Street signs are very important for road safety and installed on roads for driver’s guidance. But, many people don’t realize the risks if they illegally take or keep a street sign.
You should be well aware of the legal standards for stealing street signs. Therefore, we prepared a well researched guide on the laws, penalties and safe ways to handle street signs.
Is It Illegal To Take a Street Sign?
Yes, it is definitely illegal to steal a street sign. Because they are government property and are placed for road users safety. When you remove or keep one, it is considered theft or crime.
This act can also lead to fines, penalties or jail time. Local government departments are very serious about traffic sign stealing matters. So, you should always leave traffic signs in place.
What Happens if You Steal a Street Sign?
When you steal a road sign, you don’t only break the law but also put many people in danger. Absence of important signs can cause confusion for drivers. For example, without a stop or speed limit sign, drivers may not know when to slow down or stop. You should always remember, traffic sign robbery is treated like other property crimes.
Can I Take a Fallen or Damaged Street Sign?
No, you can’t take a knocked-down or damaged street sign. If it’s not in use or looks broken, it still belongs to the government, not to you or anyone else. That’s why, when anybody steals a sign, it is treated as theft of public property. The best thing you can do is report it to your local authorities, so they can fix or replace it safely.
Do Street Signs Have Trackers?
You will find most street signs without trackers. However, in some areas, authorities use GPS tracking devices or unique identification codes to prevent theft. With these devices, you can locate missing signs.
Furthermore, these systems make it easier for you to find out where and when a sign was removed. Actually, a thief can still be traced with a street camera if they do not have tracking technology.
Is Stealing Road Signs a Felony?
A felony is a serious crime which is punished by large fines and long jail time. Generally, street signs stealing is not a felony. However, it depends on your county or state law. If a person gets injured due to missing a sign, you may face felony charges such as heavy fines, court costs or a criminal record.
What Laws Do You Break When Steal a Street Sign
When you remove a street sign, you violate the following laws.
- Theft of Government Property: Street signs belong to the government, so taking them without permission is a crime. If street signs are public property, their removal can still lead to serious punishment.
- Vandalism: When you remove, bend, damage a sign post or write on a street sign, it is treated as vandalism. This can result in fines or legal charges.
- Public Safety Violation: When your actions put others in danger, it’s called public safety violation. Missing signs can confuse drivers & cause accidents, which makes it a serious safety offense.
- Trespassing: If you enter restricted or government areas to take the sign, it’s against the law of trespassing.
- Property Damage: When you harm nearby poles, roads or structures while removing street signs, it counts as property damage and can lead to legal penalties.
Are Street Signs Government Property?
Yes, all traffic signs are under government ownership and control. They are installed, owned and maintained by local or national authorities to make sure road safety. Because they are public property, you are not allowed to take or damage them without permission.
Penalty For Stealing Street Signs
Theft of street signs is a criminal act. The punishment depends on your country or state laws. Generally, it includes heavy fines, community service and prison. You may also have to pay for the cost of replacing the missing sign.
In some cases, if your action causes an accident or injury, the penalty will be much more harsh. At the last, it may leave you with a criminal record, which can affect your future.
Stealing a Stop Sign Penalty
Illegally taking a stop sign is a serious offense. You can face large fines, one or more months of jail or both. It depends on your local laws. However, you may have to pay a fine of 200 rupees in some cases.
Penalty For Stealing Street Signs in Texas
In Texas, street sign removal is treated as theft of government property. You can face fines, community service or jail. Basically, it depends on the value of the sign. If the missing sign causes an accident, the punishment can be one year of jail and you have to pay the cost for sign replacement.
Will You Get a Ticket For Stealing a Street Sign?
Yes, you can get a ticket if authorities catch you while taking a street sign. In serious cases, you may also face criminal charges as well.
Official Adult Warning For Sign Thefts
An official adult warning for sign thefts is a formal notice which is given by authorities to adults who try to remove or damage street signs. It warns them that their actions are illegal and can lead to fines if repeated. The purpose of this notice is to prevent theft and protect public safety on the roads.
Is it Illegal To Take a Street Sign Found in a Pile in a Random Field?
No, you are not allowed to take a sign if you find it on the ground or in a random field. If you steal one without permission, it will count as theft. The safest option for you is to report the sign to local authorities, so it can be handled properly.
Most Stolen Street Sign
The types of street signs people steal vary usually based on the place and the reason. People mostly take signs which have funny or famous names, such as “Penny Lane” in the UK & “Blue Jay Way” in the USA. Signs with numbers like 420 or 69 are also very popular.
How Do I Report a Missing Street Sign?
You should never ignore it if you notice a street sign is missing. You must report it immediately as responsible citizens. You can contact your local public works and traffic department. Many cities also have online forms or hotlines for reporting missing signs. So, you can tell them the exact location and type of sign.
What Should I Do If Someone Gives Me a Stolen Street Sign?
If you receive a street sign which is stolen, do not keep it. Because it can get you into legal trouble. The right thing you can do is report it to local authorities.
Are Sign Thefts Common in Germany?
Yes, street sign theft is more common in Germany. People usually take signs with funny names, numbers & famous locations. It’s not a big crime problem, but it causes difficulty for local authorities.
Felony or Misdemeanor For Stealing Road Signs
Road sign theft can be a felony or misdemeanor, it depends on law in your area. For example: if the sign is valuable and your action causes dangers, it will be treated as a felony. But, minor damage may be charged as a misdemeanor.
Is it Illegal To Have Street Signs in Your House
Well, you can have street signs if you take legal permission. On the other hand, it is completely illegal to keep signs in your house if they are stolen official signs. To avoid any problem, you should always keep a receipt or proof to show the sign is legal.
People Also Ask
Is It Illegal To Remove Unwanted Signs From My neighborhood?
yes, when you remove extra signs without permission, it is against the law. Instead of taking signs, you can report to municipal officials.
Is Owning Street Signs Illegal in BC?
In British Columbia, you can’t keep road signs if they are unauthorized. You can only own signs if they are replicas or you buy them through a legal process.
Is it Legal To Put Signs on Public Property?
It is not legal to place signs on public property when not having permission. Installation of signs without authorization can lead to vandalism and illegal posting.
Is it a Federal Crime To Steal a Street Sign?
This is mostly a state or local crime, not a federal one. However, street sign stealing is a crime everywhere. But, penalties can be different according to area rules.
Can You Stop Someone From Stealing a Street Sign?
You are not allowed to take the law into your own hands and stop someone who steals a sign. You can prevent theft by reporting to your local road safety authorities.
Final Thoughts
Now you clearly know why stealing street signs is illegal and a crime. Hence, you should always respect public property, give importance to safety and encourage others to do the same.
If you want to legally purchase traffic signs, you can contact us. We manufacture all kinds of road and traffic signs in our factory.
