ODOT rest stop policy clarified: ''No-guns'' signs on buildings only

The Ohio Department of Transportation's Assistant Legal Counsel, Michaela J. Peterson, has replied to inquiries by OFCC PAC about reports of "no-guns" signs posted in parking areas at rest stops, confirming that it is ODOT policy to post "no-guns" signs only on rest area buildings, and not on parking areas or grounds surrounding the buildings.

"It is our policy, in accordance with Ohio law, to post "No Firearms" signs on the doors of all rest stop facilities," Peterson wrote. "We have contacted the Administrator of our facilities management division and he assures us this is where the signs are located."

The issue gained increased attention after two sexual assaults which occurred at rest areas in recent months. "No-guns" signs were reportedly posted in the parking lot of a rest area where an assault occurred in April. But since concealed carry is only prohibited in state-owned buildings, concerns that persons would unnecessarily disarm themselves drove citizens to begin contacting ODOT about the problem.

In response to a follow-up request from OFCC PAC for confirmation that the signs had in fact been removed from parking areas at the I-77 rest area in Summit County, Ms. Peterson stated that "we are going to call our Summit County manager and ask that an ODOT crew member verify the sign location at the rest stop area the next time they are in the vicinity."

OFCC members and PAC volunteers are encouraged to continue to take notice of placement of "no-guns" signs at Ohio rest areas. To properly inform patrons of current Ohio law, signs should be placed on buildings rather than in parking areas.

Any further sightings of improperly placed signs should be reported to [email protected].

Reports of improperly placed signs should also be made to ODOT as follows:

Ohio Department of Transportation
Gordon Proctor, Director
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43223
(614) 466-2335
[email protected]

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