With a runoff election coming up next Tuesday, June 24, and a general election Nov. 4 this year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation reminds political candidates that campaign signs are not permitted on a state highway right of way.

To maintain traffic safety, the following rules govern the placement of signs.

• It is illegal to place signs within the right-of-way on state highways. The width of highway rights-of-way varies by location and includes the driving lanes, shoulders, mowed areas and potentially may reach distances of 300 feet or more from the centerline of the driving lanes.

• Keeping the right-of-way clear prevents safety hazards and interference with traveling public along roadways.

• Signs with steel or wooden posts pose potential hazards which may cause harm to roadside workers, damage to roadside equipment and become projectiles if hit by mowers.

• Illegally placed campaign signs contribute to the state’s $3.2 million litter problem spoiling Mississippi’s natural beauty.

• Signs are not permitted within areas used for clear vision at intersections so they will not interfere with the sight distance of a driver. No signs are allowed in limited access rights-of-way. Typically, the right-of-way is larger near roadway intersections.

• Any illegally placed signs will be removed. Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for two weeks at a local MDOT maintenance facility, then discarded. Candidates may retrieve signs from MDOT without penalty.

For more information, call 601-359-7074 or visit GoMDOT.com.