As campaign season picks up steam for municipalities across the state, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is reiterating regulations relating to signs endorsing particular candidates.
Campaign signs are not permitted within right-of-ways on state highways. The width of the highway right-of-way varies by location and includes the driving lanes, shoulders, and mowed areas. The right-of-way can potentially reach distances of 300 feet or more from the centerline of driving lanes, the agency reports.
OPINION: Upcoming municipal elections should be prioritized
MDOT officials maintain that these regulations exist to keep motorists safe on state roadways. Mississippians involved in political campaigning through signs are urged to read the following:
- Illegally placed campaign signs contribute to our state’s multi-million-dollar litter problem that spoils Mississippi’s natural beauty
- Any illegally placed signs will be removed
- Keeping the right-of-way clear prevents safety hazards and interference with the traveling public along roadways
- Signs with steel or wooden posts pose potential hazards that may cause harm to roadside workers, may damage roadside equipment, and may become projectiles if hit by mowers
- Signs are not permitted within areas necessary for clear vision at intersections; signs must not interfere with the sight distance of a driver
- No signs are allowed in a limited-access right-of-way
- Typically, the right-of-way is larger near roadway intersections
- Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for two weeks at a local MDOT maintenance facility before being discarded
- Candidates may retrieve signs from MDOT without penalty
More information about right-of-way distances in specific areas along a state-maintained highway is available at local MDOT maintenance facilities statewide.
