KYTC crews warn of signs illegally placed on state right of way

MANCHESTER, Ky. (March 26, 2026) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds political candidates and others that it is illegal to place campaign, yard sale, business, and other non-official signs on state highway rights of way.

The agency has received complaints about such illegal signs, especially with elections for local political offices occurring this year. KYTC personnel will begin removing signs from highways in advance of mowing cycles or other road work, or as a standalone effort as time allows if there are no other pressing maintenance needs.

These illegal encroachments interfere with sight distance for motorists, are obstacles to mowing and other maintenance operations, and can pose a danger to work crews and drivers. State officials ask Kentuckians to do their part by keeping the state right of way clear of these temporary signs and other obstacles.

KYTC personnel have noticed and have been getting complaints about political signs illegally placed on state right of way. In addition, many signs advertising businesses, events, and services have been observed. Kentucky law and KYTC policy both prohibit placement of these unauthorized signs on state right of way. The prohibition also applies to signs attached to utility poles on the right of way. It is also illegal to attach signs or stickers to stop signs, other road signs, right of way fences, and guardrail.

Campaign signs and other signs placed on state right of way that obstruct sight distance or interfere with mowing and maintenance operations will be removed. Larger signs will be taken to the state highway garage in the applicable county and kept for two weeks. Smaller signs, such as those held in the ground with metal frames, will be discarded.

“Illegally placed signs create distractions and pose safety risks for both motorists and maintenance personnel,” said Chris Jones, chief district engineer for the Department of Highways District 11 office in Manchester. “We urge political candidates, their supporters, and those promoting businesses or events to avoid placing signs along roadways where they may obstruct drivers’ visibility or interfere with mowing and routine maintenance operations.”