Is It Legal To Move Pesky Utility Markers In Illinois?

Flags popping up in your yard? Here's what you can do about it.

If you've lived in a neighborhood for a while, you've probably had at least one stretch of time where orange utility flags lined our lawns, common areas, and/or driveways. And in stormy or windy weather like we've had lately, they get blown across the street and maybe even into the next cul-de-sac.

The flags and spray paint markings aren't cute, they can be annoying, but can you get rid of them and not face consequences?

First, the companies (gas, water, internet, whatever) have to tell you what they're doing and how long it's going to take, according to Illinois law. If the flags and work are still up past that time, might not be a bad idea to double-check with the company when it's going to be done.

Yard Varsity says that you can get rid of the utility flags and markings once the work is done. That's when the utility company gives you the all-clear and says that there's no risk of damage.

If you just can't stand it and you pull the flags out and wash off the lines, you could face fines for removing the utility markers before the job is considered done. Before you remove the markings, consider if there's utility lines under it. It could be dangerous and if it's internet, you could face a service disruption because of it.

Ideally, the utility companies themselves should be the ones to remove the flags after the work is done but that definitely doesn't always happen. Just make sure you get their okay before you rip the flags out of the ground.