DelDOT: Some political signs are illegal
Any posted political signs on area roadways are illegal, according to Charles “C.R.” McLeod, Delaware Department of Transportation’s director of community relations. Signs placed on private property with the owner’s permission are allowed.
Political signs can be placed 30 days prior to an election and must be removed within 30 days following an election. The first signs can be placed along roadways Sunday, Aug. 14, a month ahead of scheduled primaries.
He said Sussex County has a sign ordinance, but it does not overrule state code regarding signs placed along the right of way.
McLeod said DelDOT crews will be removing illegal signs and assessing fines.
The fine is $25 per sign with a $15 recovery fee if a candidate wants a sign back. If not, signs are destroyed after 30 days.
Illegal political signs are an ongoing problem for DelDOT officials. In 2018, more than 500 signs were confiscated, and in 2016, dozens of politicians were hit with fines for illegal signs. During the 2012 election, DelDOT crews confiscated nearly 4,000 signs. Many of the violations related to placement of the signs within 10 feet of a roadway.
