Michigan: How Long Can You Leave Political Signs in Your Yard?

If you asked me, I'd say all political yard signs should vanish at 8:01 PM on the evening of election day. But sadly, Michigan's legislators didn't ask for my opinion.

There are, however, specific rules and regulations on both the state and local levels regarding the placement and removal of yard signs throughout Michigan.

Political Signs Along State Routes in Michigan

If you live along one of Michigan's state routes - a major throughway that begins with M-, I-, or US- - you are governed by a specific set of rules outlined by Michigan.gov.

Political candidates are responsible for obtaining approval from the property owner (or if the land is publically owned, permission must be obtained from the adjacent property owner).

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Signs must be more than three feet from the edge of the roadway for highways with curbs and 30 feet from the edge of highways that do not have curbs.

Signs must not interfere with motorists' vision at intersections of at commercial driveways.

When Must Political Signs be Removed?

The answer to this varies, but if you live along a state road or highway (as listed above) signs must be removed within 10 days following an election.

If you do not live along a state throughway, rules vary from city to city and county to county. Some townships within counties may also have specific guidelines for removing political signs.

For instance, in Saginaw County, residents must remove yard signs within 10 days after an election. However, within the cities of Frankenmuth and Saginaw, signs must be pulled within seven days. But in Buena Vista, Chesaning, and Kochville Townships, the rules state that signs must be pulled no more than four days after an election.

In the city of Fenton, signs must be pulled within three days after an election, but in Fenton Township, the rule is five days.

Residents within the city of Flint are afforded 20 days to remove yard signs after an election.

Rules Vary by Location

For specific guidelines where you live, contact your city or township office. Or just play it safe and remove those eyesores one minute after the polls close on November 5.

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