MDT Issues Reminder On Campaign Signs
With the campaign season underway, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to remind all political candidates and committees of the State of Montana restrictions on political sign placement on state highways, including areas where the highway runs through an urban area. Cities and counties may have separate regulations on political sign placement along city or county roads. Under state regulations, signs promoting political candidates or issues may only be placed on private property and cannot be placed without the permission of the property owner.
Political candidates and committees are responsible to ensure all signs are in compliance with Montana Administrative Rules for restriction on height, lighting etc. under Mont. Admin. R. § 18.6.231 and 18.6.246.
Political signs must not be placed or allowed in any portion of public right-of-way or on public property. Signs placed on highway fences, utility poles, or otherwise on state right-of-way or which pose a traffic hazard are not allowed and will be removed by MDT.
Political signs on private property along state highways must be removed within 14 days following the applicable election. MDT will notify the landowner of illegal signs which are not removed within 14 days and will remove the signs 24 hours after notification to the landowner. MDT will temporarily store removed political signs for five working days before their destruction. The sign owner may retrieve the signs during this period.
For additional information, please contact MDT’s Outdoor Advertising Control program at MDT Outdoor Advertising in Montana (mt. gov).
Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.
