MnDOT Reminds Residents Of State Sign Placement Law

It's a big election year and the closer we get to November, the more political signs that will pop up across the Northland.  MnDOT reminds residents that there is a state law in place when it comes to sign placement.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the basic thing to remember is that signs are not permitted:

• On any state highway right of way, as signs placed there pose hazards for drivers and maintenance crews.
• On private land without the consent of the owner or occupant
• On public utility poles
• On trees or shrubs
• By painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.

Furthermore, the Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act states that signs are not allowed if they

Purports to be or resembles an official traffic-control device, sign, or signal, or railroad sign or signal; or which hides from view or interferes in any material degree with the effectiveness of any traffic-control device, sign, or signal, or railroad sign or signal, or which obstructs or interferes with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic for a distance not to exceed 500 feet.

You can click here to read the full Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act.

If you are placing signs anywhere, especially those that involve digging into the ground, it's probably a great to idea to first call 811 to make sure you do not unintentionally strike an underground facility.

Sign placement is monitored and those who violate the related law could be charged with a misdemeanor.  Furthermore, civil penalties may also apply if the placement of such material contributes to a motor vehicle crash, creates injury to a person, or causes damage to a motor vehicle that runs off the road.