BALTIMORE, MD—As election season nears, the Maryland State Highway Administration is cracking down on unauthorized signs in the state. A release from the administration this week said that it is illegal to place signs, signals, markings, or devices on the state right-of-way. This includes but is not limited to campaign and advertising signs.

Officials say the signs are not only a hazard to drivers, they can also block maintenance efforts such as litter removal and mowing. The signs also diminish the state’s scenic vistas.

Illegal placement of signs may include medians, shoulders, or existing traffic signs. These areas are generally utility pole to utility pole looking at the cross-section of a road. If you see signs that are blocking the road or obstructing traffic, you are urged to call the State Highway Administration office in your county. They will be removed and stored at the nearest State Highway Administration maintenance shop for retrieval.

The Maryland State Highway Administration reminds the public that the right-of-way is reserved for traffic control and other approved signs and devices. It is illegal to place unauthorized signs, which can result in a variety of safety hazards for drivers. For more information on outdoor advertising rules and regulations, citizens can contact their local State Highway Administration office for their county.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.