Right of way wrong for campaign signs

There is a time and a place for campaign signs.

On Idaho Transportation Department right-of-way land is not the place.

"Improper placement of signs or banners can compromise the safety of the road and its users," ITD states on its website, itd.idaho.gov, under "Rules of the Road: Temporary Signs."

Under Idaho Code, those who "erect, install, attach or paint" signs on property without permission from the owner or occupant could be charged with a misdemeanor. Also according to Idaho code, no advertising displays are permitted to be placed within the right of way of any highway.

Campaign signs for Janice McGeachin, Dorothy Moon and Priscilla Giddings have been found in the right of way at East Mullan Trail Road and the Interstate 90 onramp in Coeur d'Alene.

Megan Jahns confirmed the signs had been placed on ITD right-of-way land adjacent to private property.

"Though it is an easy place to advertise, property along highways and interstates are not for political statements," Jahns said Thursday. "That land, what we call right of way, is protected by law and critical to how transportation functions. Clogging it up with signs can pose a safety issue, and safety issues will be removed immediately."

Right of way includes land beneath and beside the pavement needed for the highway to safely function. For many roads, it includes shoulders and low drainage areas.

ITD notes on its website a few features to help guide proper placement of signs.

"If there’s a fence running along the highway, you probably shouldn’t place signs anywhere between the fence and highway," ITD states. "If you don’t see a fence, but see power poles along the highway, those are generally placed just inside the ROW. So, you can use power poles as a general marker and not post signs between them and the highway."