Political signs not allowed on state highway right-of-way
 Road crews routinely remove signs and other items illegally placed on state highway right-of-way. We hold political signs for pickup for 30 days at our nearest maintenance yard.
CORRECTION: District office link to reclaim signs
ODOT removes improperly placed political signs, holds them for 30 days
For more information, contact the PIO in your area
April 9, 2026
As the May 19, 2026, elections draw near it’s a good time to brush up on the rules of the road – for campaign signs that is.
ODOT routinely removes improperly placed signs – not just political signs – and other displays and items on state highway right-of-way because they can distract drivers, create collision hazards and block road safety messages. It is also the law.
Every election season, our crews see political signs join other illegally placed items on highway right-of-way. We receive complaints from the public and from candidates regarding the improper placement of political signs on highway right-of-way, where only official traffic control devices are allowed.
Wrongly placed political signs will be taken down and held at a nearby ODOT district maintenance office for 30 days. To reclaim signs, go here to find the nearest ODOT maintenance office.
The width of the state highway right-of-way can vary considerably depending on the specific location. If you’re uncertain whether you’re placing a sign on private property or highway right-of-way, check with the local ODOT district maintenance office.
Signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts and natural features within highway rights-of-way. They also are prohibited within view of a designated scenic area.
Local municipalities may also regulate the placement of political signs.
Political signs are allowed on private property within view of state highways with the following restrictions:
- Signs are limited to 12 square feet but can be up to 32 square feet with a variance permit from ODOT’s Oregon Advertising Sign program.
- Signs cannot have flashing or intermittent lights, or animated or moving parts.
- Signs must not imitate official highway signs or devices.
- Signs are not allowed in scenic corridors.
- No payment or compensation of any kind can be exchanged for either the placement of or the message on temporary signs, including political signs, which are visible to a state highway.
For more information go to ODOT’s Outdoor Advertising Sign Program.
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