DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) - With nearly a month passed since Donald Trump’s decisive victory in the 2024 presidential election, many residents are questioning how long political signs can remain displayed on private property. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt recently addressed this topic, noting that while it is respectful to remove political signs soon after an election, this is merely his opinion and not a legal requirement. ‘Know the limitations’: String of incidents involving trucks causes police in Wisconsin to issue reminder According to a release from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin law provides minimal regulation on the matter. Under Wisconsin State Statute 12.04, individuals are permitted to display political signs on their property during the election campaign period, defined as beginning on the first day of circulation and ending on election day. The statute, however, does not prohibit the display of political signs outside this timeframe. Transportation Code 201.16 further addresses political sign regulations, particularly for signs near controlled highways, such as Interstate 41 and U.S. Highway 151. Signs exempt from permit requirements under Transportation Code 201.07 must be erected no more than 45 days before the election and removed within seven days after. Sheriff Schmidt emphasized that local municipalities may impose additional ordinances regulating political signs, although he is unaware of any such ordinances in Dodge County. Residents are encouraged to check with their local city, village, or town. “The bottom line is that unless there is a local ordinance or the sign is on a controlled highway, there is no restriction on political signs on private property,” Sheriff Schmidt explained, citing First Amendment protections. Capital Credit Union Park hosting first-ever ‘Gridiron Greats Celebrity Flag Football Fundraiser’ Additionally, signs cannot be placed within the public right of way, and their removal falls under the jurisdiction of the local highway department or Department of Public Works, not law enforcement. “Our goal is to clarify the applicable laws for our residents, even if it may not provide the resolution they hope for,” concluded Sheriff Schmidt.