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Message from Commissioner Tom King about campaign signs on state highways
(HATTIESBURG, MISS.) — Recently there have been some questions about political campaign signs on state highways. Because this is campaign season, it seems that everywhere you look signs are covering the sides of the roads. There are some laws related to campaign signs that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to remind everyone about. According to Section 63-3-317 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, it is illegal to place signs within the right-of-way on state highways.
Here are a few more things to remember about sign placement:
- The width of highway right-of way varies by location and can potentially reach distances of 300 feet or more from the centerline of driving lanes.
- Signs with steel or wooden posts may become projectiles if hit by mowers.
- Typically, the right-of-way is larger near roadway intersections.
- Any illegally placed signs will be removed by MDOT crews will be kept for two weeks at a local MDOT maintenance facility before being discarded.
- Candidates may retrieve signs from MDOT without penalty.
- Illegally placed campaign signs contribute to our state’s $3.2 million litter problem that spoils Mississippi’s natural beauty.
The law is enforced by MDOT without regard to any particular party or candidate. Our number one goal is the safety of the traveling public, and illegally placed signs can create hazards and impair a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. I appreciate everyone wanting to help us with our mission to keep motorists safe.
