Understanding Bandit Signs and the New Law
You know those ugly hand-printed plastic signs staked into the ground near intersections, subdivision entrances, and highway off-ramps? They are called “bandit signs.” And in many Texas cities, they are illegal. These signs can be seen with various advertisements such as “We buy houses,” “Call for Christmas lights,” and “Homes for rent.”
State Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco, told me they aggravate him so much that sometimes he stops his vehicle and pulls the signs and wire stands out of the ground. They cheapen the landscape, can be a distraction to drivers, and are essentially street spam.
Watchdog Alert
The Problem with Bandit Signs
The other day in Austin, Curry saw a city truck stacked high with confiscated signs. He thought about the money wasted by city employees picking up the signs and then discarding them in landfills. This year, the freshman lawmaker co-authored a new law that takes effect Sept. 1, House Bill 3611.
The bandit sign law applies statewide and places a $1,000 civil fine per sign for first-time violators. A second violation can cost $2,500, and a third violation is a whopping $5,000 per sign. This law aims to reduce the number of bandit signs and keep the landscape clean.
Telling a Mayor
Seeing all those signs in the back of the city truck, Curry called Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “You need to pay attention to that law,” the first-time lawmaker said to the longtime politician. “You’re kidding me,” Watson replied. “That’s a big problem here.” “See, now it’s more enforceable,” the lawmaker said.
‘Pay attention’
The law bans sign placement in rights-of-way. ROWs are government-owned strips of land beside most roadways, sidewalks, and alleys. These strips, which can reach several yards or more, are mostly used for utility projects. Sign violators get their day in court before either a municipal, county, or district attorney.
In one of the most important parts of the new law, it applies to a company owner, agent, independent contractor, worker, or any other business alter ego. Someone who claims they are doing it for a friend is now facing significant personal fines. Until now, with smaller civil fines, sign citations were considered the cost of doing business.
Rights of Way
With the new $5,000 maximum penalty, that should no longer be a problem. The law is designed to keep the rights-of-way clean and free of bandit signs. This will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the area but also reduce the distractions for drivers.
State Senator Borris L. Miles, D-Houston, worked for four years to get the bill passed. “I collaborated with members on both sides of the aisle to find common-sense solutions to get this bill to the finish line,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Across the Aisle
The new law has received support from both sides of the aisle, and it is expected to make a significant impact on the number of bandit signs in Texas. The law is a step in the right direction towards keeping the landscape clean and reducing distractions for drivers.
What New Law?
I called companies that put signs up near North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway in Dallas. The representative with the sign promising “Internet for $30” told me to call his corporate office. Without providing a name or number, he hung up. A sign promoting concrete work led me to a man who, when I told him about it, didn’t like the new law. He said he would have to find a new way to advertise.
The man who answered the phone for the “Invest in Ugly Homes” sign told me he didn’t know about the new law. I told him his sign on Northwest Highway was upside down. “That’s not good,” he said. “I doubt many people can read it very well then.”
Sign Vigilantes
Want to be part of bandit sign vigilante justice? If you see someone place or pick up bandit signs, take a photo of them. Show their face for ID purposes, and their contact information on the sign. Use the photo to file a complaint with your city’s code compliance department. You don’t need to be close. Use your camera’s zoom feature. Be discreet.
Conclusion
The new law against bandit signs is a step in the right direction towards keeping the landscape clean and reducing distractions for drivers. With the support of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, the law is expected to make a significant impact on the number of bandit signs in Texas. It is essential for citizens to be aware of the law and report any violations to the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new law against bandit signs:
Q: What is a bandit sign? A: A bandit sign is an ugly hand-printed plastic sign staked into the ground near intersections, subdivision entrances, and highway off-ramps, often advertising various services or products.
Q: Is it illegal to put up bandit signs in Texas? A: Yes, it is illegal to put up bandit signs in many Texas cities, and a new law applies statewide, placing a $1,000 civil fine per sign for first-time violators.
Q: What is the penalty for violating the law? A: The penalty for violating the law can range from $1,000 for a first-time violator to $5,000 for a third-time violator.
Q: How can I report bandit signs? A: You can report bandit signs by taking a photo of the sign and the person placing or picking it up, and filing a complaint with your city’s code compliance department.
Q: Can I be part of bandit sign vigilante justice? A: Yes, you can be part of bandit sign vigilante justice by reporting violations and helping to keep the landscape clean.
