District 1 Adopt-A-Highway Program

Businesses, civic groups, and individuals are invited to adopt stretches of roadway, on/off-ramps, or Park and Ride lots for litter cleanup, vegetation control, shrub and wildflower plantings, or graffiti removal.

The AAH Program is a voluntary program administered solely by Caltrans and is free for volunteers. Groups have the option to participate as volunteers or to hire a maintenance service provider to perform the work on their behalf.  

Typically, permits are issued for five-year periods, but one-day special event adoptions may also be available. 

Additional information can be found at the following links:

• Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway Main Page 
• Caltrans Online Adopt-A-Highway Application

Safety is of utmost importance at all times, for our adopters, contractors and the traveling public. Below are resources for safety information related to cleaning alongside highways and state routes. 

• Caltrans Safety Video for Group Leaders
• Caltrans Safety Video for All Participants

• CREW Plans (PDF)
• Bag it, Move it, or Leave it (PDF)
• Permit Special Provisions (PDF)

Groups that hire contractors are called “sponsors”. AAH service contractors are independent, private companies who work for the sponsors (they do not work for Caltrans) and charge fees for their services. For additional information, view Working with Contractors(PDF).

In honor of the volunteer efforts, standard recognition panels (signs) are provided at no charge. The Adopt-A-Highway Program is not a forum for advertising or public discourse. 

Visit the Caltrans Ordering Signs page for more information about Recognition Panels for your adopted miles.