Since elections are coming up Stearns County would like to remind people of appropriate places to put campaign signs outside.

The county says signs and other unauthorized objects placed in highway rights of way are banned under Minn. Statute. These places include: driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches and corners at intersections. Private property can be another prohibited area if you don’t have approval from the landowner.

If signs are posted in these areas, crews will remove them and store them at one of the county’s maintenance garages for a maximum of ten days. Sign owners can claim them during this time, but any unclaimed signs will be tossed.

Breaking this law is at least a misdemeanor offense. If unlawful placement of campaign signs contributes to an accident then civil penalties are at risk.