Rhode Island Political Signs and the Outdoor Advertising Law (§ 24-10.1-3)

RIGL § 24-10.1-3 states no outdoor advertising may be erected in the state except six listed categories, chiefly official signs, on-premise signs, and property-sale signs. The definition in § 24-10.1-2(4) reaches any 'sign, display, light, device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard, structure, or other thing' used to advertise or inform, which sweeps in political and campaign signs. A campaign sign planted in the state highway right-of-way is not a permitted category, so the director of transportation treats it as a public nuisance under § 24-10.1-7, gives notice, then removes it. Political signs on private property are broadly allowed under the on-premise exemption.

Under § 24-10.1-7 an unlawful sign is a public nuisance the director of transportation may abate and remove; § 24-10.1-8 sets a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) upon conviction.