Campaign season … when the landscape blooms with a special kind of flower – political signs. Unlike wildflowers, campaign signs on public land are illegal and can be dangerous.
“Campaign like a Texan – kind, courteous, safe and off the right of way.”
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is attempting to educate the public regarding the do’s and don’ts of erecting political signs.
Placing a sign in the right of way is a Class C misdemeanor. According to the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 393, “A sheriff, constable, or other trained volunteer authorized by the commissioners court of a county may confiscate a sign placed in violation of Section 393.002.”
For state-maintained highways, local TxDOT district offices have the authority to remove signs located on state-owned rights of way.
When can I place political signs? Cities and counties may have their own time restrictions for political signs, however TxDOT does not enforce any timing restrictions.
What if a sign on private property poses a safety hazard? If you believe a sign or signs create a safety hazard, contact local law enforcement. They can have the owner remove or relocate their sign(s).
Where can I place political signs? Anywhere, as long as they are: placed with the landowner’s permission; not in the highway right of way; and are not posing a safety hazard, like blocking sight to a driveway.
