Ohio Statewide Rule
Ohio Political Sign Disclaimer and Placement Rules
Key Facts
- Disclaimer statute
- ORC 3517.20
- Right-of-way rule
- ORC 5589.33
- Federal protection
- First Amendment
- Disclaimer fine
- Up to $1,000
Summary
Ohio Revised Code Section 3517.20 universally requires identification disclaimers on political campaign signs, while ORC 5589.33 prohibits placing signs in the rights-of-way of public highways.
(A) As used in this section: (1) "Political publication for or against a candidate" means a notice, placard, advertisement, sample ballot, brochure, flyer, direct mailer, or other form of general publication that is designed to promote the nomination, election, or defeat of a candidate. (2) "Political publication for or against an issue" means a notice, placard, advertisement, sample ballot, brochure, flyer, direct mailer, or other form of general publication that is designed to promote the adoption or defeat of a ballot issue or question or to influence the voters in an election. (3) "Public political advertising" means newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising facilities, direct mailings, or other similar types of general public political advertising, or flyers, handbills, or other nonperiodical printed matter. (4) "Statewide candidate" has the same meaning as in section 3517.102 of the Revised Code. (5) "Legislative candidate" means a candidate for the office of member of the general assembly. (6) "Local candidate" means a candidate for an elective office of a political subdivision of this state. (7) "Legislative campaign fund" has the same meaning as in section 3517.01 of the Revised Code. (8) "Limited political action committee" means a political action committee of fewer than ten members. (9) "Limited political contributing entity" means a political contributing entity of fewer than ten members.
Full Breakdown
ORC 3517.20 requires that political communications including yard signs identify the entity responsible for the message, applying to all candidates and issue committees statewide. ORC 5589.33 prohibits placing signs within the right-of-way of any public highway outside municipal corporations, and the Ohio Department of Transportation removes unauthorized signs from state highway rights-of-way. While municipalities may impose content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions on signs in private yards under home rule, US Supreme Court rulings (City of Ladue v. Gilleo) protect residential political signs. Local bans on residential political signs are generally unenforceable.
Violations & Penalties
Disclaimer violations carry fines up to $1,000; ODOT removes right-of-way signs without compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are political yard signs protected in Ohio?
Can I place campaign signs along Ohio highways?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.