IS TAKING STREET POSTERS LEGAL?

The act of taking down street posters is generally discouraged in a majority of jurisdictions. Specific regulations apply and vary between private and public properties when it comes to attaching and removing street posters.

In the US, removing or destroying any posters is prohibited until its purpose has been fulfilled. However, there are exceptions for the removal of posters placed on an individual’s private property without their consent. Private property refers to property under the ownership of a private party, essentially a separate entity from the government. Examples include posts, fences, billboards, and private buildings. In a situation where a poster is placed on private property, its owners have the right to discard or remove them. Likewise, the placement of posters on private property should be done under its owner’s approval or consent. However, violations of this regulation are generally considered minor misdemeanors.

Posters attached to public property are also legally considered vandalism. Public property refers to the property under the ownership of the government, which is available to use for the general public. Examples include sidewalks, parks, railways, and bridges. The removal of posters from public property often falls under the responsibility of specific governmental departments. To cover the costs of removal, the responsible party is often charged fines. 

Overall, policies regarding the removal of street posters vary between private and public property. Though generally discouraged for both categories, exceptions apply to owners of private property, providing them the full right to control poster placements on their property. The removal of posters from public property, however, often falls under the responsibility of governmental authorities. Generally, violations of these policies are considered minor misdemeanors, though often resulting in penalties such as fines. 

Sources : 

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-33541  

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/private_property 

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_property

Written by Maevelyn Ryu