Arizona Political Sign Protections on Public Rights-of-Way

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.

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.