The Oklahoma Department of Transportation reminded the public on Apr. 2 that placing temporary signs, including political campaign and advertisement signs, is not allowed in highway rights-of-way across the state as the general election season begins.
This reminder is intended to ensure safety for both drivers and those who might attempt to post signs along high-speed roadways or bridges. The department said that illegally placed signs can block views at intersections, medians, or ramps, hinder maintenance operations, and endanger individuals trying to install them.
State law under 69 O.S. § 1208(b) prohibits such signage in state rights-of-way due to these safety concerns. The right-of-way typically includes grassy areas between highways and fences in rural regions and may extend past curbs into grass or sidewalk areas along highways in cities and towns. While local governments set rules for city streets or county roads, the department said that even within city limits, posting signs remains prohibited on state-maintained highways, overpasses, and bridges.
When illegal signs are posted, removal falls to Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews who must divert from other essential highway maintenance work like patching potholes or repairing guardrails. This process can be hazardous because it requires working close to traffic lanes. Additionally, litter removal—including taking down unauthorized signage—can delay mowing since metal posts from these signs could damage equipment.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s official website, the agency promotes economic development through reliable transportation networks while encouraging public involvement in decision-making processes. The department focuses on maintaining infrastructure such as highways, bridges, railways, waterways, and public transit according to its official website. Its operations cover all counties statewide for planning and maintenance purposes according to its official website. Services include project planning support for contractors as well as tools for managing traffic data according to its official website. The agency manages planning, engineering tasks, and operational responsibilities within Oklahoma’s transportation sector as detailed on its official website.
The department reported that taxpayers spend nearly $4 million annually picking up trash along Oklahoma highways—including removing illegal signage—with costs covered by ODOT’s maintenance budget which also funds pavement repairs and snow clearance.
