Exemptions Needed for Temporary Signs Visible From Highway. Photo courtesy of California Department of Transportation

SUTTER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - With the 2024 general election season gearing up, political candidates and campaign workers for either an office or a ballot measure are reminded about a state law governing the placement of “Temporary Political Signs” within view of a state highway.

Section 5405.3 of the State Outdoor Advertising Act allows an exemption for the placement of “Temporary Political Signs” along certain state highways.

However, these signs are not to be placed within the state right of way. In addition, signs can’t be visible within 660 feet from the edge of the right of way of a classified “landscaped freeway.”

There are 78.5 miles of “Classified Landscape Freeway” within the 11 counties in Caltrans District 3, which includes ornamental planting covering at least a 1,000-foot-long continuous stretch of state right of way.

If campaign signs are within view of a state highway, candidates must file a “Statement of Responsibility” form with Caltrans’ Outdoor Advertising program in Sacramento.

Temporary political signs must meet the following criteria:

Encourages a particular vote in a scheduled election.

Placed not sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election and is removed within 10 days after that election.

Is no larger than 32 square feet.

Candidate or petition has filed a “Statement of Responsibility” certifying a person who will be responsible for removing the sign.

State law directs Caltrans to remove unauthorized temporary political signs and bill the responsible party for their removal. For more information or copy of the form “Statement of Responsibility” for temporary political signs, please visit: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/oda/political-signs

A completed “Statement of Responsibility” form must be submitted to:

Department of Transportation

Division of Traffic Operations

Outdoor Advertising

P.O. Box 942874, MS-36

Sacramento, CA 94274-0001

Motorists are encouraged to check Caltrans’ QuickMap before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department will issue updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook CaltransDistrict3.