During this election season, the Michigan Department of Transportation and local county road commissions remind all candidates that campaign signs can interfere with motorist and pedestrian vision along streets and highways.

Signage at intersections and other places in the right-of-way can also be problematic for maintenance operations.

Candidates are advised of MDOT’s sign placement criteria:

— Political candidates are responsible for obtaining approval from the adjacent property owner to place the signs.

— Signs must be more than 30 feet from the edge of the roadway (white line) for highways that do not have barrier-type curbs. For highways with barrier curbs, the signs must be more than 3 feet from the back of the curb.

— Signs are not permitted within areas used for clear vision at intersections or commercial driveways so they will not interfere with the sight distance of a driver. No signs may be placed within the limited access rights-of-way (freeways, including ramps).

— Any illegally placed signs will be removed. Signs removed by MDOT crews will be kept for seven days at a local MDOT office or maintenance garage, then discarded.

— All signs are to be removed within 10 days after the election.

The above rules are for state roads under MDOT jurisdiction — I, M and U.S. routes — not local county, township or municipal roads. Communities may also have local ordinances that restrict sign placement.

Rules adopted by the Delta County Road Commission are:

— Temporary signs must not exceed 9 square feet in area.

— Signs placed on county roads must be a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the paved surface or white fog line and may not be placed within the road shoulder.

— Signs must not obstruct driver visibility. No signs are allowed within 200 feet of any intersection.

— All signs related to events, including elections, must be removed within 10 days after the event.

— Signs must be constructed of durable materials that can withstand wind and weather and must not pose a safety hazard if dislodged.

— Signs placed on private property must have the consent of the property owner.

— Signs found in violation of this policy will be removed by the road commission and held for one week at the road commission’s District 1 Escanaba Garage, 3000 32nd Ave. N. in Escanaba.

— The road commission reserves the right to remove any sign that poses a safety risk or is not in compliance with this policy.

— The Delta County Road Commission assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of any sign removed from the right of way in accordance with this policy.

For questions or clarification, contact the Delta County Road Commission at 906-786-3200.