Politicians and realtors could be fined or jailed if they do not remove advertising signs from state highway rights-of-way.

A spokesperson for the Wyoming Department of Transportation said campaign advertising may only be placed in the state’s right-of-way within a municipality, according to state statute, and then only if the municipality has passed an ordinance allowing such placement.

WyDOT maintenance foreman Pat Mosbrucker said the problem with real estate signs arises when the sign encroaches on the state right-of-way adjacent to a property for sale. Mosbrucker, who is the maintenance foreman for Shoshoni, Thermopolis, Worland and Ten Sleep, said the dapartment has seen an increase in the number of signs crews are removing from the right-of-way fence or from the right-of-way itself.

“Wyoming law and WyDOT policy prohibit placement of signage in those areas,” said Mosbrucker. “So when our maintenance crews come through an area, they pick them up and take them to the area maintenance office.”

The sign owner has two weeks from pick up to claim signs before disposal.

“Signs can become a real problem for motorists,” Mosbrucker said,“ both by restricting line of sight and creating a potential collision hazard.

WyDOT involvement specialist Cody Beers said the transportation department tries to be accommodating.

“We understand signs are placed to help businesses or to help candidates with their political campaigns, but rights-of-way must stay clear of signs for safety reasons," said Beers.

He said one of WyDOT’s goals is to provide a safe travel experience.

“To avoid being held liable for an injury or death, we can’t allow anyone to place objects in the right-of-way. Objects obstruct views and can be distractions to drivers," Beers said.

Candidates or real estate agents who believe their signs may have been removed by WyDOT crews may contact the nearest WyDOT maintenance office to make arrangements for pickup.