Transportation officials in Missouri and Kansas are hoping to keep highways clear of political and other yard signs. But tactics vary in the two states.

MoDOT is asking for your help to keep publicly-owned right of way clear of objects that could cause a safety concern by blocking visibility. KDOT is warning candidates and their supporters about locating signs alongside highways.

The placement of yard signs on right of way can sometimes create a safety concern for motorists by blocking the visibility needed to safely proceed through an area as well as enter or exit driveways and streets.

In other situations, the placement of a sign can become an obstacle for a driver to avoid in the event they must exit the roadway in an emergency. They can also make it difficult to mow or maintain the right of way.

Also, it is dangerous for persons when installing or maintaining these signs to be on highway right of way in close proximity to traffic.

When possible, MoDOT tries to identify and contact a sign owner before removing a sign. Once a sign is removed, it is held for 30 days and can be retrieved from the local MoDOT maintenance facility.

KDOT is warning that if its crews find political signs in the right of way for a highway or interstate, they’ll confiscate them immediately, without notice. Crews will then take the signs to the nearest KDOT regional office and keep them until they are claimed.

If signs are claimed, the owner will have to agree not to post them alongside highways again. KDOT says it will dispose of signs that aren’t claimed after the November elections.