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Political yard signs are a key part of campaign visibility, but they are subject to specific regulations that vary by state. Understanding these laws helps campaigns stay compliant and maintain integrity while maximizing outreach. Below is a comprehensive, updated guide to political yard sign laws in 2025, including regulations on disclaimers, placement, and display time limits.
Why Political Yard Sign Laws Matter
Political signs are an essential tool for candidates, advocacy groups, and voters to express their opinions. However, laws governing their use aim to balance free speech with community interests such as traffic safety, public property concerns, and aesthetics. Understanding these regulations ensures that campaigns avoid fines and legal disputes.
General Rules for Political Yard Signs
Most states enforce laws covering these key aspects:
- Disclaimers: Many states require a clear statement identifying who paid for the sign.
- Placement Restrictions: Signs are often prohibited on public land, utility poles, and medians.
- Time Limits: Some states restrict how early and how long signs can be displayed before and after an election.
- Size Regulations: Maximum dimensions may be enforced, particularly in residential areas.
- Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules: Some HOAs impose additional restrictions on political signage.
State-by-State Political Yard Sign Laws
Below is an overview of the laws for political yard signs in each state. For full details, consult your state’s election board or government website
Alabama
Alabama requires political yard signs to include a disclaimer stating the funding source. Unauthorized placement on public property, including medians and rights-of-way, is prohibited. For detailed guidelines, refer to the Alabama Secretary of State’s official documentation.
Alaska
Political yard signs in Alaska must have a disclaimer indicating who is responsible for the sign. Placement on public lands and roadways is restricted. Signs should also be removed shortly after an election Additional information can be found at Campaign Ad Cloud.
Arizona
Arizona mandates that political signs must include disclaimers identifying the entity responsible for the content. While signs may be placed on private property with permission, unauthorized placement on highways and public areas is illegal. The legal specifics can be explored via the Arizona Legislature.
Arkansas
Arkansas enforces regulations requiring disclaimers on political signs, specifying the entity responsible for the content. Signs cannot be placed on public property or rights-of-way. Arkansas law mandates that political yard signs carry a disclaimer outlining specific legal requirements, such as AR Code § 7-6-203. These disclaimers are critical for maintaining the integrity of political advertising. For more details, visit Justia Law.
California
In California, political yard signs must include disclaimers identifying the individual or organization responsible for the content. These disclaimers should be clear and legible to ensure transparency. Placement of signs on public property, such as government buildings, sidewalks, and road medians, is prohibited. Tenants have specific rights to display political signs in certain areas of their rented properties, as outlined in California Civil Code § 1940.4. Local ordinances may vary, but generally, signs must be removed within ten days following the election. Additionally, some cities have regulations regarding the distance signs must be placed from polling places and other restricted areas. Learn more at the FPPC’s official site.
Colorado
Colorado mandates disclaimers on all political signs, clearly stating the source of funding. Placement restrictions apply to state highways and public lands. Additionally, some local governments have specific ordinances regarding sign placement. For comprehensive guidelines, consult the Colorado Secretary of State’s Election Rules.
Connecticut
Connecticut law requires all campaign signs to display a disclaimer stating the funding source. Unauthorized placement in public spaces is prohibited, and municipalities may impose additional restrictions. Detailed regulations can be found on the Connecticut General Assembly’s website.
Delaware
Delaware enforces political yard sign laws requiring disclaimers that indicate the sponsor of the sign. Placement on public lands or state-controlled areas is restricted. For more information, refer to the Delaware Department of Elections.
Florida
In Florida, political yard signs must disclose the sponsor’s identity and indicate whether the sign was approved by a candidate. Placement of signs on public property, including rights-of-way and parks, is not allowed. Attaching signs to trees, light poles, or traffic signs is also prohibited. Most municipalities require signs to be removed within 7 to 10 days after an election. Local governments may impose further restrictions on sign size and placement, so it’s advisable to check with local authorities. Guidelines can be accessed at the Florida Division of Elections.
Georgia
Georgia mandates that political yard signs disclose the sponsor’s identity and funding source. Placement of signs on public property or within road rights-of-way is prohibited. Local jurisdictions set their own time limits, but most require removal within 7 to 10 days after an election. Violations of sign placement laws can result in fines and removal by local authorities. Legal details are available at the Georgia Government’s official site.
Hawaii
Hawaii mandates that political yard signs include a disclaimer indicating the sponsor and funding source. Placement on state or county-owned property is strictly prohibited, and there are limits on the number of signs per private property. Additionally, signs must be removed within 10 days after the election. For specific guidelines, consult the Hawaii Office of Elections.
Idaho
Idaho requires disclaimers on political yard signs, specifying who is responsible for the message. Signs are prohibited from being placed on public property, including highway rights-of-way. Additionally, city ordinances may enforce their own size and time restrictions. Detailed requirements can be found at the Idaho Secretary of State’s website.
Illinois
In Illinois, political yard signs must clearly state the name of the person or entity that paid for them. Placement of signs on public property, including sidewalks and medians, is prohibited. Signs must not obstruct traffic views or interfere with pedestrian walkways. Local ordinances dictate when signs must be removed, usually within 10 to 15 days after an election. Some homeowners associations (HOAs) in Illinois have strict regulations on sign size and placement, so it’s important to review HOA rules if applicable. For more information, visit the Illinois State Board of Elections.
Indiana
Indiana enforces a rule that political signs must carry a disclaimer if they are funded by a campaign or political committee. Signs are restricted from being placed in public rights-of-way or state-controlled lands. Local governments may impose further restrictions regarding size and removal deadlines. Guidelines can be accessed at the Indiana Election Division.
Iowa
Iowa requires all political yard signs to contain a clear disclaimer that identifies the source of the advertisement. Placement is restricted on public property, including highways and government buildings. Additionally, signs cannot be displayed more than 45 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after. Legal specifics can be found on the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board’s website.
Kansas
Kansas law mandates that all political yard signs include a disclaimer stating who paid for them. Placement on state-owned land or public highways is illegal, and local jurisdictions may enforce additional regulations regarding sign size and display duration. For comprehensive guidelines, consult the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.
Kentucky
Kentucky requires disclaimers on all political yard signs to disclose the campaign or committee funding them. Signs cannot be placed on public property, utility poles, or within 500 feet of a polling location on Election Day. Additionally, signs must be removed within 30 days after the election. Detailed regulations can be found at the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance.
Louisiana
Louisiana enforces disclaimer requirements on all political yard signs, stating who funded the advertisement. Unauthorized placement on public rights-of-way is prohibited, and signs must be removed within 10 days after an election. Certain municipalities may have stricter local ordinances. For more details, visit the Louisiana Ethics Administration Program.
Maine
Maine law requires that all political signs include a disclaimer identifying the entity responsible for the message. Signs cannot be placed on public roads or medians, and there is a limit of one sign per candidate per property. Signs must also be removed within one week after the election. Guidelines can be accessed at the Maine Ethics Commission.
Maryland
Maryland mandates disclaimers on all political yard signs, ensuring transparency regarding the funding source. Unauthorized placement on public property is illegal, and some municipalities enforce stricter sign display durations. Additionally, signs must be removed no later than 15 days post-election. For specific guidelines, consult the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts law states that political yard signs must include a clear funding disclaimer. They cannot be placed on state highways or public lands. There are no statewide size restrictions, but local ordinances may impose limits on display duration and placement. For specific guidelines, consult the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
Michigan
Michigan law requires all political yard signs to include disclaimers identifying the entity funding them. Signs cannot be placed on public property, including highways and government buildings. They must be removed within ten days after an election. Some local ordinances regulate the maximum size and height of political signs, so it’s advisable to consult municipal codes. Detailed requirements can be found at the Michigan Secretary of State.
Minnesota
Minnesota has unique laws allowing for expanded placement of political signs during election years. Disclaimers are required, and signs must be removed within 10 days after the election. Local governments may enforce size and number limits for residential properties. Guidelines can be accessed at the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.
Mississippi
Mississippi mandates disclaimers on all political yard signs, specifying the entity funding them. Unauthorized sign placement on public land is prohibited, and local governments may regulate sign sizes and locations For more information, visit the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Missouri
Missouri law requires that all political yard signs include disclaimers identifying the funding source. Public property and right-of-way placement are prohibited, and signs must be removed within a set period after the election. Legal specifics can be found on the Missouri Ethics Commission’s website.
Montana
Montana enforces disclaimer requirements on political yard signs. Placement is prohibited on state-owned property, and signs must be removed within 14 days post-election. Additional municipal regulations may apply. For comprehensive guidelines, consult the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires that all political yard signs include a disclaimer identifying the funding source. Unauthorized placement on public property, including state highways and medians, is prohibited. Signs must be removed within 10 days following an election. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Detailed regulations can be found at the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.
Nevada
Nevada mandates disclaimers on all political signs, identifying the entity responsible for the advertisement. Sign placement on public property, including government buildings and right-of-way areas, is prohibited. Additionally, signs must be removed within 30 days after the election. For more details, visit the Nevada Secretary of State.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires all political yard signs to include a disclaimer stating who paid for the sign. Placement on public land, state-owned highways, and utility poles is prohibited. Additionally, all signs must be removed within 14 days after the election. Guidelines can be accessed at the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
New Jersey
New Jersey enforces disclaimer requirements on political yard signs, ensuring transparency about funding sources. Placement on public property, including parks and government buildings, is prohibited. Some municipalities may impose additional regulations on sign size and removal deadlines. For specific guidelines, consult the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.
New Mexico
New Mexico law requires disclaimers on all political yard signs, identifying the campaign or committee responsible for the message. Placement is restricted on state-owned land, including highways and public buildings. Signs must be removed within 10 days following the election. For specific guidelines, consult the New Mexico Secretary of State.
New York
New York mandates that all political signs include disclaimers identifying the sponsor and funding source. Posting signs on public property, such as parks and government buildings, is strictly prohibited. The state also regulates the proximity of political signs to polling locations. Removal deadlines vary by locality but typically range from 5 to 15 days post-election. Municipalities enforce strict penalties for improper sign placement, including fines and removal costs. Detailed requirements can be found at the New York State Board of Elections.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, political signs must include disclaimers identifying the sponsor. Placement of signs on public property, including parks, schools, and government buildings, is prohibited. Many municipalities require signs to be removed within ten days after an election. Homeowners’ associations in North Carolina may enforce their own sign restrictions, so it’s important to review HOA rules if applicable. Guidelines can be accessed at the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
North Dakota
North Dakota enforces a rule that all political yard signs include a disclaimer identifying the sponsor of the message. Placement on public property, including right-of-way areas and government facilities, is not allowed. Some municipalities regulate sign dimensions and the period for display. For more information, visit the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Ohio
Ohio law requires political signs to include a disclaimer identifying the responsible party. Signs are prohibited on public property, including schools and government buildings. Some municipalities enforce additional spacing regulations. Signs must be removed within 14 days after the election. Certain cities in Ohio regulate the number of signs that can be placed on a single property, so it’s advisable to consult local ordinances. Legal specifics can be found on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma mandates that political yard signs display a disclaimer stating the responsible entity or individual. Placement is restricted on state-owned land, medians, and public utility poles. Additionally, unauthorized signs may be removed by state authorities. For comprehensive guidelines, consult the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.
Oregon
Oregon law requires disclaimers on all political signs, clearly identifying the campaign or committee funding them. Placement on public property is not permitted, and signs must be removed within 30 days after the election. Some cities may impose additional restrictions. Detailed regulations can be found at the Oregon Secretary of State.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law requires all political signs to include a disclaimer that clearly states the responsible campaign or committee. Signs cannot be placed on public property, including government buildings and road medians. Placement near polling stations is also restricted. Signs must be removed within ten days after an election. Some counties impose additional restrictions, including rules about sign height and spacing. For more details, visit the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island mandates disclaimers on all political yard signs, ensuring transparency in funding sources. Placement on state-owned land and roadways is restricted. Signs must be removed within 7 days post-election.Guidelines can be accessed at the Rhode Island Board of Elections.
South Carolina
South Carolina requires all political yard signs to display a disclaimer specifying who paid for them. Unauthorized placement on public roads or highways is prohibited, and municipalities may enforce additional time restrictions. For specific guidelines, consult the South Carolina State Election Commission.
South Dakota
South Dakota law mandates that all political signs include a disclaimer identifying the funding source. Signs cannot be placed on public rights-of-way or state property. They must also be removed within 30 days after the election. For specific guidelines, consult the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Tennessee
Tennessee enforces strict regulations on political signs, requiring disclaimers on all advertisements. Placement on public lands, medians, and utility poles is not allowed. Additionally, signs must be removed within 10 days after an election. Detailed requirements can be found at the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Texas
Texas law requires that political yard signs clearly state the entity responsible for their placement. Unauthorized signs on public land, including state-owned highways and government buildings, are prohibited and may be removed by the Texas Department of Transportation without notice. Signs are permitted to be displayed up to 90 days before an election and must be removed within ten days afterward. Some municipalities enforce additional size and height restrictions, so it’s important to consult local regulations. Guidelines can be accessed at the Texas Ethics Commission.
Utah
Utah mandates that all political signs display a disclaimer stating who paid for them. Placement on state-owned property, including highways and government buildings, is prohibited. Additionally, signs must be removed within 14 days post-election. For more information, visit the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office.
Vermont
Vermont law requires disclaimers on all political yard signs, ensuring transparency regarding sponsorship. Signs cannot be placed on state highways or public land. They must also be removed within 14 days after the election. Legal specifics can be found on the Vermont Secretary of State’s website.
Virginia
Virginia mandates disclaimers on all political yard signs, specifying the funding source. Unauthorized placement on public property is strictly prohibited. Additionally, signs must be removed within 10 days following an election. For comprehensive guidelines, consult the Virginia Department of Elections.
Washington
Washington state requires disclaimers on all political signs, ensuring voters are informed about sponsorship. Signs cannot be placed on public lands or rights-of-way and must be removed within 10 days after the election. Detailed regulations can be found at the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission.
West Virginia
West Virginia law mandates disclaimers on all political signs, indicating the responsible campaign or committee. Placement on state-owned land and roads is restricted. Additionally, signs must be removed within 15 days after an election. For more details, visit the West Virginia Secretary of State.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires disclaimers on all political yard signs, ensuring transparency in campaign funding. Signs cannot be placed on public property or in areas that obstruct traffic views. Local municipalities may impose additional regulations on duration and removal. Guidelines can be accessed at the Wisconsin Ethics Commission.
Wyoming
Wyoming law mandates disclaimers on all political yard signs, clearly stating the funding source. Unauthorized placement on public land, including government offices and road medians, is prohibited. Signs must be removed within 30 days after the election. For specific guidelines, consult the Wyoming Secretary of State.
Ensuring Compliance with Political Yard Sign Laws
To stay compliant, candidates and campaigns should:
Respect Private Property Rules: Obtain permission before placing signs on non-public land.
Consult Local Ordinances: Check city and county laws for additional restrictions.
Follow Time Limits: Display signs only during the legally permitted timeframe.
Use Required Disclaimers: Clearly indicate sponsorship and compliance information.
Where to Buy Legal and Durable Political Yard Signs
Need high-quality, legally compliant political yard signs? We offer customizable signs designed to meet state regulations, including:
- Weather-resistant materials to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Custom disclaimers to ensure legal compliance.
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Final Thoughts
Political yard sign laws are essential to maintaining transparency and fairness in elections. Understanding these laws helps campaigns avoid fines, maximize visibility, and ensure compliance. If you have questions about your state’s regulations or need high-quality campaign signage, we’re here to help.
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