Personal items, signs cannot be located on the highway right-of-way

Do you have personal property near the highway right-of-way? The Otter Tail County Highway Department reminds residents to move personal items, political signs, and items for sale away from the roadway to ensure public safety. Storing property too close to the road puts it at risk for damage and poses a safety hazard. Please keep the right-of-way clear.

Recently, the Highway Department has noticed several docks, lifts, and other items stored too close to the highway. While it might seem convenient to use this space, Otter Tail County urges residents to voluntarily comply with State Statute 160.27, which prohibits the placement of political signs and other unauthorized use of public highway right-of-way. Public safety remains the top priority.

“Any items on the right-of-way must be crash tested and approved. Highway signs, for example, are crash-tested and designed with breakaway points. We ask people to remove their property from county-owned rights-of-way for the safety of all,” said Cristi Field, Otter Tail County Highway Maintenance Supervisor.

Those who are wondering if items are in the right-of-way should look for black and white or orange triangular markers in ditches and near roadways. A highway right-of-way is designated as a “clear zone” to minimize harm to motorists in the event of an accident. The county owns the roadway and governs the adjacent right-of-way areas.

It is recommended that property be moved now, before the ground freezes. Items stored too close to the roadway interfere with snow plowing and increase the risk of damage. Property left in the right-of-way may be subject to damage during snow removal, as clearing roads safely is a priority.

Additionally, when clearing snow from driveways this winter, please avoid pushing snow into the road or piling it along the right-of-way, as this is illegal under MN Statute 169.42. Instead, work from the road and direct snow onto private property.