Campaign Sign Information

The General Assembly of North Carolina passed Senate Bill 315 in August of 2011 that permits campaign signs in the right-of-way.  Signs are permitted during the period beginning on the 30th day before the beginning date of "one-stop" early voting and ending the 10th day after the primary or election day.

Sign Complaints:  If you have a complaint regarding a potential size or placement violation of a sign, the complaint should be directed to the local NCDOT County Maintenance Office.  The NCDOT's maintenance field employees assist in removing signs that are illegally placed within the state highway right-of-way.  The NCDOT has an online portal to report issues.  A citizen can select their respective county and report the sign through the website.  Citizens who do not want to use the portal can call the main NCDOT number at 1-877-368-4968 (1-877-DOT-4YOU).

Questions concerning legends should be directed to the Board of Elections office.

NCGS § 136-32 Regulation of Signs

Electioneering and Political Sign Information

Note:  A city ordinance may prohibit or regulate placement of political signs on streets within the corporate limits.

Signs must be placed in accordance with the following -- per NCGS §136-32(d)

1. No sign shall be permitted in the right-of-way of a fully controlled access highway.
2. No sign shall be closer than three feet from the edge of the pavement of the road
3. No sign shall obscure motorist visibility at an intersection.
4. No sign shall be higher than 42 inches above the edge of the pavement of the road.
5. No sign shall be larger than 864 square inches.
6. No sign shall obscure or replace another sign.

The NC Dept. of Transportation has the authority to remove any signs that violate these rules.  If anyone else removes or vandalizes a sign, they could be subject to a Class 3 misdemeanor citation from law enforcement.  

NC DOT Contact Information  or local number is 704-380-6040.

Signs are not allowed in the Right-of-Way until 30 days before One Stop begins.