Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Political Sign Preemption During Election Period

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Minn. Stat. 211B.045
Window starts: 46 days before primary
Window ends: 10 days after general
Size limits: None during window
Number limits: None during window

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes

Summary

Minnesota Statute 211B.045 preempts municipal regulation of noncommercial signs during a defined election window. From 46 days before the state primary through 10 days after the general election, signs of any size and number are protected.

211B.045 NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS EXEMPTION. All noncommercial signs of any size may be posted in any number beginning 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year until ten days following the state general election. Municipal ordinances may regulate the size and number of noncommercial signs at other times.

Source: Minnesota Revisor of StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Minn. Stat. section 211B.045, all noncommercial signs of any size may be posted in any number beginning 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year and ending 10 days after the state general election. During this window, municipal size and quantity ordinances are preempted. Outside this window, cities retain authority to regulate size and number of noncommercial signs. Content-based restrictions remain limited by the First Amendment under Reed v. Town of Gilbert, and Minnesota courts have applied these principles to local sign codes.

Violations & Penalties

Local ordinances enforcing sign limits during the protected period are unenforceable; aggrieved residents may seek declaratory and injunctive relief in district court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Minnesota city limit yard sign size before an election?

No. From 46 days before the state primary through 10 days after the general election, Minn. Stat. 211B.045 preempts city size and number limits on noncommercial signs.

Do Minnesota sign protections apply outside election season?

No. Outside the protected window, municipal ordinances may regulate size and number of noncommercial signs, subject to constitutional content-neutrality requirements.

Does the Minnesota statute cover all yard signs?

It applies to noncommercial signs broadly, including political messages. Commercial signs remain subject to local sign codes year-round.

Sources

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