KDOT addresses state law and placement of political signs

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – With political campaigning ramping up in a busy year for statewide and national elections, the Kansas Department of Transportation issued a reminder about political signs, specifically addressing a law that prohibits campaign signs or billboards from being placed on a state highway right-of-way.

“By law, all right-of-way on state highways is exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide signs, and warning signs placed by KDOT are allowed on the 9,500-mile state highway system.” KDOT explained. “KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes.”

The state transportation department advised that without notice, maintenance crews will remove any political signs found on state highway right-of-way.

“All such signs will be taken to the closest KDOT Subarea office,” the department explained. “Political campaign signs not retrieved from the Subarea offices will be disposed of after the election.”

KDOT clarified that political campaign signs are allowed on private property bordering state right-of-way, as long as the placer has permission from the property owner.

Regarding political signs on city or county-owned right-of-way, KDOT provided the following guidance:

“A state law passed in 2015 related to placement of campaign signs on city- or county-owned right-of-way does not apply to state highway right-of-way. Persons placing signs on city street or county road right-of-way should consult the local jurisdiction on any rules.”