MnDOT says no signs in highway right-of-ways

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (5/27/22)

(Minnesota) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation reminds the public that the state prohibits placement of private signs of any kind on highway right-of-ways as objects along roadways poze hazards for drivers and maintenance crews. 

Highway right-of-ways include driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches, sight corners at intersections and boulevards in urban areas. State law also says signs may not be placed on private land without the consent of the landowner.

Violation of the law is a misdemeanor with civil penalties applying if the placement of such material contributes to a motor vehicle crash , creates injury to a person, or causes damage to a motor vehicle that runs off the road. The Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act also prohibits placing advertising materials on public utility poles, trees and shrubs, and painting or drawing on rocks of natural features.

MnDOT workers are required to take down private signs located on the state highway right-of-way. County, City. Township employees administer these and on their roads.