ODOT warns about illegal campaign signs

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is warning people to post political signs in safe places.

ODOT officials say campaign signs in the public rights of way can be distracting to drivers and are a safety hazard. In addition, campaign volunteers may be putting their safety at risk while placing signs in the rights of way or on bridges and overpasses.

Political signs do not belong on public property and state law prohibits these signs on highway rights of way or on overpasses.

ODOT officials suggest signs are placed on private property with the landowner’s permission.

ODOT says Oklahoma taxpayers foot the bill for removal of illegally placed signs and trash removal. More than $4 million is spent each year, plus untold volunteer hours, for trash pick-up along Oklahoma highways. That’s in addition to what county and municipal governments spend to keep Oklahoma clean.

Officials recommend candidates should check local ordinances for questions regarding municipally maintained rights of way. However, even within city limits, signs are prohibited on state-maintained highways, overpasses and bridges.