Roadside signs can create safety hazards

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 09, 2017

Spring brings more than flowers. The number of road signs increases significantly in the warmer months. If placed illegally, these signs can block driver visibility, limit pedestrian access and distract drivers.

"Signs placed illegally along the road generate safety concerns and complaints," said Todd Watkins, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT) Road Operations interim manager. "Signs for political campaigns, real estate, garage sales –all are prohibited within the public right-of-way along Washington County roads. Signs on traffic signposts, street light/power poles and signal cabinets are also prohibited."

Right-of-way is generally described as the area between utility poles on both sides of the road including the roadway, ditches, shoulders and sidewalks.

To report illegal roadside signs on Washington County roads, call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623), email or submit an online service request. Community service workers, under the supervision of County employees, remove illegal signs and recycle/dispose of them.

Temporary signs may be allowed on private property, subject to applicable sign regulations, along County roads. For more information, contact LUT Current Planning at 503-846-8761 or [email protected].

For state highway sign regulations, check with the Oregon Department of Transportation. For roads inside a city, contact the city road agency.

Related: Roadside Signs Fact Sheet

Washington County is committed to planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and to operating the County roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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