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West Virginia Statewide Rule

West Virginia Political Sign Placement on Highway Right-of-Way

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across West Virginia (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
W. Va. Code 17-19-1
Right-of-way distance
About 20 feet from centerline
Fine range
$25 to $100 per day
Removal authority
WVDOH Commissioner
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: West Virginia Legislature

Summary

West Virginia Code 17-19-1 prohibits any sign, including campaign signs, on or over state highway right-of-way. WVDOH right-of-way generally extends 20 feet from a road centerline. Violations are misdemeanors with daily fines.

§17-19-1. Prohibited signs, etc.; removal at owner's expense. No person shall paint, mark, post, tack, nail, or otherwise affix any sign, advertisement, notice, picture, drawing, emblem, poster, printing, or writing, other than those placed and maintained in pursuance of law, on or to any stone, rock, tree, fence, stump, post, pole, building, or other structure, which is in or upon the right-of-way of any public road or highway, including the road or highway itself, except that the commissioner may provide for suitable road signs, danger signals and other signs of informational nature. No such sign or other marking shall be suspended over the right-of-way of any public road or highway. These prohibitions include, but are not limited to, such devices which are intended to invite or draw attention of the public to the candidacy of any person for any public office; and any such device which exists in violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute prima facie evidence that the person whose candidacy appears thereon violated this section: Provided, however, That the installation and/or maintenance of newspaper, postal or mailboxes shall not be prohibited or affected by this section. Any person violating this section, whether as principal, agent, or employee, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100;

Source: West Virginia LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under W. Va. Code 17-19-1, no person may affix any sign, poster, advertisement, or banner to any tree, fence, post, pole, or structure on or above a state highway right-of-way, nor suspend signs over the roadway. The WV Division of Highways treats the right-of-way as extending approximately 20 feet from the centerline of most public roads. Political and campaign signs are subject to this prohibition statewide and may be removed by the Commissioner without notice. Signs cannot block sight distance, cover traffic control devices, or obscure intersections. The statute applies uniformly; municipalities cannot authorize placement within state right-of-way.

Violations & Penalties

Misdemeanor punishable by $25 to $100 fine. Each day a sign remains is a separate offense. WVDOH may remove signs without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place a campaign sign on the grass strip near a road?
Usually no. The state right-of-way typically extends about 20 feet from the centerline, which often includes the grass strip and shoulder. Place signs only on private property with the owner's permission.
Can a city allow signs in the WVDOH right-of-way?
No. The statewide prohibition in 17-19-1 governs state-maintained roads. Local ordinances cannot authorize signs the state forbids.
Will WVDOH notify me before removing a sign?
No. The Commissioner is empowered to remove prohibited signs from state right-of-way without prior notice, and the signs are declared a public nuisance.

Sources

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