April 1, 2016

Contact: Dave Thompson, 503-860-8021, david.h.thompson@odot.state.or.us

No political signs on state highway right of way

With the May 17 primary elections approaching, ODOT reminds campaigns that political signs may not be posted on any Oregon state highway right of way.

No signs except official traffic control devices are allowed in the state highway right of way. Improperly placed political signs will be removed without notice and held at local a nearby ODOT District Maintenance office for 30 days.

Campaigns should contact AskODOT (1-888-ASK-ODOT or 1-888-275-6368 or Ask.ODOT@odot.state.or.us) to retrieve signs. Complaints about illegally placed signs can also be registered by contacting AskODOT.

Signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts and natural features within highway right of way. They also are prohibited within view of a designated scenic area.

Temporary political signs are allowed on private property within view of state highways with the following restrictions:

• New signs are limited to 12 square feet.
• No flashing or intermittent lights, animated or moving parts are allowed.
• Signs must not imitate an official highway sign or device.
• Signs are not allowed in scenic corridors. 

Local municipalities may also regulate the placement of political signs.

Visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/SIGNPROGRAM/Pages/index.aspx for more information on ODOT’s outdoor signs rules.

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