ST. PAUL — With the general election now less than 90 days away, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding campaigners that state law prohibits placement of political or advertising signs in the highway right of way.
According to a news release from MnDOT, those areas include driving lanes; inside and outside shoulders; ditches; sight corners at intersections and boulevards within urban areas. This also includes displaying flags or other signs on bridges over traffic.
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Minnesota law also states signs may not be placed on private land without consent of the landowner.
Violation of this law is deemed a misdemeanor and civil penalties may also apply if the placement of signs contributes to a motor vehicle crash, causes injury to a person, or any damage done to a motor vehicle that runs off the road.
The Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act also prohibits placing advertising materials on public utility poles, trees or shrubs and prohibits painting or drawing on rocks or other natural features.
MnDOT workers are required to take down political or advertising signs located on state highway rights of way. Removed signs will be temporarily stored. MnDOT says residents can retrieve their signs by contacting their local MnDOT office for help.
County, city and township employees administer laws on their own roads. Local municipalities may also have their own various regulations.
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