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.
Section 5405.3 of the State Outdoor Advertising Act allows an exemption for the placement of temporary political signs along certain state highways under specific conditions. However, these signs may not be placed within the state highway right of way. In addition, signs cannot be visible within 660 feet of the edge of the right of way of a classified landscaped freeway.
In Caltrans District 2, there are 15.5 miles of roadway that fall under the “landscaped freeway” classification, which includes ornamental planting covering at least a 1,000-foot-long continuous stretch of state right of way.
If campaign signs are within view of a state highway, candidates must file a Statement of Responsibility form with Caltrans’ Outdoor Advertising Program in Sacramento.
To qualify as a temporary political sign, the sign must meet all of the following criteria:
- Encourages a particular vote in a scheduled election
- Is placed no sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election
- Is removed within 10 days after the election
- Is no larger than 32 square feet
- Has a Statement of Responsibility on file with Caltrans identifying the person responsible for removal
State law directs Caltrans to remove unauthorized temporary political signs and bill the responsible party for any costs associated with their removal.
For more information, or to obtain a copy of the Statement of Responsibility form for temporary political signs, please visit the Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Program webpage: Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Program
Completed forms should be submitted to:
Caltrans Division of Traffic Operations
Outdoor Advertising Program
P.O. Box 942874, MS-36
Sacramento, CA 94274-0001
General questions regarding political signage may be directed to the Office of Outdoor Advertising by phone at (916) 654-6473.
