What are the rules for roadside memorials in Washington state? What to know
Losing a loved one can be difficult, no matter the circumstance.
In Washington state, it’s common to honor people killed in car and motorcycle crashes with roadside memorials decorated with crosses, flowers, photos and more.
What are the rules for roadside memorials in Washington state? Are these public tributes always legal?
Here’s how it works:
How can I get a roadside memorial in Washington state?
The Washington State Department of Transportation has an official program to honor those who lost their lives on local roadways.
The state Transportation Department began its State Roadside Memorial Program in 1994 with the goal of honoring those who have died on Washington state highways, according to its website.
“Roadside memorial signs serve two primary purposes: they honor and memorialize individuals who lost their lives on Washington state highways, and they act as a safety reminder to passing drivers,” Amy Moreno, the agency’s transportation communication officer, wrote in an email to The News Tribune. “The signs encourage awareness and safer driving behavior. Recent public feedback shows overwhelming support for the program”
How can I apply to put up a sign?
The process of getting an official state-sponsored roadside memorial sign is simple.
First, you’ll need to fill out an application — and get consent from a relative of the deceased person — before submitting it online or via email to the State Roadside Memorial Program.
It costs $1,500 per location to put up a roadside memorial sign, with fees covering manufacturing and installation by state road crews.
You can add a variety of messages to your roadside memorial sign, along with the name of the person you’re honoring, including:
- Please Don’t Drink and Drive
- Please Don’t Speed
- Please Drive Safely
- Please Ride Safely
- Please Watch for Bicyclists
- Please Watch for Motorcycles
- Please Watch for Pedestrians
- Seat Belts Save Lives
It takes 90 to 120 days to put up the sign, according to the agency.
“Signs will be placed as close to the collision site as possible, in the direction of travel that the collision occurred,” the state Department of Transportation said.
After they’re installed, signs remain posted for 10 years, the agency said. After that point, family members or friends are asked to collect them.
Are personal memorials allowed on state highways?
Although personal roadside memorials can be a beautiful way to honor loved ones, they are not allowed in Washington state due to safety concerns, Moreno said.
“These items can blow into the roadway, distract drivers and require maintenance staff to stop in unsafe locations,” she said.
“Often the locations also aren’t safe for loved ones to be accessing to set up a memorial,” she added. “For this reason, private memorials are not permitted on any state highway, whether placed alone or in addition to an official memorial sign.”
Personal items placed in unofficial memorials are handled with care and are stored for 30 days at the nearest maintenance facility, according to Moreno.