Campaign signs not allowed on right-of-way

Placement of campaign signs and other unauthorized objects in state highway rights-of-way is prohibited under state law, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT).
In addition, signs may not be placed on private property outside of the right-of-way limits without landowner consent.
Highway rights-of-way include the driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches, and sight corners at intersections.
Mn/DOT crews will remove any unlawfully placed signs and impound them at one of its local maintenance truck stations. Mn/DOT disposes of any unclaimed signs.
Violation of the law is a misdemeanor. Civil penalties also may apply  if the placement of such material contributes to a motor vehicle crash, injures a person, or damages a motor vehicle that runs off the road.
In addition, the Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act prohibits erecting advertising devices on public utility poles or trees and shrubs, and painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.
Mn/DOT administers these laws in a fair and impartial manner; political campaign signs are treated in the same way as any other signs wrongly placed on state highway property by businesses, churches, private citizens, or charitable groups.
For information regarding the proper placement of campaign signs or where to find signs that have been removed, contact the Baxter office (north central Minnesota) at (218)828-5700, or the St. Cloud office (south central Minnesota) at (320) 223-6500.