ODOT warns campaigners to keep signs away from highways

When it comes to the seemingly ubiquitous political signs now dotting the pre-election landscape, there is definitely a right way and a wrong way to place them.

The wrong way, according to state transportation officials, involves planting political signs in the state highway right-of-way. With the Nov. 5 general election approaching, campaign workers and volunteers are being reminded that the Oregon Department of Transportation will remove political signs posted in areas adjacent to state highways.

The right-of-way, the width of which varies considerably depending on the specific location, is reserved solely for official traffic control devices, according to an ODOT news release. Improperly placed signs can distract drivers and block road signs, the release said.

This interactive map can help identify the ODOT right-of-way.

Improperly placed signs will be taken down and held at a nearby ODOT district maintenance office for 30 days.

In addition, signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts and natural features within highway right-of-ways.

Cities and counties may also regulate the placement of political signs.

The release noted that political signs are allowed on private property within view of state highways with the following restrictions:

• Sign dimensions are limited to 12 square feet but can be up to 32 square feet with an ODOT variance;
• 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; and
• 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 from a state highway.

More information about ODOT’s outdoor advertising sign program can be found at cms.oregon.gov/odot/hwy/signprogram.