Road and Bridge warn of political sign placements

Amidst a handful of concerns of stolen political signs and accusations across political parties, Bonner County Road and Bridge Director Jason Topp made an announcement April 24 via Facebook regarding the placement of political signs in Bonner County right-of-ways.  

Topp cited Idaho Code § 18-7029, which indicates that placing posters, signs or promotional materials on public or private property without proper permission is a misdemeanor offense.  

“Any of these political signs that are placed in the county’s right of way are in violation of the code,” Topp said. 

Topp further shared that individuals named on the signs are responsible for communicating with those who are placing the signs in public, as those named on the signs are deemed the rightful owners and may be held liable for any damages or accidents caused by illegal placements of the signs.  

The Road and Bridge department will remove all signs next to roadways or those that are blocking visibility at intersections, as the department said they interfere with public safety and maintenance projects.  

“Previous commissioners have allowed these signs on the back side of ditches at the back edge of right of way and only in front of the landowner’s properties where permission has been given, and for the safety of the traveling public. They have also stated to keep them on private property,” Topp said.