MILAN – With election season underway, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is reinforcing state laws prohibiting the placement of unauthorized signs on state road rights-of-way. This measure applies to all signs, including those for political candidates, businesses, and events.
According to New Mexico Criminal and Traffic Law 66-7-108, titled “Display of Unauthorized Signs, Signals and Markings,” no signs should be posted on state-maintained rights-ofway. These areas are typically delineated by fencing in rural routes and extend to the back of the curb on urban streets.
During this time of heightened political activity, it is common to see signs positioned on medians and alongside roads. However, any signage found encroaching on these rights-of-way will be removed. This includes signs attached to fences or sign/signal support posts.
NMDOT maintenance crews are tasked with removing all signs, without discrimination, that violate this regulation. The aim is to clear obstructions that might pose safety risks to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike.
Individuals whose signs have been removed by NMDOT can retrieve them from their local NMDOT district office. The signs must be claimed within two weeks from removal, and there is no guarantee that they will be preserved in their original condition.
For any inquiries or to arrange for sign collection, please contact NMDOT’s District 6 office ay 505-240-5823.