Campaign Season Brings Signs, But Watch Where You Put Them

With the state’s primary election less than a month away, candidate campaign signs are popping up everywhere – including some places where they’re not allowed. 

Political signs are not permitted on government property. That includes rights-of-way and roadsides.  

Violations are considered misdemeanors and can lead to fines of up to $100 per sign. Regardless of who puts it up, candidates are responsible for the placement of their signs. 

Something else to be aware of: removing or destroying someone else’s sign can be considered theft or destruction of property, both criminal offenses.  

A candidate’s guide to qualifications and regulations can be found here. 

The West Virginia Division of Highways has its own rules for sign placement:  

• Signs or posters cannot be placed on or above a Division of Highways (DOH) right of way, which normally stretches 20 feet from the center line of a public road. Distances do vary, however, so please contact the West Virginia Division of Highways if you are uncertain. 
  
  

• Signs or posters near rights of way must comply with the outdoor advertising statute in Chapter 17, Article 19, Section 1 of the West Virginia Code, and must also conform to any municipal ordinances regulating outdoor advertising. 
  
  

• Signs or posters cannot be placed on Division of Highways traffic control signs nor block such signs, and cannot obscure the view of any connecting road or intersection. 
  
  

• Signs or posters cannot be placed on elements in nature, such as rocks or trees. 
  
  

• Avoid placing materials on fence posts, utility poles or other stationary objects on private property without consent of the property owners. 
  
  

• Political overhead banners cannot be erected over any county, state, or federal highway. 

For more information, contact the DOH Traffic Engineering Division at (304) 558-3063.  

To report a problem or violation, contact the West Virginia Secretary of State Investigations Division at 1-877-FRAUD-WV.