Signs posted illegally are a potential sight distance hazard to motorist

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (Dec.04, 2025) – A sign removal blitz is under way in the seven counties of Highway District 12: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Martin, and Pike. All signs illegally placed on state right of way will be removed – this includes any type of sign: for political candidates, yard sales, businesses, real estate, or any other purpose.

Kentucky law and KYTC policy prohibit the placement of any signs – for any type of advertising – on state right of way. The prohibition includes signs attached to permanent state highway signs, utility poles, guardrail and fencing.

Signs posted illegally are a potential sight distance hazard to motorists, they interfere with mowing crews, ditchline cleaning, litter pickup, and other maintenance operations.

“Putting signs on state right of way is illegal and unsafe. That’s the bottom line,” said Mary Westfall-Holbrook, Chief District Engineer. “State right of way belongs to the taxpayers and should be a neutral zone, not a place where businesses and candidates can get free advertising space.”

Signs that are removed will be taken to the nearest state highway garage and kept for two weeks. Unclaimed signs will be discarded. “We cannot guarantee that signs will not be damaged during the removal process,” Westfall-Holbrook said.

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