Springtime in Texas brings wind, wildflowers and, during election years, an increase in the number of political campaign signs placed on state highway right of way.

State transportation officials want to remind Texans that under Texas law, it is a class C misdemeanor to place any sign on state highway right of way. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to $500 per sign.

However, it is legal to place a campaign sign on private property adjacent to state highways with landowners' permission.

Restrictions require that signs be constructed of lightweight material and no more than 50 square feet in size. Signs may be placed as early as 90 days prior to an election and must be removed within 10 days after an election.

TxDOT officials say the laws are intended to reduce clutter along highways so that official traffic control signs and vehicles approaching intersections are clearly visible for the safety of all the traveling public.

TxDOT's regulatory authority allows the immediate removal of a sign placed on state highway right of way without prior notice, if the sign is not authorized by state law or approved by the department.

Signs posing potential safety hazards will be removed as soon as possible, and taken to the local TxDOT maintenance yard. Candidates can come by and retrieve their signs.