Political signs

Rules for placement of political signs on state roads (M, I and US routes)

Each year, hundreds of political signs line roadsides across the state. Improperly placed signs can create safety hazards and interfere with a driver's vision along roads. To maintain traffic safety while affording office-seekers the opportunity to inform the public, rules that govern the placement of signs on state highways must be followed.

• Political candidates are responsible for obtaining approval from the adjacent property owner to place the signs.
• Signs must be removed within 10 days following an election.
• Signs must be more than 30 feet from the edge of the roadway (white line) for highways that do not have barrier-type curbs. For highways with barrier curbs, the signs must be more than three feet from the back of the curb.
• Signs are not permitted within areas used for clear vision at intersections or commercial driveways so they will not interfere with the sight distance of a driver. No signs may be placed within the limited access rights of way (freeways, including ramps).
• Any illegally placed signs will be removed. Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for seven days at a local MDOT office or maintenance garage, then discarded.

These are rules for state roads under MDOT jurisdiction (I, M and US routes), not local county, township or municipal roads. Communities may also have local ordinances that restrict sign placement.