Signs that display messages for political candidates or other expressions of speech may not be placed within the highway right-of-way. As per Iowa law, Iowa DOT will remove signs that are placed within the highway right-of-way. Please see this guide for more information (318.59 KB) .pdf .
Placement on private property may be permissible under the following conditions:
- Permission must be received from a property owner before a sign is placed.
- Payment or compensation should not be made to the property owner for the placement. If payment or compensation of any kind is involved in the placement, and the sign is visible to a primary highway, an outdoor advertising permit may be required in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 306C and Iowa Administrative Code 761 IAC 117.
- The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Office has additional restrictions contained in Iowa Code section 68A.406. For example, campaign signs may not be placed within 300 feet of a polling booth.