Mercer County, NJ Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Mercer County Sheriff
- Max fine
- $500
- Max jail term
- 90 days
- Scope
- County roads/rights-of-way only
- Permit body
- County Engineer
Summary
Mercer County bars placing advertising signs, including garage-sale signs, along any county road or right-of-way without a right-of-way occupancy permit approved by the County Engineer.
Placement of advertising signs and/or structures along any County road, street, or right-of-way, or other road, street, or right-of-way under jurisdiction of the County of Mercer shall not be permitted.
(3) A County right-of-way occupancy permit shall be required for the permanent placement of utilities, signs, mailboxes and any other appurtenances that are permitted to exist within public rights-of-way under applicable federal and state laws along any County road, street, or right-of-way, or other road, street, or right-of-way under jurisdiction of the County of Mercer. Applicant shall obtain approval by the County Engineer for signs placed within the County right-of-way shall comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, latest edition and all applicable Mercer County standards.
B. Applicant's responsibilities.
(1) The County RCP/ROWOP shall describe the materials or equipment desiring to be placed or stored in detail, giving the quantity, weight, or other dimensions and particulars thereof.
(2) No materials may be stored or placed on any County road, street or right-of-way.
(3)
Full Breakdown
Stapling a garage-sale sign to a utility pole or planting one on the shoulder of a county-maintained road counts as an "advertising sign" under Mercer County's right-of-way rules. Section 5.03.040 flatly bars that placement along any county road, street, or right-of-way, and reserves right-of-way occupancy permits for permanent, approved installations like utility markers and mailboxes, not temporary advertising. The rule applies only to county-jurisdiction roads, not every municipal street in Mercer's 21 towns. The County Sheriff enforces it.
Violations & Fines
Violators are responsible for removal costs and, under § 5.03.060, face up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in the county jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a garage-sale sign on a Mercer County road shoulder?
Does this cover signs on my town's own streets?
What happens if I leave a sign up anyway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mercer County
Compare Mercer County to another location·View the New Jersey sign regulations overview
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