SALEM, Ore. — Political comments abound almost everywhere in 2022, yet political campaign signs are not allowed on the state highway right-of-way in Oregon.
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reminds that with May 17 primary elections approaching, “campaigns and their friends should remember that ODOT will remove political signs posted on the state highway right-of-way.” It says only official traffic control devices are allowed in Oregon’s highway right of way.
ODOT says because improperly placed signs can distract drivers and block road safety messages, “Improperly placed 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.”
ODOT advises that signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts and natural features within highway right-of-ways. They also are prohibited within view of a designated scenic area in Oregon.
ODOT says, “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.” It notes that local municipalities also may regulate political sign placement.
ODOT says, “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 from our Oregon Advertising Sign
- 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.”
ODOT’s Outdoor Advertising Sign Program information is at cms.oregon.gov/odot/hwy/signprogram.
(The sign shown in the heading image for this article is not in Oregon, or California; it comes from Indiana via the Library of Congress.)
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