By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds the public that placing political campaign signs or billboards on state highway right of way is prohibited. By law, these areas are reserved exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide, and warning signs installed by KDOT are permitted on the 9,500-mile state highway system, which includes all interstate, Kansas, and U.S. routes under KDOT’s jurisdiction.

If KDOT maintenance crews find political signs on state highway right of way, the signs will be removed immediately and without notice. Removed signs will be taken to the nearest KDOT Subarea office. Any political campaign signs not retrieved from these offices will be disposed of after the election.

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property adjacent to state right of way, but those placing signs on private property must first obtain permission from the property owner.

A state law passed in 2015 concerning the placement of campaign signs on city- or county-owned right of way does not apply to state highway right of way. Individuals placing signs on city streets or county roads should consult the local jurisdiction for any specific regulations.