Alabama Statewide Rule
Alabama Political Sign Rules and Right-of-Way Limits
Key Facts
- Right-of-Way Rule
- No signs allowed
- Polling Place Buffer
- 30 feet minimum
- Highway Beautification
- Code 23-1-270
- Removal Authority
- ALDOT may remove
- Polling Violation Class
- Class C misdemeanor
Summary
Alabama state law restricts placement of political campaign signs in public rights-of-way, on state highways, and on state property. Cities can regulate residential placement, but content-based restrictions face First Amendment limits statewide.
Section 23-1-6. Signs, Markers, and Advertising - on Rights-of-Way. Signs, markers, and advertising on the rights-of-way of state controlled highways are prohibited except those official signs or markers placed thereon by the State Department of Transportation or under its authority.
Full Breakdown
Under Alabama Code Title 23 and Alabama Department of Transportation rules, political signs are prohibited within state highway rights-of-way and may be removed by ALDOT without notice. Alabama Code Section 17-17-4 prohibits campaign electioneering within 30 feet of a polling place entrance on election day. The Alabama Highway Beautification Act (Code Sections 23-1-270 et seq.) regulates outdoor advertising along federal-aid highways. Municipalities can regulate sign size, duration, and placement on private property under content-neutral rules following Reed v. Town of Gilbert, but cannot ban political signs outright on residential property.
Violations & Penalties
ALDOT may remove signs in state rights-of-way without notice. Electioneering near polls is a Class C misdemeanor under Alabama Code 17-17-4 with possible fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put political signs along an Alabama state highway?
How close can I post campaign signs to an Alabama polling place?
Can Alabama cities ban political yard signs entirely?
Sources
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