SD DOT: no political signs on highway rights-of-way

A reminder from the South Dakota Department of Transportation that political campaign and ballot-issue signs cannot be placed on state highway rights-of-way.

The use of the right-of-way is reserved for official highway signage.

Craig Smith is Director of Operations for the state DOT. He says the signs create a safety hazard and may distract motorists from seeing important regulatory or directional signing.

All signs in the right of way that are not required for traffic control are prohibited and will be removed by SDDOT crews.

In addition, municipal ordinances regulating placement and removal of campaign signs within towns and cities do not have precedence over state jurisdiction and supervision of state highways within municipalities.

 

September 27, 2022