• Small portable advertising signs that sometimes pop up along our roadways are dangerous and unsightly.

• It is illegal under state law to place signs in the right-of-way of roads.

• Thanks to recent State Code changes, the County is now empowered to take action on Popsicle signs by removing them and prosecuting violators.

• Businesses and individuals who act without permission and advertise services or events by placing these illegal signs are acting against the law and their actions hurt our neighborhoods.

Unpermitted Signs in the Roadway Are Illegal and Harmful 

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.  Signs distract motorists, create blind spots, and present hazards for people walking.  The nails, screws and tacks used to place signs 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.

There has been a long standing statute on the books prohibiting the placement of in the right-of-way,  but 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.  Prince William entered into a local contract with VDOT to take action, remove and prosecute violations of the statute.                                                                

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.

Illegal signs, also known as Popsicle signs, are placed along the road.  These signs may be placed on wood stakes, wire frames, placed on traffic signs,  staked in medians,  tacked on utility poles, or 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 (which is controlled by VDOT in most cases) and the property line adjacent.  The right-of-way can vary from road to road.

Removing the Signs

Neighborhood Services Property Code Inspectors will document the illegal signs leaving bright orange labels. The Litter Crew then remove all of the signs and take them to the Landfill.  By working with residents, businesses and citizen volunteers, we are making progress but the issue still requires our attention. In one year from July 2009 through June 2010 alone, Neighborhood Services and our community volunteers collected 21,266 signs! In FY 2011 the Litter Crew alone removed over 13,000 signs.

There Could Be Fines

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 Help  

1. If signs are placed on your property without your permission, you have the right to remove the sign.
2. Citizens can participate in the Adopt-A-Spot program to clean up signs and other trash at intersections and along the road.  These areas are cleaned at least nine times throughout the year.  Call the Keep Prince William Beautiful (formerly the PW Clean Community Council) for more information about these and other KPWB programs at 571-285-3772.
3. Citizens can inform neighbors, organizations and merchants that it is illegal to place signs in the right-of-way.  Many simply do not know it is illegal and that there could be fines if they do not remove the signs.  
4. Please report any violations to Neighborhood Services at 703-792-7018.