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Political Signs Can't Be Placed On State Highway Right Of Way

June 21, 2000 (Release 00-100)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Contact: Stan Whitley, (785) 296-3585

It's a sign of the times - campaigning to support your favorite candidate. However, if your plans involve placing a political sign for the upcoming primary election, the Kansas Department of Transportation advises the public to make sure it's not located on highway right of way.

By law, all right of way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes. Only uniform-marking guides and warning signs for identifying routes are allowed on the state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all Interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state's 9,600-mile system.

The public should be aware that any and all signs or billboards are prohibited on the state right of way.

When KDOT maintenance crews find political advertising on state right of way, the signs will be removed immediately without notice. Signs will then be taken to the closest KDOT sub-area office where they can be picked up by the owner with the agreement they will not be placed on state right of way again. All signs not picked up will be disposed of after the election.

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. However, people erecting signs on private property near the highways must first obtain permission from the property owner.

This page last updated 07/24/00