ODOT: No political signs on highway right of way - and other restrictions

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 09/21/2020 08:35 AM PDT

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Signs are popping up all over the state in places where they should not be

Sept. 21, 2020

For more information: Jill Hendrickson, Outdoor Advertising Sign Program coordinator, 503-986-3635 or 503-559-5259 (cell)

SALEM - Elections are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to remind everyone what the restrictions are when it comes to promoting your favorite candidate or cause by placing signs.

  • Signs may not be posted on Oregon state highway right of way. That includes trees, utility poles, fence posts and natural areas along highways, surrounding intersections and interchanges, etc. Signs are also prohibited within view of a designated scenic area.
  • Private property: If a sign can be seen from a state highway, it must meet certain requirements.
    • New signs must be 12 square feet or less.
    • No compensation may be exchanged for the right to place the sign or the message displayed.
    • The signs must be posted on a temporary basis (60 days or less) and may not be on a permanent base.
    • No flashing or intermittent lights, animated or moving parts are allowed.
    • Signs must not imitate an official highway sign or device.
    • The sign must be posted on private property and may not be accessed or placed from the right of way.

Political signs placed on state highway right-of-way will be removed without notice. They are held at local ODOT district maintenance offices for 30 days. To learn more about the law surrounding signs on and visible from highways, see ODOT’s Outdoor Sign program resources website.

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