Political signs don't belong on KDOT right of way

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. But not on Kansas Department of Transportation right of way, where the only signs you should see are there for your safety and to help you get to your destination.

As election season ramps up, KDOT is reminding the public that campaign signs are a no-no on our right of way. So are garage sale signs and business signs.

By law, all right of way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide and warning signs are allowed on the state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system.

KDOT removes political or business signs on state right of way, taking them to the closest subarea office.

“It’s almost a full-time job,” said Area Superintendent David Lechner, who works in Wichita.

People can claim seized signs but must agree to not put them on state right of way again. Political signs not picked up will be disposed of after the election. Condition of signs is not guaranteed.

“People put them up anywhere,” said Area Superintendent Gene Watts, who works in Pratt. He remembers one candidate who was adamant that he had the right to put a sign on state right of way. The candidate later called Watts to apologize.

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. But remember to get permission to place a sign on private property.