With spring mowing season here, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds candidates and property owners that private signs and advertising are not allowed on state highway rights of way.
Kentucky law and Transportation Cabinet policy prohibit the placement of non-official signs of any type – for businesses, political campaigns, yard sales or other advertising – on state highway rights of way, utility poles, fences and guardrails or on road signs.
Illegally-placed signs can be a safety hazard for highway crews mowing the rights of way and can disrupt ditch cleaning or other road maintenance. They’re also a distraction to motorists and create safety hazards by blocking the view of side roads and approaching vehicles or by endangering those who run off the roadway – particularly when signs are installed with large wooden or metal stakes.
Right-of-way boundaries vary by highway and location. Where right-of-way markers or fences are not visible, in general, all signage should be behind sidewalks or behind the ditch line and outside areas commonly mowed or maintained by highway crews. On four-lane highways with controlled access or limited access, no signs should be placed on the highway side of the fence or on the fence itself.
As crew scheduling allows, the Kentucky Department of Highways removes illegal signs. Signs that are removed will be held for 30 calendar days at state highway maintenance facilities and may be picked up at those locations by the owner or a representative with proper identification. Unclaimed signs will be discarded after 30 days.
Employees who remove signs are acting in the best interest of all motorists and maintenance crews.
The Transportation Cabinet appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding.
(provided by Kentucky Department of Highways District 9)
