INDOT, city remind Hoosiers to keep campaign signs out of rights-of-way

As primary elections approach, the Indiana Department of Transportation reminds Hoosiers that campaign signs are prohibited from state right-of-way according to Indiana Code 9-21-4-6.

INDOT personnel are required by state law to remove all unauthorized signs within state right-of-way.

Areas that should remain sign-free include intersections, interchanges and rights-of-way that run parallel to highways

Where the right-of-way is not clearly marked, boundaries may be estimated as the fence line, the back of the ditch or behind utility poles.

City of Greencastle officials note that signs should also be kept out of the city right-of-way.

“Typically behind the sidewalk or 10 to 15 feet from the edge of pavement are good rules of thumb to follow,” Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory said, adding that the same rules should be followed for real estate signs and other similar signs such as those for garage sales.

INDOT personnel will remove campaign signs and other illegal signs from right-of-way — pursuant to code — as they are encountered in normal highway maintenance activities.

Crews may also remove a specific sign if it presents an immediate safety risk, such as being too close to the roadway or creating a sight obstruction. Campaign signs placed off the right-of-way will not be removed.

Removed signs will be taken to the nearest INDOT facility. Campaign signs may be claimed by the owner between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.

To report signs placed in the right-of-way, contact INDOT customer service at http://www.indot4u.com or 1-855-463-6848.