According to a recent press release from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), sheriffs, constables, “or other trained volunteer(s) authorized by the commissioner’s court” are not only authorized but required to remove signs located on a state-owned right of way.

“During campaign season, the landscape blooms with a special kind of flower - the political sign,” notes the release. “Unlike wildflowers, which are welcome anywhere, putting campaign signs on public lands is illegal.”

The press release goes on to note several different kinds of infractions of these placement guidelines. These include placing a political sign in a highway right-of-way and in a location that “poses a safety hazard (e.g. blocking sight to a driveway).” According to the release, however, TxDOT does not enforce when a sign can be placed at any location, or for how long.

Those with questions about where a right-of-way starts or ends are encouraged to contact their local TxDOT district office. For Wood County, the local TxDOT office is located in Tyler. They can be reached at (903) 510-9100.