TxDOT Offers Helpful ‘Dos and Don’ts’ this campaign season

CHILDRESS – During campaign season, the landscape blooms with a special kind of flower – the political sign. Unlike wildflowers that are welcome anywhere, putting campaign signs on public lands is illegal. Before you plant that sign, learn the law and help keep Texas beautiful. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) only regulates campaign signs under chapter 393 of the Texas Transportation Code. 

You Need to Know

• It is illegal to place any signs on or within the right of way. This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way.
• Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner’s permission. Keep in mind that if the owner’s property is adjacent to a state-maintained roadway, it is their responsibility to know where the right of way begins and ends. Unsure? Contact your local TxDOT office.
• Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election (no earlier) and must be removed within 10 days after the election.
• Before placing a sign inside of incorporated city limits, check with the city for applicable ordinances.

Sign Removal
If you’ve placed your sign in the right of way or if it is posing a traffic hazard, we will remove it without prior notice. All costs associated with sign removal will be paid by the sign owner. 

More Information
TxDOT only controls the placement of signs in relation to the highway. For other questions concerning campaign signs or political advertising, you may visit the Texas Ethics Commission.

For more information, contact TxDOT Public Information Officer Ginger Wilson at (940) 937-7288.