CDOT Reminds Political Campaign Supporters to Remove Signs Near the Roadway

SOUTHWEST COLORADO—While Election Day was more than a month ago, political campaign signs continue dotting the sides of many roads and highways. CDOT reminds the public that campaign signs must be removed as soon as possible.

The signs are subject to CDOT's outdoor advertising control, particularly if the signs are both visible from the main-traveled way and within 660 feet of a "state highway"—even if the campaign signs are not within CDOT's right of way. The rules governing outdoor advertising are defined under Colorado law. CDOT is charged with enforcing this law. (See Colorado Revised Statutes, § 43-1-402.)

"Federal and state laws prohibit campaign and other non-approved signs in state right of way, but even if the signs are out of the right of way and can be seen from the road, they must be removed promptly after the election," said CDOT Traffic and Safety Program Manager Julie Constan. "Our maintenance crews attempt to remove signs—particularly those that pose a safety hazard or interfere with maintenance activities—but this takes time away from their regular operations."

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

Federal & State Laws

State roadside advertising rules are mandated by Federal Law (23 CFR 750G, or the Lady Bird Johnson Highway Beautification Act), as well as Colorado State Statutes for Outdoor Advertising, found in the Colorado Revised Statutes, § 43-1-402 or Colorado's Outdoor Advertising Act.

No signs are to be placed on Colorado state right of way. Campaign signs are allowed on private property, with an owner's approval, outside the state right-of-way line. These signs must be removed promptly following the election. The law also applies to real estate, yard sales or any other types of signs.

"We greatly appreciate everyone's compliance with these laws," Constan added. "It keeps our public areas free of unlawful signs, and the roadsides from being misused or cluttered with too much signage, which helps keep the traveling public safe."