Motorist information signs are the only types of signs allowed in the highway right of way.
Any signs along roadways, including political/campaign signs, pose hazards for drivers and maintenance crews. The state law that prohibits the placement of signs in the highway right of way applies to all state, county, city and township roads and highways.
Illegal signs will be removed. Mn/DOT is responsible for state highways. County, city, and township employees are responsible for their roads. Local municipalities also have their own regulations, which may differ from city to city and county to county.
Contact your local Mn/DOT office for assistance when signs are being placed where the specific highway right of way cannot be clearly identified.
Can I get my sign back?
When improperly placed signs are removed by department employees, every effort will be made to temporarily store the sign and to notify the owner where the signs can be retrieved.
What's the law?
State law prohibits the placement, painting, printing, or affixing of advertisements on any object within the limits of any highway in Minnesota. This prohibition in Minnesota Statutes, section 160.27, applies to political campaign signs as well as to all other forms of advertising. The law applies to all state, county, city and township roads and highways. In addition, the Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 173.15) prohibits erecting advertising devices:
- on private land without the consent of the owner or occupant;
- on public utility poles;
- on trees or shrubs; and
- by painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.
The Federal Highway Administration office in Minnesota monitors Minnesota's compliance with federal highway beautification laws. State transportation employees are responsible for administering these laws on state highways and must remove signs that violate the laws. County, city, and township employees administer these laws on their roads.
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