MDOT: Political campaign signs illegal on state highway right-of-way
JACKSON, Miss. — With the 2026 campaign season kicking into high gear, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is reminding political candidates that campaign 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 includes driving lanes, shoulders and mowed areas — and can extend 300 feet or more from the centerline of the driving lanes, according to MDOT.
To keep roadways safe, MDOT asks candidates and campaigns to observe the following:
- Illegally placed campaign signs contribute to the state’s multi-million-dollar litter problem.
- Any illegally placed signs will be removed by MDOT crews.
- Keeping the right-of-way clear prevents safety hazards and interference with the traveling public.
- Signs with steel or wooden posts can harm roadside workers, damage equipment and become projectiles if hit by mowers.
- Signs are not permitted where they block a driver’s sight distance at intersections, and no signs are allowed in limited-access right-of-way.
- Signs removed by MDOT will be kept for two weeks at a local MDOT maintenance facility before being discarded. Candidates may retrieve their signs without penalty.
For information about right-of-way distances along a specific state-maintained highway, contact your local MDOT maintenance facility. For more information, call 601-359-7074 or visit GoMDOT.com.
By Jon Myers
