ST. CLOUD, Minn. – As political campaigns get underway for November elections, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds campaigners that state law prohibits placement of private signs on highway right-of-way in Minnesota.

In addition, state law says that signs may not be placed on private land without the consent of the landowner.

Violation of the law, Minnesota Statute 160.27, is a misdemeanor.

Civil penalties may also apply if the placement of such material contributes to a motor vehicle crash, creates injury to a person, or causes damage to a motor vehicle that runs off the road.

In addition, the Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act prohibits placing advertising devices on public utility poles, trees and shrubs and by painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.

MnDOT workers will take down any private signs located on the state highway right-of-way and transport them to the nearest maintenance truck station. County, city and township employees administer these laws on their roads.

For information regarding the proper placement of campaign signs, right-of-way boundaries, or where to find removed materials, visit www.mndot.gov/govrel/rw_signs.html, or contact our local MnDOT St. Cloud office at 320-223-6500, or Baxter office at 218-828-5700.

When placing signs off the right-of-way, the best way to avoid an emergency or unintentionally striking an underground facility is to call 811 before digging, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Go to the Gopher State One Call website at www.gopherstateonecall.org, and request that underground utilities be marked near the area of the digging.

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