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Nebraska Statewide Rule

Nebraska Highway Right-of-Way Political Sign Ban

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nebraska (2026)

Key Facts

Authorizing statute
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 39-215
Sign classification
Class III advertising
ROW removal
Without notice allowed
Beautification zone
660 feet
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nebraska Legislature

Summary

Nebraska state law prohibits placing political campaign signs or any signs on state highway and interstate right-of-way. The Department of Transportation enforces this rule statewide and may remove unauthorized signs from public ROW.

Nothing contained in such sections shall be construed to allow any person or persons, except the department, to erect signs within the right-of-way of any portion of the state highway system or, except the county, to erect official signs within the right-of-way of any portion of the county road system;

Source: Nebraska LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 39-202 and § 39-215, no person except the Nebraska Department of Transportation may erect signs within the right-of-way of the state highway system. This includes intersections, medians, entrance and exit ramps, sidewalks, ditches, and lands bordering each roadway. Political campaign signs are classified as Class III advertising signs under state law and are only permitted in zoned or unzoned commercial or industrial areas, with permits required. Signs visible from the main-traveled way within 660 feet of the right-of-way edge in the Highway Beautification Control System are also prohibited unless specifically authorized. NDOT routinely removes unauthorized signs without notice.

Violations & Penalties

Unauthorized signs subject to removal without compensation; misdemeanor charges possible for repeated placement; fines under highway beautification provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a political sign in the highway median?
No. Nebraska law prohibits signs in any state highway or interstate right-of-way, including medians, ramps, ditches, and sidewalks adjacent to the roadway.
Where can political signs legally be placed?
On private property with owner permission. Signs in commercial or industrial zones near highways may require permits under the Highway Beautification Control System.

Sources

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