Penalties for Illegal Signs Just Got Tougher

Bandit Signs (HB 3611) — Effective Sept. 1, 2025

Previous Law: Placing signs on the right-of-way of a public road is prohibited unless authorized by law. Signs placed in violation may be confiscated by a sheriff or constable and sold at auction after notice to the sign owner. The person who placed the sign is also subject to civil and criminal penalties.

What HB 3611 Changed:

• First-offense notice and cure. Before pursuing civil penalties for a first offense, a municipality must notify the owner in writing and allow time to remove the sign. No penalty may be assessed if the owner removes the sign within the allotted time. The removal window is set at the municipality’s discretion.

• Higher civil penalties. Maximum civil penalties increase to:
  • $1,000 for a first offense
  • $2,500 for a second offense
  • $5,000 for a third offense

• Broader definition of “person.” “Person” now includes a person’s employee, agent, independent contractor, assignee, business alter ego, and successor in interest.

Best Practice: After receiving municipal notice for a first violation, remove the sign immediately. Prompt voluntary removal reduces the likelihood of enforcement.