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With the 2026 campaign season coming to a close, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds political candidates and supporters to remove political signs, especially those along roadsides. Though MDOT removes campaign signs illegally placed within right-of-way on state highways, all campaign signage can contribute to our state’s multi-million-dollar litter problem.
“Once elections are over, it’s time to clean up our act and prevent campaign signage from becoming unsightly litter,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “Elected officials aren’t the only ones who can participate in public service; we can all help preserve Mississippi’s natural beauty by keeping our roadsides litter-free and always placing trash where it belongs.”
For political candidates and supporters with upcoming runoff elections, here are a few tips regarding campaign signage placement:
- Any illegally placed signs will be removed.
- Signs with steel or wooden posts pose potential hazards that may cause harm to roadside workers, may damage roadside equipment and may become projectiles if hit by mowers.
- Signs are not permitted within areas necessary for clear vision at intersections; signs must not interfere with the sight distance of a driver.
- No signs are allowed in limited access right-of-way.
- Typically, the right-of-way is larger near roadway intersections.
- Signs 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.
For information about right-of-way distances in specific areas along a state-maintained highway, call your local MDOT maintenance facility.
To help reduce litter on Mississippi’s highways, set an example for others by using proper trash receptacles and securing your load before you travel. Learn more at gomdot.com/donttrashms and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and X.
