Do you know that in some countries, if you take something as simple as a traffic cone, it can lead to big problems for you? Many people don’t realize what could happen if they illegally steal a traffic cone.
Traffic cones are there for a reason, such as protecting drivers, workers, and motorway safety. You may think stealing a traffic cone is no big deal, but government agencies take it more seriously than you might think. Therefore, in this article, we prepared a complete guide for you related to violations and possible punishments.
Is It Really Illegal to Steal a Traffic Cone?
Yes, it is illegal to steal a traffic cone. You may think it’s just a harmless object. But traffic cones are installed by engineers on highways to maintain the traffic overflow. Their removal causes difficulties for drivers and workers at their jobs.
Furthermore, traffic cones belong to the city or state, not to you or anyone else. If you steal them, you can cause accidents or danger. Plus, you can also get arrested and punished by the police. Stealing a cone is illegal, just as stealing anything else.
You could get a fine, prison & even go to court. Some places may also charge you with theft and property damage. So, if you take a traffic cone, it counts as stealing, and you can get in trouble with the law.
What Laws Do You Break If You Steal a Traffic Cone?
Violation of Section 1 of the 1968 Theft Act
When you steal a traffic cone, it breaks Rule 1 of the 1968 Theft Act in a dishonest way. Basically, this law defines theft as taking someone else’s property and planning to keep it forever.
So, when you go against this law, you will have a criminal record in the local government database. As a result, it can affect your future job prospects. Additionally, you might be ordered to pay a fine and / or sent to prison for 7+ years.
Section 22A of the Road Traffic Act 1988
Under this section, it is an offense to interfere with traffic equipment because it is important for road safety and traffic control. That’s why this law exists to keep roads safe for drivers, workers, and the public as well.
Hence, when you try to do something like take a traffic cone without permission, it can put others at risk (especially when roadwork is going on). According to this act, you will face a monetary penalty from police & even go to jail if someone gets hurt and the public is in danger.
Penalties If You Have Stolen a Traffic Cone
Traffic officers, local councils, and governments are very strict about this because traffic cones protect roads & public. If someone intentionally steals these cones, it can be dangerous for others and is treated seriously by the police. If you steal one, the following things can happen.
- You might have to pay a big money penalty.
- You will be taken to court and arrested by the police.
- If you steal a traffic cone and get caught, it will be added to your record by the government.
- Well, if your actions put others in danger, the punishment can be more severe. For example, you will be sent to jail for a longer time.
- You might be required to give it back to the authorities and pay the cost for traffic cones to replace the new ones.
Why Are Traffic Cones Government Property?
As we all know, traffic cones are on roads to manage and direct traffic, which makes them an important part of your road safety while driving or doing construction/projects.
However, they are legally owned and maintained by local councils, municipalities, government agencies, and traffic police. Organizations that are responsible for managing public roads also take care of traffic cones. We can say the following are some other reasons why traffic cones are government property.
Government Funded
Traffic cones are purchased and maintained with taxpayer money, which makes them part of public infrastructure. The government doesn’t just buy traffic cones once and forget about them. They always keep traffic cones regularly maintained and funded through taxes paid by citizens.
Controlled By Local Authorities
Well, these cones are regularly deployed by government employees to ensure roadworks, repairs & construction projects do not cause a danger to public safety. The reason is that the government not only owns them but is also responsible for their upkeep, replacement, and proper storage.
Regulated By Law
As you know, traffic cones are used for safety purposes. That is why the government regulates their use and any misuse or theft of them is considered a violation of public property rights.
Who Gets Hurt When You Steal a Traffic Cone?
If you illegally steal a traffic cone, it might seem harmless to you, but it can put other people at risk. As a result, there will be a high chance of vehicle crashes, injuries, or even worse situations.
- It Can Cause Car Accidents: Without the cone, drivers might not see danger and can hit their cars with other objects. This can hurt you and damage your car, too. Plus, such scenarios also cause traffic delays or traffic jams.
- Workers May Not Be Safe Anymore: As you know, traffic cones show drivers where workers are. If cones are missing, in that case, workers can get hurt because drivers might not notice them.
- The City Has to Spend More Money: Removal of traffic cones means the city has to buy new ones. This wastes money that could be used for other important things.
- You Could Get in Big Trouble: As we already mentioned, it’s against the law. So you could get fined, imprisoned, and face other serious punishments for life time. Also, the government may put it on your record, which can affect your future as well.
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Final Words
So, now you can see that stealing traffic cones is illegal and can put you into very serious trouble. Hence, our recommendation is that you should save yourself from fines, criminal records, and jail. In this way, you will be a responsible citizen.
You should always respect public property and prioritize safety for everyone on the road and in your surroundings. We will say in the end, the law is very strict and the penalties are more serious for such illegal actions.
Resources:
To learn more about traffic cones, please follow the resources below (will update step by step):
- Traffic Cones: Everything You Need To Know
- Traffic Cone Placement Distances By OSHA, DOT & MUTCD
- Different Traffic Cone Colors and Their Means
- Traffic Cones Weight – Everything You Need to Know
- Ultimate Guide to Collapsible Traffic Cones
- How Much Does A Traffic Cone Cost? – Updated Answer 2025
- Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Construction Cones and Their Uses
- How to Set Up Cones for Parallel Parking? – Step-by-Step Guide
