Reminder: Campaign, Non-Official Signs Prohibited on State Highway Rights of Way
Crews will remove illegally-placed signs as needed
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (March 20, 2026) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds political candidates and property owners that campaign, yard sale, business, and other non-official signs are prohibited on state highway rights of way.
“Our primary concern is safety for drivers as well as for our employees and contractors who work to maintain the state’s roadways,” said Chief District Engineer Mary Westfall-Holbrook of Kentucky Department of Highways District 12.
“Illegally-placed signs are a distraction and can be a safety issue for motorists when blocking the view of oncoming vehicles,” Westfall-Holbrook said. “They can also endanger mowing crews or pose a hazard to drivers who run off the roadway – particularly when installed with large wooden or metal stakes.”
Kentucky law and Transportation Cabinet policy prohibit the placement of any non-official signs on state right of way. The prohibition includes both free-standing signs and signage attached to permanent state highway signs, utility poles, and guardrails.
State highway crews in eastern Kentucky will remove signs as needed, especially during roadside mowing operations in the spring, summer, and fall.
Candidates and property owners should check to make sure all signs are off the state right of way. Where right-of-way markers or fences are not visible, in general, the right of way extends from 15 to 30 feet from the edge of pavement and all signage should be behind sidewalks or behind the ditch line and outside areas commonly mowed or maintained by the state. On four-lane highways with controlled access or limited access, no signs or other materials should be placed on the highway side of the fence or on the fence itself.
Removed signs will be held at state maintenance facilities in each county for a short period of time and may be picked up at those locations by the owner or a representative with proper identification. Unclaimed signs will be discarded.
The Transportation Cabinet appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding.
