MDOT: Campaign signs illegal on state highway right-of-way in DeSoto County
HERNANDO, Miss. — With campaign season underway in DeSoto County, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is reminding candidates that political signs are not permitted within the right-of-way on state highways.
Under Section 63-3-317 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, the highway right-of-way covers driving lanes, shoulders and mowed areas — and can extend 300 feet or more from the centerline of the driving lanes, according to MDOT.
MDOT crews will remove illegally placed signs. Removed signs are held for two weeks at a local MDOT maintenance facility before being discarded, and candidates may retrieve their signs without penalty.
The agency notes that signs with steel or wooden posts can injure roadside workers, damage equipment and turn into projectiles if hit by mowers. Signs also must not block sight distance for drivers at intersections, and none are allowed in limited-access right-of-way.
For right-of-way questions along a specific state highway in DeSoto County, contact the local MDOT maintenance facility. For more information, call 601-359-7074 or visit GoMDOT.com.
By Jon Myers
