Arizona Statewide Rule
Arizona Political Sign Protections on Public Rights-of-Way
Key Facts
- Statute
- ARS 16-1019
- Max size residential
- 16 square feet
- Posting window
- 71 days before election
- Removal deadline
- 15 days after election
- Preempts local rules
- Yes, statewide
Summary
Arizona state law preempts municipal restrictions on temporary political signs in public rights-of-way during election periods, limiting what cities and counties can prohibit or remove.
It is a class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue or knowingly remove, alter or deface any political mailers, handouts, flyers or other printed materials of a candidate or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue that are delivered by hand to a residence for the period commencing seventy-one days before an election and ending fifteen days after the election, except that for a sign for a candidate in a primary election who advances to the general election, the period ends fifteen days after the general election.
Full Breakdown
Under ARS 16-1019, Arizona cities, towns, and counties may not prohibit the installation of political signs on public rights-of-way if the sign supports or opposes a candidate or ballot measure, is located outside the paved roadway area, does not exceed sixteen square feet (residential) or thirty-two square feet (other zones), and is posted no earlier than seventy-one days before the election and removed within fifteen days after. Local governments retain authority only to remove signs that create a traffic hazard or violate the size, location, and timing limits set by the statute. ARS 11-251.18 similarly limits county sign authority.
Violations & Penalties
Cities that improperly remove or fine compliant political signs may be liable; non-compliant signs (oversized, in roadway, outside the time window) may be removed by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Arizona city ban political signs in the right-of-way?
How early can I post a campaign sign in Arizona?
Are size limits the same statewide?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.