WYDOT reminds businesses and residents to keep signs out of rights-of-way and off traffic poles

In a news release the Wyoming Department of Transportation is reminding residents, businesses, and realtors that placing signs along the roadways, on traffic poles or fences along WYDOT highways is prohibited.  

Wyoming statute (W.S. 24-10-104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. Placing signs or objects within highway rights-of-way is prohibited, including on right-of-way fencing or on trees, traffic signs, or traffic signal poles within the right-of-way.

“With the weather getting nicer we have seen an increase in the number of signs our crews are having to remove from traffic signal poles and the right of way fence or from the right of way itself,” according to Laura Dalles, WYDOT public relations specialist in Sheridan. “Safety issues arise when utilizing the traffic signal poles and the rights of way. These signs become a distraction.”

These objects can cause safety concerns, said Dalles, adding that WYDOT’s number one goal is to provide a safe and effective transportation system.

“In addition to the placement of these signs being prohibited, the accumulation of paper, tape, and staples becomes a littering issue,” Dalles said. “WYDOT works diligently to keep our streets, highways and byways clean.”

Fines and even jail time can be inflicted on those who violate the law. Wyoming statute (W.S. 24 10 104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement.