10. TXDoT political-signs Political and Campaign Signs
Right of Way Division
Interstate and Primary Highways
During campaign season, the landscape blooms with a special kind of flower - the
political sign. Unlike wildflowers which are welcome anywhere, putting campaign signs
on public lands is illegal. So before you plant that sign, learn the law and keep Texas
beautiful.
TxDOT only controls the location of commercial signs, and never controls the content of
any signage. If you have questions about what may be on a political sign, please contact
the Texas Ethics Commission at (512) 463-5800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I place political signs?
You can place your signs anywhere so long as they are:
1) not in the highway right of way;
2) not in a location that poses a safety hazard (e.g. blocking sight to a driveway); and
3) placed with the landowner’s permission.
Always make sure to check with local authorities (cities, counties, etc.) as they may have
their own restrictions on sign placement.
When can I place political signs?
Cities and counties may have their own time restrictions for political signs, however
TxDOT does not enforce any timing restrictions.
There is a sign on private property posing a safety hazard
If you believe a sign or signs create a safety hazard, contact local law enforcement as
they can have the owner remove or relocate their sign(s).
There are signs located on the Right of Way (ROW)
Signs cannot be placed on the ROW as per Texas Transportation Code §393.002. “A
sheriff, constable, or other trained volunteer authorized by the commissioners court of a
county may confiscate a sign placed in violation of Section 393.002.” [TEX. TRANS. CODE
§393.003]. For state-maintained highways, your local TxDOT district office also has the
authority to remove signs located on state owned right of way.
Where is the ROW?
If you are unsure where the ROW starts or ends, you should contact your local TxDOT
district office.
Contact Us
The contact information for your local TxDOT office can be found online at:
www.txdot.gov About TxDOT Districts
Then find your county and select the “Discover” link for specific contact information.
For any other questions concerning signs along Texas highways, contact the TxDOT Commercial Signs Regulatory Section:
ROW_OutdoorAdvertising@txdot.gov
or by phone:
(512) 416-3030
Online Information
This same information is
available online on TxDOT’s
website and can be
accessed by the below
method:
Go to
www.txdot.gov
Select “Do business”
Select “Right of Way”
Select “View campaign sign
laws”
OR
Search Online:
“TxDOT Campaign Signs”