It's the time of year when political signs proliferate.
The Crow Wing County Highway Department is reminding the public that state law prohibits the placement of political advertisements within the limits of any highway in Minnesota. The law-Minnesota statutes, section 160.27-also prohibits painting, printing or affixing advertisements on any object within that right-of-way. This law applies to campaign signs, as well as other forms of advertising.
In addition, the Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act (Minnesota statutes, section 173.15) prohibits erecting advertising devices:
• On private land without the consent of the owner or occupant,
• On public utility poles,
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• On trees or shrubs,
• By painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.
County highway workers are responsible for administering these laws on county roads. Signs removed from road right-of-ways will be taken to either the Brainerd highway facility at 16589 County Road 142 (near the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport) or the Crosslake highway facility at 13780 Whipple Drive, depending on the area they were found. Signs will be available for retrieval at these locations.
The county highway department will make every effort to be fair and impartial in administering the law, so that all advertisers can expect equal treatment under the law, a news release stated. Those who need assistance in identifying the right-of-way of a particular road may contact the highway department office at 218-824-1110.
