Laws regulate the placement of political campaign signs (and removal, Texas)

TxDOT ^ | February 20, 2004

[SwinneySwitch]

AUSTIN – March in Texas brings wind, wildflowers and, during primary years, an increase in the number of political campaign signs placed on state highway right of way.

State transportation officials want to remind Texans that under Texas law, it is a class C misdemeanor to place any sign on state highway right of way. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to $500 per sign.

However, it is legal to place a campaign sign on private property adjacent to state highways with landowners’ permission.

Restrictions require that signs be constructed of lightweight material and up to 50 square feet in size. Signs may be placed as early as 90 days prior to an election and must be removed within 10 days after an election.

TxDOT officials say the laws are intended to reduce clutter along highways so that official traffic control signs and vehicles approaching intersections are clearly visible for the safety of all the traveling public.

"Safety along state roadways is a priority," said Mike Behrens, TxDOT executive director. "It can be affected when objects are placed in the right of way and it is our job to make sure safety is not compromised during this time of year or at any other time."

TxDOT’s regulatory authority allows the immediate removal of a sign placed on state highway right of way without prior notice, if the sign is not authorized by state law or approved by the department. Signs posing potential safety hazards will be removed as soon as possible.

Texas is subject to the Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965. Under the federal law, if the state fails to control signage visible from interstate and other federally-funded highways, Texas may be subject to sanctions of up to 10 percent of its federal transportation construction funds.

[SwinneySwitch]

Frank Tilley/Victoria Advocate Photo Editor March 11, 2004.

The intersection of Houston Highway and San Houston Drive was crowded Wednesday with campaign signs that remained from Tuesday's primary elections. State law says the political signs must come down no later than 10 days after an election. Texas Department of Transportation officials say the law is intended to reduce clutter so that traffic signs and signals are clearly visible to vehicles approaching these intersections, making it safer for the traveling public.