SIGNS IN PUBLIC ROAD RIGHT OF WAYS INCLUDING
ROADWAY SHOULDERS AND DITCHES IS ILLEGAL
The Crow Wing County Highway
Department wants to remind residents to take care when posting signs along
county roads for garage sales, graduations, weddings, real estate sales,
etc. Although signs placed by the public
along county roads may provide information to events, many are in violation of Minnesota Statute 160.27. This statute prohibits putting signs in the
highway road right of way and allows for removal by road authorities.
Unauthorized signs
can impact sight distances and create safety concerns. Highway Department employees will remove improperly
placed signs. Signs collected from
County roads are taken to the Brainerd or Crosslake shops (depending where they
are picked up) where they are available for retrieval.
The only signs
allowed in the public road right of way are motorist information and traffic
control signs approved by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Crow
Wing County Highway Department.
Attaching personal
informational signs to traffic signs, utility poles, trees, or painting/drawing
on rocks or natural features is a violation of the statute and is punishable
with a fine.
Planting of flowers,
bushes, trees and the placing rocks and other obstructions in the road right of
way is also a violation of the statute and is punishable with a fine. These items are also subject to removal by
highway crews.
The road right of way
varies on each road. Contact the Highway
Department to verify the public right of way of county roads. Make sure you have permission from the
landowner before placing signs on private property.
If
you have any questions regarding the placement of signs please contact the Crow
Wing County Highway Department at (218) 824-1110 or visit the website: www.crowwing.us