MnDOT issues reminder about political signs, advertising rules

With upcoming elections, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds campaigners that state law prohibits placement of political signs or any advertising on highway right-of-way.

These areas include driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches, sight corners at intersections, and boulevards in urban areas. It also includes displaying flags or other signs on bridges over traffic. People may also visit the MnDOT website for additional information about signs on state right-of-way.

State law requires MnDOT workers to take down political or advertising signs located on the state highway right-of-way. County, city and township employees administer the laws on their roads. People may retrieve signs by contacting their local MnDOT office. 

In addition, state law says that signs may not be placed on private land without the consent of the landowner. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor. Civil penalties may also apply if the placement of such material contributes to a motor vehicle crash, creates injury to a person, or causes damage to a motor vehicle that runs off the road.

State law also prohibits placing advertising materials on public utility poles, trees and shrubs, and painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.