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)