Midterm voting season is right around the corner in Mississippi, which means political roadside signs are popping up all over the Magnolia State. In response, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is reminding political candidates and their teams to follow the rules for placing signs on highways.
According to MDOT, campaign signs are not permitted on the right-of-way of state highways in Mississippi in order to maintain driver safety. The width of the right-of-way area off of a highway varies by location, but each one includes the driving lanes, shoulders, and mowed areas, including medians. Right-of-way can potentially reach up to 300 feet or more from the centerline of the driving lanes.
To maintain traffic safety, MDOT is urging politicians and their teams to observe the following guidelines and facts:
- 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 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.
For more information about right-of-way distances on specific Mississippi highways, MDOT recommends calling a local MDOT maintenance facility. For general information, call 601-359-7074 or click here.
