Texas DOT reminds residents political signs can’t be placed in right of way

The general election might be eight months away, but the political season is in full force. But Texas wants to remind voters to be careful where they put those campaign signs.

The Texas Department of Transportation said in a press release it’s time to remind residents across the state it’s illegal to place any sign of any kind on a state highway right of way.

“TxDOT officials say laws are intended to reduce clutter along highways so that official traffic control signs and vehicles approaching intersections are clearly visible for the safety of all the traveling public,” TxDOT’s Mary Belle Turner said in the release.

Placing a sign on anything in the right of way is a class C misdemeanor, and carries with it a fine up to $500 per sign.

People are still allowed to place political signs on private property near the highway with the owner’s permission, but they have to be lightweight and no bigger than 50 square feet. The signs can be placed 90 days before an election, but must be taken down within 10 days after the vote.

Any signs violating the rules can be taken down without any warning.