Candidates for political office and their supporters are reminded that it is unlawful to place campaign signs on the highway right of way in Arkansas, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department officials.
“There are several Arkansas statutes addressing encroachment and the placing of signs or other objects on highway right of way,” AHTD Director Scott Bennett said in a news release.
Only official directional, informational and/or regulatory highway signs are permitted on state-owned highway property. All other signs are removed by the local Area Maintenance Office. These statutes apply to all unauthorized signs, not just political campaign signs.
Small “yard” signs that are placed on the right of way will be removed by AHTD personnel. Owners of large “billboard” type signs will be notified and given an opportunity to remove them before the AHTD does. Owners can pick up the signs during normal business hours at the nearest AHTD Area Maintenance Headquarters.
“The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department encourages everyone to keep these right of way rules in mind and keep the roadsides clear in order to keep our highways as safe as possible,” Bennet said.