Roadside campaign signs now allowed in Delaware

Political signs are sprouting along the roads throughout Delaware, due to an exemption in state law. The exemption allows signs to be installed along state roads 30 days prior and 30 days after an election – including primaries, with some restrictions. This exemption applies to all signs, not just political signs.

The signs are only allowed within the right of way, but outside of the clear zone.

This means the law prohibits at all times all non-official signage in medians, channelization islands, on utility poles, and no closer than 10 feet from the edge of pavement along state roads and highways.

Signs are also prohibited in the triangular strips of land between roads and access ramps; an area called the gore or gore point.

Because it is prohibited to stop on a limited–access highway, I-95, I-495, I-295 and the tolled portions of Route 1, placement of signs along these roadways is discouraged.

All signs must be removed 30 days after the election has concluded. For this election season, the exemption period applies from Aug. 14 through Dec. 8.

The fine for illegal sign placement is $25 per violation, and a fee of $15 per sign is charged if you wish to retrieve a sign.

DelDOT will resume full enforcement of the state sign law by removing non-official signs in the right of way beginning Dec. 9. The law must be applied equally to all who place signs in the right of way.

For more information, go to www.deldot.gov.
For the specific law, go to http://delcode.delaware.gov/title17/c005/index.shtml
Title 17, Chapter 5, starting at 524 and Title 17, Chapter 11 at 1111(c).