This week, drivers will start seeing election signs along state-maintained roads. A state law allows campaign signs to be placed in the right of way of state roads as early as 30 days before the start of early voting. So, signs can legally be placed on September 15.

Restrictions regarding the signs, include:

• Whoever places the signs is required to get permission from any residential, business or religious institution property owner fronting the right of way where a sign would be placed;
• No signs are permitted in the rights of way of a highways with limited access such as an interstate;
• No sign can be closer than 3 feet from the edge of the pavement;
• No sign can obscure motorist visibility at an intersection.

NCDOT has the authority to remove any signs that violate the rules.