WYDOT reminds residents to not post signs on department property

The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to ensure the public stays safe so officials are reminding people to not post signs on traffic signal poles or on department property.

When a person places a sign announcing garage, yard or house sales on utility poles, traffic signs, highway markers and other WYDOT property, they can potentially get injured because they’re an area where there’s traffic.

“With the weather getting nicer we have seen an increase in the number of signs our crews are having to remove from traffic signal poles and the right-of-way fence or from the right of way itself advertising garage sales,” said Ronda Holwell, WYDOT public relations specialist in Sheridan. “We understand signs are placed to help businesses or individuals, but safety issues arise when utilizing the traffic signal poles and the rights-of-way.”

Wyoming statute (W.S. 6-6-301-307) prohibits the placing of signs or objects within highway rights-of-way. Fines and even jail time can be inflicted on those who don’t follow the law. Wyoming statute (W.S. 24‑10‑104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement.

These objects can cause safety concerns, said Holwell adding that WYDOT’s number one goal is to provide a safe travel experience.

“We don’t want to be liable for an injury or death because we allowed someone to place objects in the right-of-way, which therefore obstructed someone’s view or distracted them, causing an accident,” she said.

For information regarding this release please contact Ronda Holwell, District 4 public involvement specialist at (307) 674-2356 or (307) 752-3022.