THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - Those political signs are popping up everywhere, some of them illegally.
The GA. Department of Transportation has a warning for political candidates, keep your signs off public rights of way, or they'll be confiscated.
If you see a campaign sign on a public right of way, it's in violation of the law.
"These medians are supposed to be open except for signs that are allowed by the DOT and by the law that stipulates that. As you can see we will remove the signs and take them back to our headquarters," said Georgia DOT Rep Craig Solomon.
Georgia Code 32-6-51 says it is illegal to erect or place any non DOT approved sign within the right of way on any public road.
"Don't put it on the roadway because although it's more visible, it's still not the right thing to do," said Thomas County Commissioner Elaine Mays.
Mays says campaign signs on public roadways are not only illegal, but they're also messy.
She says she'd rather see campaign signs in front of people's homes, instead of on busy roads and highways. "Stop at a house. They may be republican, they may be democrat, or something else, libertarian. Ask them if you can put a sign on their yard."
Transportation officials say these signs are dangerous for drivers as well as the candidates. "The dangers of putting signs on the medians and on the right away are you're putting yourself in harms way by putting these out, plus they are an obstruction to the drivers who are driving down the road," said Solomon.
Officials say removal of the sign is usually as far as they will go, but violators could also be charged with a misdemeanor.
Transportation officials say they will not only remove campaign signs, but also yard sale, garage sale, or any other non-approved sign.
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Craig Solomon
Elaine Mays
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