The Department of Public Works reminds residents and businesses that it is illegal, under state law, to place signs in the right-of-way of roads. These signs pose a safety problem for drivers and pedestrians by distracting motorists, creating blind spots and presenting hazards for people walking. The nails, screws and tacks used on utility poles are hazards for utility workers. In addition to the safety issue, the signs detract from the appearance of our roadways, making the County and our neighborhoods look trashy.

Although the statute prohibiting the placing of signs in the right-of-way has been on the books for a long time, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) did not routinely remove signs due to time and staff limitations. A recent change to the Code of Virginia authorized the Department of Transportation to enter into contracts with local governments to allow local governments to take action to remove signs and prosecute violations of the statute on behalf of the state. Prince William County is one of the first localities to have such a contract with the Department of Transportation.

Which Signs are Illegal?

Not all signs are illegal. Businesses may have permits approved by County Zoning to have signs for their business. Residential property owners are allowed to have 2' by 2' "for sale" signs in their yards when selling their home. Campaign signs are allowed, but may not be posted earlier than 90 days before an election and must be removed five days after the election.

The illegal signs that make our County look trashy are the ones on wood stakes or wire frames stuck in the ground next to the road. Frequently called "Popsicle" signs, they are defined as anything placed on traffic signs, staked in medians, tacked on utility poles, nailed to fences and other standing fixtures.  The law applies to any sign, regardless of content, placed in the right-of-way area. The "right-of-way" is the area between the edge of the road and the property line; this can vary from road to road.

Neighborhood Services Property Code Inspectors will document the illegal signs, leaving bright orange labels. The Litter Crew follows within a few days to remove all of the signs and take them to the Landfill.  In fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009), 22,235 signs were collected!  Neighborhood Services can initiate a lawsuit as well. Each of these illegal signs carries a civil penalty of $100 plus court costs. Offenders who place these illegal signs in the right-of-way are also subject to fines. Repeat offenders may have their vehicles impounded.

How Citizens Can Make A Difference in the Numbers of Illegal Signs on the Roadways

1. If signs are placed on your property by someone other than you, you have the right to remove the sign.
2. Citizens can enroll a location in the Adopt-A-Spot program through the Prince William Clean Community Council. If you know of an intersection or place along the road where signs and other trash are blighting the community, volunteer to clean the site. In the Adopt-A-Spot program, litter and signs placed in the right-of-way are cleaned up by the volunteers who adopt the spot a minimum of nine times a year. Call the Council for more information about the program at 571-285-3772.
3. Citizens can inform merchants who use this illegal form of advertising. Some businesses do not know and would appreciate learning about the illegal sign ordinance. Call or visit the business and help them understand the ordinance and potential fines. Signs that are not removed by business owners may be reported to Neighborhood Services by calling 703-792-7018 or by completing our Complaint Form for Property Violations.
4. Provide information to Neighborhood Services when you see violators placing signs along the VDOT road ways and we will forward the information to the PWC Police. If they are able, the Police Department will monitor a site for the person placing signs. Call us at 703-792-7018 with as much information as possible: the day of the week, time of day, location, make or model and tags of vehicle - the more you provide, the better the information we can pass along to the Police. 

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