WSDOT reminds candidates to keep right-of-way clear for traffic signs

The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds candidates and supporters to watch where they post political campaign signs: only traffic control signs are allowed in the right-of-way.

WSDOT can help determine the right-of-way boundary. Maintenance crews will remove all illegal roadside signs.

Under the Washington Administrative Code (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/) 468-66, temporary political signs are allowed on private property as “on-premise” signs; and no fee or permit is required.

To legally post campaign signs visible from state highways, the property owner must give consent, and the signs must comply with all provisions of WAC 468-66, as well as any local agency sign ordinances. The signs must also meet the following requirements:

• Temporary political campaign signs are limited to a maximum size of 32 square feet in area.

• Temporary political campaign signs must be removed within 10 days following the election.

It’s not always easy to know if a given location is within the boundaries of a state highway right-of-way, but there are clues in many locations:

• Utility poles are typically located inside the right-of-way. If a sign location is being considered between a utility pole and the roadway shoulder, it’s likely the sign will be removed.

• Many locations also have a fence line separating the right-of-way from private property. If a sign location is being considered on the roadway side of a right-of-way fence, it’s probable that the sign is in violation and will be removed.

The best way to determine where a state highway right-of-way boundary lies is to check with WSDOT Outdoor Advertising Specialist Pat O’Leary. He can be reached at: OLearyP@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling (360) 705-7296. You will need to provide the state route number (I-5, SR 28, US 2, US 97, etc.) and the name of the nearest intersection (or approximate milepost).