Berks County, PA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Right-of-way
- No signs (PennDOT)
- Polling place
- 10 ft from entrance
- Disclaimer
- Required (25 P.S. §3258)
- Timing
- Set by each municipality
- Free-speech limit
- Reed v. Gilbert protects signs
Summary
Berks County publishes a compiled guide to its townships' and boroughs' campaign-sign rules. Countywide, signs may not sit in the PennDOT highway right-of-way and must stay 10 feet from a polling place entrance. Timing and size limits are set by each municipality.
PENNDOT – Signs must not be placed in the highway right-of-way. SIGNS OUTSIDE POLLING LOCATIONS – Per Election Code, candidate or campaign signs and campaign materials must remain 10 feet from the entrance of the polling location.
Full Breakdown
Berks County's Township/Borough Regulations for Display of Campaign Signs (Rev. 4/2025) compiles each municipality's rules. Two rules apply countywide: PennDOT bars signs in the highway right-of-way, and the PA Election Code keeps candidate signs 10 feet from a polling-place entrance. All candidate signs must carry a disclaimer under Section 1638 (25 P.S. §3258). Municipal timing and size limits vary widely, for example, West Reading Borough allows signs up to 60 days before an election, removed within 7 days after, and no taller than 3 feet. Reed v. Town of Gilbert (U.S. Supreme Court) means content-based caps on political signs are constitutionally suspect.
Violations & Fines
Signs left in the right-of-way or violating a municipal ordinance can be removed by code enforcement. West Reading, for example, sets a fine up to $600 and/or up to 30 days' imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep a political sign up in Berks County?
Can the township take down my yard sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berks County
Compare Berks County to another location·View the Pennsylvania sign regulations overview
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