CDOT Sends Reminder that Campaign Signs Must be Placed Outside State Right of Way

STATEWIDE – Campaign season has begun; and while roadside campaign signs are a common medium for promoting candidates and ballot measures, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding campaigners these signs are not permitted in state right of way. Placing campaign, real estate, sales or any other sign in state right of way is unsafe and is not permitted by federal law.

“Federal and state laws prohibit campaign and other non-approved signs in state right of way,” CDOT Division of Maintenance Director Kyle Lester said. “And while our crews attempt to remove signs—particularly those that pose a safety hazard or interfere with maintenance activities—this takes time away from their regular operations.”

CDOT maintenance crews are challenged with the dilemma of removing these signs and storing them for a period of time for pick up at their patrol buildings statewide.

State roadside advertising rules are mandated by Federal Law (23 CFR 750G, or the Lady Bird Johnson Highway Beautification Act), as well as Colordado State Statutes for Outdoor Advertising (CRS 43-1-400 to 420, or Colorado’s Outdoor Advertising Act). No signs are to be placed on Colorado state right of way. Real estate signs can be placed outside the ROW line on the property for sale. Campaign signs are also allowed on private property (with owner’s approval), outside the state right-of-way line.  (These signs must be removed promptly following the election.)

“We greatly appreciate everyone’s compliance with this law,” Lester said. “It keeps these public areas free of unlawful signs and the traveling public safe, as well as satisfied their roadsides aren’t being misused.”

For information about CDOT or projects statewide, the public may log on to www.coloradodot.info.