Reducing Driver Distraction, Maintaining Sight Distance Remain Key Goals          
          
(October 31, 2008) - As Tuesday’s general election approaches, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds candidates and the public at large about the laws and regulations that govern all signage and notices along State roadways. Both Federal and State law prohibit the placement of anything on state property along state roads except highway-related signs and devices. This includes campaign signs, advertising, sale signs, roadside memorials, meeting notices or any other potentially hazardous posting on SHA right-of-way, including medians, shoulders and existing traffic sign structures.           
          
Illegal placement of signs presents a potential safety hazard in a variety of ways. It distracts drivers, obstructs their vision and sight distance, and impedes and endangers SHA maintenance crews during routine operations. In addition, those who actually place items in SHA right-of-way present a hazard to themselves and highway users by stopping in areas where it is generally prohibited.           
          
Signs on private property do not require a permit, but must be placed with the property owners’ permission. Because no signs are permitted within the state right-of-way along interstate highways or designated scenic byways, SHA maintenance crews will remove illegally placed signs and hold them at local maintenance shops for a short time to enable owners to retrieve them.           
          
SHA is dedicated to keeping Maryland highways safe and beautiful. While illegally placed signs are hazards in and of themselves, they diminish Maryland’s many scenic vistas. For more information on outdoor advertising rules and regulations, citizens can contact the local SHA District Office for their county. An updated listing of SHA maintenance facilities can be found on www.marylandroads.com          
          
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