Q&AZ: What happens if a political sign is blocking traffic visibility in Mesa?

As this year’s midterm elections approach, political advertisements in intersections across Arizona are popping up.

Sometimes, those signs can block the view of traffic, creating safety concerns.

Arizona law allows political signs in support or opposition to candidates or ballot measures to be placed in the public right of way at street corners.

But the law also allows for cities to regulate the size of the signs and where they are placed, especially when they could create a traffic hazard.

“We do require that signs be placed outside of site visibility triangles, just because they can create a traffic hazard and visibility issues for drivers,” said Angelica Guevara, the code compliance director for Mesa.

The site visibility triangle is an imaginary line used by code officers to determine if anything is obstructing the view of the roadway. It varies for every road, and is based on factors such as speed limits and infrastructure such as sidewalks and curbs.

Guevara says signs placed at least 15 feet from the edge of the pavement are usually presumed to be compliant.

Guevara said drivers should report view obstructions to the city.

“Our code compliance officers will go out and will inspect the property and will work with our transportation office to determine if the obstruction is in the site visibility triangle area or if it is creating a road hazard.”

If a political sign is causing an obstruction, Guevara said the city will contact the campaign to notify them of the concern and the hazard that their sign is creating.

Under Arizona law, it is a misdemeanor to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover political signs unless you’re an authorized representative for the campaign, private property owner or government.

“We recommend that our residents do not go out and remove political signs just because there are very specific allowances under Arizona revised statutes that does allow signs in the right of way,” Guevara said.

Guevara said residents can report code violations on the Mesa CityLink app or call the compliance office at 480-644-2061.