Campaign Signs Prohibited in State Right-of-Ways, Intersections and Interchanges

Posted on October 4, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

With the Election Day just around the corner, you can’t drive far without spotting campaign signs of various sizes and colors speckling front yards and lining the roadways.

While it’s understandable that candidates want to get their name out there, there are a few things they must keep in mind when it comes to placement.

Officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation report that there is a specific Indiana Code that prohibits campaign signs from being placed on a highway right-of-way. If the right of way is not clearly marked, boundaries may be estimated as the fence line, the back of a ditch or behind utility poles.

Additionally, intersections and interchanges should also remain sign-free.

INDOT crews will remove campaign signs and other illegal signs from right-of-way areas as they’re encountered in normal highway maintenance activities.

Personnel may also remove a specific sign if it presents an immediate safety risk, such as creating a sight obstruction or being too close to the road. Officials ensure signs that are placed off the right-of-way will not be removed.

Confiscated signs will be taken to the nearest INDOT facility. Signs may be claimed by the owner between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.