exception of certain approved applications that include edible agricultural commodities and approved event signs or banners. Other examples of approved structures granted through an application process include mailboxes, driveways, cattle guards, historical markers and memorial markers.
Any other structures or signs, such as vehicles, political campaign signage or banners, and vendor or garage sale signs are not allowed on TxDOT right-of-ways. Utility lines, both underground and overhead, are commonly placed along TxDOT right-of-ways to service the public.
“There is a reason why we do not allow anything without prior approval to be placed on a right-of-way. It is completely about the safety of the driving public. Even a legally placed sign, banner or structure off the right-of-way should never be distracting to passing motorists,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer.
TxDOT may immediately and without notice remove any sign, structure or vehicle from a highway right-of-way that has not been approved or authorized, and any associated costs with a removal will be the owner’s responsibility.
For more information regarding approved right-of-way structures, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
