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Election Sign Policy <br />Page 3 of 3 <br /> <br />News Release <br />May 10,2004 <br /> <br />Mn/DOT warns of hazards created by signs, objects placed in hi*~hway fights of way . <br /> <br />ST. PAUL, Minn. -- It's-the season for garage sales, open houses and farm auctions, but the Minnesota <br />Department of Transportation warns that placing signs promoting these and other events placed in <br />highway rights of way is illegal and creates potential hazards. <br /> <br />"With the warm weather months now beginning, there is a significant increase of advertising signs and <br />items for sale placed along the state's roadways to attract the attention of passing motorists," said Mark <br />Wikelius, state maintenance engineer, "Illegally placed signs and objects within rights of way can restrict <br />motorists' visibility, especially at intersections, and divert their.attention from driving." <br /> <br />Highway fights-of-way include driving lanes, shoulders, ditches, clear zones and sight corners at <br />intersections. <br /> <br />Placing signs or objects in the rights-of-way is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum $700 fine and/or <br />90 days in jail. State law also specifies that signs and other items cannot be placed on private property <br />outside the right-of-way limits but in close proximity to a roadway without consent from the landowner. <br /> <br />Mn/DOT maintenance staff will remove signs located within rights-of-way without notice. <br /> <br />If there are large objects which cannot be easily removed, Mn/DOT may issue a violation notice requiring <br />the object's removal. Items commonly found in rights-of-way include cars and other vehicles, boats and <br />motors, campers and travel trailers, produce stands and large bales of hay. <br /> <br />These objects can create a hazard if struck by a passing vehicle. They can also collect debris, block proper <br />drainage and restrict maintenance work such as mowing and spraying. <br /> <br />For information about roadway regulations, right-of-way boundaries or where to find removed sig-ns, <br />contact your Mn/DOT district office (www.dot.state.mn.us/information/districts.html), or Craig Witkins <br />in St. Paul, 651/296-0838 or by e-mail: craig.wilkins~dot.state.nm.us. <br /> <br />-321- <br /> <br /> <br />