Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation is reminding political candidates and their supporters that campaign signs cannot legally be placed on highway right-of-way anywhere in Arkansas.
Under state law, state-owned highway property is reserved for official highway signs. These include signs that provide directions, important information or traffic regulations. Political campaign signs and other unauthorized signs are not permitted in these areas.
ARDOT said its local area maintenance offices are responsible for removing signs that do not meet the legal requirements.
“It is important to keep highway right-of-ways clear for the safety of both drivers and road workers,” ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said.
ARDOT will remove unauthorized campaign signs
Transportation department employees will remove yard signs found within the highway right-of-way. When larger billboard signs are involved, ARDOT will contact the owners and direct them to remove the signs.
Campaign signs collected by ARDOT are not necessarily lost permanently. Owners who want their signs back can retrieve them from the nearest ARDOT Area Maintenance Office during its normal business hours.
The reminder applies to candidates seeking political office as well as supporters placing signs on their behalf.
ARDOT’s message is intended to keep state highway property free of unauthorized signs while maintaining safer conditions for motorists and employees working along Arkansas roads. Candidates and their supporters should therefore make sure campaign materials are placed only in locations where they are legally permitted.
