Arkansas Statewide Rule

Arkansas Bans Political Signs in Highway Right-of-Way

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arkansas (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: Ark. Code 27-67-304
Enforcement agency: Arkansas DOT (ARDOT)
Covered roads: Interstate, U.S., state highways
Allowed signs: Official traffic and regulatory only
Sign retrieval: ARDOT Area Maintenance Office

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Arkansas Code 27-67-304 prohibits political campaign signs and other private signage within state highway rights-of-way. The Arkansas Department of Transportation removes violating signs along interstates, U.S. highways, and state highways statewide.

(a) The rights-of-way provided for all state highways shall be held inviolate for state highway purposes, except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. No physical or functional encroachments, installations, signs other than traffic signs or signals, posters, billboards, roadside stands, gasoline pumps, or other structures or uses shall be permitted within the right-of-way limits of state highways.

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Ark. Code 27-67-304, no signs other than official traffic, directional, or regulatory signs may be placed within the right-of-way of a state-maintained highway. ARDOT enforces this prohibition by removing campaign yard signs, billboards, and other unauthorized installations from interstate, U.S., and state highway corridors. Right-of-way typically extends well beyond the pavement edge and often to the property line abutting the road. The statute applies uniformly across Arkansas; municipal sign codes generally govern only city streets and private property, not state highway frontage. Owners may retrieve removed signs from the local ARDOT Area Maintenance Office during business hours.

Violations & Penalties

Signs in state right-of-way are removed without notice; repeat offenders may face encroachment penalties under ARDOT regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place a political sign on the grass strip next to an Arkansas highway?

No. That strip is typically state right-of-way. ARDOT will remove the sign. Place signs only on private property with the owner's permission, set back from the road.

Does this state law apply to city streets too?

The state statute covers state-maintained highways. City streets and local roads follow municipal sign ordinances, which often have similar prohibitions on right-of-way placement.

Sources

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