Pennsylvania Statewide Rule
Pennsylvania Bans Political Signs in State Highway Right-of-Way
Key Facts
- Statute
- 36 P.S. § 670-425
- Enforcing agency
- PennDOT
- Consent required
- Written PennDOT consent
- Fine
- $4 to $20, summary conviction
- Sign status
- Public nuisance, may be abated
Summary
Placing a political sign, banner, or any advertising matter within the legal limits of a Pennsylvania state highway is unlawful without PennDOT's written consent under Section 425 of the State Highway Law. Violators face summary conviction, and PennDOT abates the signs as public nuisances.
It shall be unlawful to place any sign, banner, or advertising matter of any kind whatsoever on or across any State highway or on or across any structure within the legal limits of any State highway without first having obtained the written consent of the department. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon summary conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than four dollars ($4.00) nor more than twenty dollars ($20.00).
Full Breakdown
Section 425 of the State Highway Law (36 P.S. § 670-425) makes it unlawful to place any sign, banner, or advertising matter of any kind on or across any state highway, or on any structure within its legal limits, without written consent from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The rule reaches campaign and political signs planted in the highway right-of-way, median, or on guide rail and traffic-control devices. PennDOT declares non-conforming signs a public nuisance and may abate them with or without notice to the person responsible. Political signs on private lawns outside the right-of-way are not covered by this statute.
Violations & Penalties
Summary conviction carries a fine of not less than $4 nor more than $20, paid into the county treasury for road construction or repair. PennDOT may remove the sign as a public nuisance with or without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a political sign in my front yard in Pennsylvania?
Who removes illegal campaign signs from state roads?
Sources
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