KYTC Crews Warn of Signs Illegally Placed on State Right of Way

Campaign, yard sale, promotional and other advertising signs are subject to removal.

(Northern Kentucky) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds residents and property owners that illegally placed items along state-maintained right-of-way areas are subject to being removed. Political campaigns, residents, business operators, and property owners along all Interstate, U.S., and state highways should note that no signage is allowed on the right of way other than official highway signs and items approved through a permit process.

Non-permitted signs can create additional hazards by blocking sight distance or distracting drivers, particularly at intersections. Illegal signage placed along roadways is a hazard for mowing crews and can slow mowing operations. Removal of the signs takes time that highway crews could utilize for other highway maintenance activities.

Requests have been received to clear non-permitted signs from right-of-way areas throughout the district. With May Primary races and the traditional yard sale season approaching, anyone wanting to place such signage must do so beyond roadway right of way limits. Along routes with a right of way fence, the fence is also part of the restriction, and no signage may be attached. In addition to signs, the restriction applies to all yard sales, peddling activities, and associated parking.

Attaching signs or items such as flyers, posters, balloons, or streamers to stop signs, highway markers, or any other road sign or utility pole is illegal. Illegal placement on utility poles presents additional obstacles and potential dangers for utility crew workers.

Here are some tips to avoid having your signs removed:

• In rural areas, signs should generally not be placed between utility poles and the edge of the roadway or between the roadway and fence rows
• In urban areas, signs should be behind the sidewalk
• Signs should not be placed on areas that are within the mowing limits
• Along 4-lane limited access highways, no signs should be placed between the right-of-way fence and the edge of the roadway
• Signs should not be attached to the roadway side of fences
• No signs should be posted on roadway medians

Once crews remove illegal signage, all signage will be taken to each county’s KYTC maintenance facility where it will be held for one week. Unclaimed materials will be discarded or recycled.