REGIONAL – Political season in the North Country means another season of visual distractions on roadways as candidates and their supporters look to gain the best possible advantage for exposure for their signage.
While signs are allowed at private residences and on commercial property, placement of campaign and other advertising signage on any highway rights of way is not allowed under state law, according to Margie Nelson, a public affairs coordinator for District 1 of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 
All state, county, city and township roads and highways fall under the same state law.
“Highway rights of way include driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches and sight corners at intersections,” she said.
An apparent violation of this law was documented just outside of Ely this past weekend at the intersection of Highway 169/1 and Old Highway 169 Road. As many as five political signs advertising for Roger Skraba, Pete Stauber, Andrea Zupancich and other candidates were clustered in an area just inches from the gravel shoulder of the roadway.
Violation of the law (Minn. Stat. 160.27) is a misdemeanor. Civil penalties also may apply if the placement of signage contributes to a motor vehicle crash and injures a person or damages a motor vehicle that runs off the road.
Politicians contacted by the Timberjay did not admit to having any knowledge of the placement of the sign cluster. Landowner consent is needed before signs are placed on private property outside of the right of way, MnDOT officials said.
MnDOT crews are required to remove unlawfully placed signs and impound them at one of its local maintenance truck stations. When improperly placed signs are removed by MnDOT, every effort is made to temporarily store the sign and notify the owner where the signs can be retrieved.
The Minnesota Outdoor Advertising Control Act (Minn. Stat. 173.15) also prohibits placing advertising materials on public utility poles, trees and shrubs, and painting or drawing on rocks or natural features.
For information about the proper placement of campaign signs or where to retrieve signs, contact the local MnDOT office at 218-725-2800. See also mndot.gov/govrel/rw_signs.html.
When placing signs, the best way to avoid an emergency or unintentionally striking an underground facility is to call 811 before digging, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Go to the GSOC website and request that underground utilities be marked near the area of the digging.