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Roadside signs generate safety issues and complaints

Illegally placed roadside signs can block driver visibility and pedestrian access, and they compete with important traffic control signs for driver attention.
Media release

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Sponsored by: Department of Land Use and Transportation

Illegally placed signs sprout like weeds in warmer months, generating safety issues and complaints. Signs for political campaigns, real estate, garage sales, etc., are all prohibited within the public right-of-way along Washington County roads. These illegally placed signs can block driver visibility, limit pedestrian access and compete with traffic control signs for drivers' attention.

Signs should never be placed in the right-of-way, which is defined as the area between utility poles on both sides of the street, including the roadway, ditches, shoulders and sidewalks. Signs cannot be placed on traffic signposts, street light/power poles or signal cabinets.

To report illegal roadside signs along 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, will remove illegal signs and recycle/dispose of them.

Washington County's prohibition of roadside signs applies to all county roads outside of cities. For state highway sign regulations, check with the Oregon Department of Transportation. For county roads inside a city or city streets, contact the city road agency.

Temporary signs may be allowed on private property, subject to the applicable sign regulations. Within a city, refer to the city's sign regulations. Outside of cities, contact the Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation's Current Planning section at 503-846-8761 or [email protected]

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.

Media Contact:

Melissa De Lyser, Communications Coordinator
503-846-4963
[email protected]
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