Caltrans Reminds Candidates of State Requirements for Political Signs Along Highways

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As election season approaches, Caltrans District 2 is reminding political candidates and campaign workers of state laws governing the placement of temporary political signs visible from state highways. The agency is outlining the specific conditions under which these signs can be displayed, including restrictions on placement within state right-of-way and along designated 'landscaped freeways'.

Why it matters

Proper placement of political signage is an important issue during election cycles, as candidates seek to reach voters while also adhering to state regulations intended to maintain highway safety and aesthetics. Caltrans' guidelines help ensure a level playing field and prevent unauthorized signs from becoming a distraction or hazard for drivers.

The details

According to Section 5405.3 of the State Outdoor Advertising Act, temporary political signs are allowed along certain state highways, but they cannot be placed within the state highway right of way. Additionally, signs cannot be visible within 660 feet of the edge of the right of way of a classified 'landscaped freeway', which includes 15.5 miles of roadway in Caltrans District 2. Candidates must file a Statement of Responsibility form with Caltrans' Outdoor Advertising Program to qualify their signs as temporary political signage, which also have size and timing restrictions.

• Temporary political signs can be placed no sooner than 90 days prior to a scheduled election.
• Temporary political signs must be removed within 10 days after an election.

What’s next

Candidates and campaign workers must submit the required Statement of Responsibility form to the Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Program in Sacramento before placing any temporary political signs visible from state highways.