Loading...
9B Rules for Political Yard Signs and requirementsSchertz Marshal's Services j. 1400 Schertz Pkwy — Bldg #1 i -- Schertz, Texas 78154 (210)619 -1665 Rules for Political Yard Signs During an election season, it is common for Texas homeowners and businesses to post political Yard signs expressing their choice of candidate. When creating or posting a political yard sign in Texas, it is important to adhere to all local and state rules to prevent having a sign removed and to avoid paying a possible fine. Yard signs in Texas must be secured and meet size requirements. Posting Requirements Placing a political yard sign on public property or the right -of -way is Illegal in Texas as per the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Yard signs placed in the right -of -way, including any placed on trees, traffic signs or telephone poles will be removed by the TxDOT with no notice. Political yard signs placed on private property must be lightweight and less than 50 square feet. Land owners may place signs or grant permission for others to-place signs on their property up to 90 days before an election, though they must be removed within 10 days after the election. All signs that are on private property that are deemed to be a traffic hazard will be removed by TxDOT or the City of Schertz without warning, and any fees incurred for sign removal must be paid by the sign's owner. Sign Requirements Before distributing or posting a campaign sign in Texas, ensure that the sign meets all of the state requirements for sign disclosure and proper wording. All political yard signs must have a disclosure statement noting that the sign is "political advertising" and must also note the person or group who paid for the signs and the candidate or group that approved the sign's message, according to the Texas Ethics Commission website. All yard signs must also include the statement "NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE) TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT -OF -WAY OF A HIGHWAY." to assure that all persons using the sign are aware of the state's requirements. Signs must also be worded clearly and not misrepresent the candidate or source of the sign in any way. Other Rulings According to TxDOT, all persons posting political yard signs should check with their county or city before posting a sign, as additional rules often apply in specific areas. Individual neighborhoods and homeowner's associations often have their own rules regarding political advertising as well. In addition, if running for federal office(s) contact the Federal Election Commission on yard signage requirements for national campaigns. (Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Tx. 78711-2070,512/463-5800)