Political signs also not allowed in right-of-way, will be removed by DOT workers

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds the public that state law prohibits placement of private signs of any kind (i.e., political, lost pet, garage sale and other advertising signage) on highway right-of-way in Minnesota. 

Highway rights of way include driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches, sight corners at intersections, and boulevards in urban areas. In addition, state law says that signs may not be placed on private land without the consent of the landowner.

Why do laws regulate the placement of objects in the highway right-of-way?

Objects along roadways pose hazards for drivers and maintenance crews. Violation of the law, Minnesota Statute 160.27, 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.

In addition, the Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act prohibits placing advertising devices on public utility poles, trees, and shrubs and by painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.

Signs placed in right-of-way will be removed MnDOT workers will take down private signs located on the state highway right-of-way and transport them to the nearest MnDOT truck station where they will be available for retrieval. County, city, and township employees administer these laws on their roads.

For information about the proper placement of campaign signs or where to retrieve signs, contact the local MnDOT office at 218-846-3600. See also www.mndot.gov/govrel/rw_signs.html.

When placing signs, the best way to avoid an emergency or unintentionally striking an underground facility is to call 811 before digging, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Go to the GSOC website and request that underground utilities be marked near the area of the digging.