Can you get in trouble for taking down campaign signs in Texas? What you need to know

Election Day on Nov. 5 is nearing, which means Texans are preparing to vote for their political candidates of choice. Voters will decide on a new president, U.S. senators, and state representatives. State and local policies are also on the ballot.

Advertisements of candidates are popping up all over. Whether it be a flag or a cardboard cutout, proud voters display their support on the front lawns of their own home.

But Texas does have certain rules regarding campaign signs, where they should be placed, and how they should be treated.

Here’s what you should know about rules regarding campaign signs.

When can I put up campaign signs in Texas?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, “putting campaign signs on public lands is illegal. So before you plant that sign, learn the law and keep Texas beautiful.”

Each county in Texas has its own rules regarding campaign sign postings. Tarrant County allows signs to be posted as early as 90 days before an election and must be taken down no later than 10 days after the election is over.

Signs for the Nov. 5 election are already sprouted up across the county. Those signs must be removed by at least Nov. 15.

Where can I put up a campaign sign in Texas?

There are no rules regarding the content of signage, however there are rules regarding where a commercial sign is placed.

The Texas Department of Transportation guidelines on campaign signs apply to all of Texas. “It is illegal to place any signs on or within the right of way. This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way.”

According to the agency, signs are also allowed to be placed on private property as long as:

• The owner is aware and gives their permission.

• The sign is lightweight.

• It is no larger than 50 square feet.

Each city may have their own ordinances for signs within city limits. In Fort Worth, they set the following guidelines on political signs:

“Political signs referring to the candidates or issues involved in a public election, subject to the following conditions,” according to the City of Fort Worth:

• The sign is located on private real property with the consent of the property owner.

• The sign does not exceed eight feet in height.

• The sign may not have an effective area greater than 36 square feet.

• The sign shall not be illuminated.

• The sign shall not contain any moving elements.

What’s the penalty for removing or vandalizing a sign?

There are no specific laws pertaining to vandalism or theft of campaign signs. However, Travis Koehn, Austin County District Attorney, says that signage crime would be charged the same as any crime.

Vandalism is when “A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner with: (1) paint; (2) an indelible marker; or (3) an etching or engraving device,” according to Texas Penal Code 28.08.

Theft is defined by Texas Penal Code 31.03 as, “A person commits an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of property.”

Depending on the cost of the sign, theft or vandalism crime consequences increase in these penalties:

• A Class C misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is less than $100.

• A Class B misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is $100 or more but less than $750.

• A Class A misdemeanor if the amount of pecuniary loss is $750 or more but less than $2,500.”

This story was originally published September 23, 2024 at 12:32 PM.

Ella Gonzales

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.