OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — With Oklahoma's general election is less than a week away, Department of Transportation officials are reminding candidates of state law against placing campaign signs along state highways or on bridges.
Transportation officials say campaign signs placed in state rights of way are a distraction and safety hazard to drivers. In addition, volunteers put themselves in harm's way by standing near highways or on bridges to display signs.
Oklahoma taxpayers pay for removing illegally placed signs and other trash from public property. More than $4 million is spent each year for trash pick-up along Oklahoma highways. That cost is in addition to what county and municipal governments spend to keep areas clean.
Officials say candidates should check local ordinances for questions regarding city or county maintained rights of way.