Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: September 30, 2024 9:00am CDT
Stealing road signs might seem like a harmless prank or a way to get a fun souvenir to hang on a bedroom or college dorm room wall, but it can have serious legal consequences for the perpetrator.
Depending on the specific laws in the state or jurisdiction where the theft occurs, stealing a road sign can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
The distinction often depends on several factors, including the sign’s value.
In this article, we’ll explore the legal aspects surrounding whether stealing road signs is considered a felony or misdemeanor.
As you read, you will understand how different states handle such offenses and what penalties you could face if caught engaging in this seemingly minor but legally significant crime of road sign theft.
Is Stealing Road Signs a Felony?
Stealing a road sign is a misdemeanor in most cases. However, depending on the stolen sign’s monetary value, the crime can be considered a felony or a misdemeanor.
Due to the relatively low cost of a street sign (averaging between $25 and $40 per square foot of flat sheet panel), theft of one will be classified a misdemeanor and not a felony.
Felony Charge for Stolen Road Signs Above Grand Larceny Threshold
In all states, the theft of a road sign is considered a felony if the sign’s value exceeds the individual state’s grand larceny threshold (between $1000 and $1,500 in most states).
Felony Charge for Reckless Endangerment from Missing Road Signs
However, in some states, road sign theft, even when the value of the sign is below the grand larceny threshold, can lead to felony charges if it causes significant public safety risks, accidents, or injuries.
Felony or Misdemeanor for Stealing Road Signs
The legal classification of stealing road signs can vary by state and local laws. In most cases, road sign theft will be considered a petty theft misdemeanor since, like most gas theft and shoplifting offenses, the cost of the road sign will generally be well below the grand larceny threshold.
However, in some jurisdictions, the charge for stealing road signs can be elevated to a felony if the missing sign causes a severe public safety risk or injuries from an accident, even if the value of the stolen property is below the minimal threshold.
That said, the cost of the stolen road signs plays a crucial role in determining whether the theft is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.
Each state has statutes that set a threshold value that distinguishes between these two levels of charges, which are crucial components of how the US criminal justice system addresses theft. Here’s how this distinction works:
- Misdemeanor: If the value of the stolen road signs is below the grand theft threshold set by the jurisdiction, it is typically classified as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor charges are less severe and may result in lighter penalties if convicted.
- Felony: If the value of the stolen road signs exceeds the grand theft threshold, it is classified as a felony. Felony charges are more severe and come with harsher penalties.
Potential Charges and Penalties for Road Sign Theft
The charges and penalties for stealing road signs can vary based on the jurisdiction and the case’s specific circumstances. Here is an overview of the potential legal consequences:
- Misdemeanor Charges: In cases where the value of the stolen signs is relatively low, the offender may face misdemeanor charges. Penalties for misdemeanors can include fines, community service, and short-term imprisonment.
- Felony Charges: If the theft of road signs leads to significant public safety risks or involves high-value theft, the offender may face felony charges. Felony penalties can include substantial fines, long-term imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
- Restitution: Offenders may also be required to pay restitution to cover the cost of replacing the stolen signs and any damages resulting from their removal.
- Civil Liability: In addition to criminal charges, offenders may face civil liability for any accidents or injuries caused by the absence of the stolen signs.
Public Safety Risks of Stolen Road Signs
Stealing road signs poses significant risks to public safety. Road signs are essential for traffic control and provide critical information to drivers. The removal of these signs can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
For instance, stealing a stop sign creates a hazardous situation. When a stop sign is missing, drivers may not realize that they must stop and yield the right of way at an intersection, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
State Laws On Stealing Road Signs
Different states and municipalities have varying statutes and penalties for stealing road signs, several of which explicitly address the criminal act.
Penalties for Stealing Street Signs Under the California Penal Code
The California Penal Code outlines specific statutes that address the theft and vandalism of public property, including road signs. Removing a street sign is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21464(a).
21464. (a) A person, without lawful authority, may not deface, injure, attach any material or substance to, knock down, or remove, nor may a person shoot at, any official traffic control device, traffic guidepost, traffic signpost, motorist callbox, or historical marker placed or erected as authorized or required by law, nor may a person without lawful authority deface, injure, attach any material or substance to, or remove, nor may a person shoot at, any inscription, shield, or insignia on any device, guide, or marker.
If the theft of a sign leads to an accident causing injury, the offender may face a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, as stated in California Vehicle Code Section 21464(d).
Removing Road Signs Laws in Florida
Removing or defacing a street sign in Florida is considered a criminal offense under Florida Statute 806.13, which addresses criminal mischief.
(1)(a) A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages by any means any real or personal property belonging to another, including, but not limited to, the placement of graffiti thereon or other acts of vandalism thereto.
If the value of the damage caused by the theft or vandalism exceeds $1,000, the offender can be charged with a third-degree felony.
This charge can carry penalties of up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and restitution to pay for the costs of replacing or repairing the stolen or damaged sign.
When the removal or damage of a road sign directly leads to an accident causing injury, the offender may face additional charges, such as reckless endangerment or manslaughter (resulting in even harsher penalties).
Criminal Mischief for Road Sign Theft and Vandalism Charges in Pennsylvania
Stealing or damaging a road sign in Pennsylvania will generally be charged as a criminal mischief misdemeanor as long as the cost of the damage to the sign and property is less than $5,000 (18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3304).
However, it is essential to note that the statute allows a criminal mischief offense to be classified as a felony even if the damage is less than $5,000 if the act interferes with public communication, transportation, water supply, gas, power, or other essential public services.
(b) Grading.–Criminal mischief is a felony of the third degree if the actor intentionally causes pecuniary loss in excess of $5,000, or a substantial interruption or impairment of public communication, transportation, supply of water, gas or power, or other public service.
Damaging or Stealing Road Sign Laws in Texas
Stealing, damaging, or destroying state property, including road signs and other traffic control devices, is considered a criminal offense in Texas under the state’s penal code (Transportation Code Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 544).
Sec. 544.005. INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICE OR RAILROAD SIGN OR SIGNAL. A person may not, without lawful authority, alter, injure, knock down, or remove or attempt to alter, injure, knock down, or remove:
(1) an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal;
(2) an inscription, shield, or insignia on an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal; or (3) another part of an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal.
Charges for Stealing Road Signs in Texas
The penalties for road sign theft vary based on the value of the damage caused:
- If the damage is less than $100, the offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which is the least severe and generally results in a fine.
- If the damage is between $100 and $750, it becomes a Class B misdemeanor, which can lead to more significant penalties, including potential jail time.
- For damages ranging between $750 and $2,500, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $4,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
- If the damage to the road sign or traffic control device is valued between $2,500 and $30,000, the offense escalates to a state jail felony. This more serious charge carries a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines and a sentence of 180 days to two years in state jail.
Summary of Criminal Charges for Stealing Road Signs
Remember, while stealing road signs might seem like a trivial act that won’t make a dent in your local or state government’s budget, it carries severe legal consequences that vary significantly depending on where the offense occurs.
Charges for the crime can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on factors such as the sign’s value and the potential public safety risks involved.
Being aware of these legal distinctions is crucial, as what might seem like a harmless prank could result in criminal liability, substantial fines, imprisonment, restitution, and even having a civil lawsuit filed against you for the harm caused.
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Felony or Misdemeanor Charge for Stealing a Road Sign FAQs
The following are some of the most commonly researched questions and their answers pertaining to road sign theft among our readers.
Is stealing road signs always considered a felony?
No, the classification of stealing road signs as a felony or misdemeanor depends on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the theft. In some areas, it may be considered a misdemeanor, while in others, it will be classified as a felony.
What are the potential penalties for stealing road signs?
Penalties for stealing road signs can vary based on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. They may include fines, community service, imprisonment, restitution, and civil liability for any resulting accidents or injuries.
Can I go to jail for stealing a road sign?
Yes, you can go to jail for stealing a road sign. Depending on the value of the sign and the laws in your state, the offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, both of which can result in jail time, especially if the theft poses a significant public safety risk or leads to an accident.
Why is stealing road signs considered a serious crime?
Stealing road signs poses significant risks to public safety. Road signs provide critical information to drivers, and their removal can lead to accidents, injuries, and even deadly car crashes.
Can I face civil liability for stealing road signs?
Yes, offenders may face civil liability for any accidents or injuries caused by the absence of the stolen signs, such as being responsible for compensating victims for medical expenses and in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.
How does the cost of the stolen road signs affect the classification of the crime?
The cost of the stolen road signs plays a crucial role in determining whether the theft is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. If the value of the stolen signs exceeds the threshold amount set by the jurisdiction, it will be a felony charge.
What is the threshold value for classifying the theft of road signs as a felony?
The grand larceny threshold value varies by jurisdiction. If the value of the stolen signs exceeds this amount, the theft can be charged as a felony.
What should I do if I am accused of stealing road signs?
If you are accused of stealing road signs, it is crucial that you seek legal counsel immediately and not speak to the police without your attorney present (if you don’t have one, tell the police you want to speak to a lawyer).
An attorney can help you understand the gravity of the criminal charges, potential defenses, the legal process, and potential repercussions if convicted.
Are there any defenses to the charge of stealing road signs?
Potential defenses for traffic sign theft often include establishing a reasonable doubt for lack of evidence or proving mistaken identity.
Consulting with a lawyer will help you explore possible defenses and create a strategy to fight against the charges based on the specifics of your case.
About the Author
Aaron Winston is the Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding. As "The Legal Funding Expert," Aaron has more than ten years of experience in the consumer finance industry. Most of which was as a consultant to a top financial advisory firm, managing 400+ million USD in client wealth. He is recognized as an expert author and researcher across multiple SEO industries.
Aaron Winston earned his title "The Legal Funding Expert" through authoritative articles and blog posts about legal funding. He specializes in expert content writing for pre-settlement funding and law firm blogs.
Each month, tens of thousands of web visitors read his articles and posts. Aaron's thoroughly researched guides are among the most-read lawsuit funding articles over the past year.
As Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding, Aaron has devoted thousands of hours to advocating for the consumer. His "it factor" is that he is a tireless and inventive thought leader who has made great strides by conveying his legal knowledge and diverse expertise to the public. More clients and lawyers understand the facts about pre-settlement funding because of Aaron's legal and financial service SEO mastery.
Aaron Winston is the author of A Word For The Wise. A Warning For The Stupid. Canons of Conduct, which is a book in poetry format. It consists of 35 unique canons. The book was published in 2023.
He keeps an academic approach to business that improves the consumer's well-being. In early 2022, Aaron gained the Search Engine Optimization and the Google Ads LinkedIn skills assessment badges. He placed in the top 5% of those who took the SEO skills test assessment.
Aaron's company slogans and lawsuit funding company name are registered trademarks of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has gained positive notoriety via interviews and case studies, which are a byproduct of his successes. Aaron R. Winston was featured in a smith.ai interview (2021) and a company growth case study (2022).
In 2023, Aaron and Express Legal Funding received accolades in a leading SEO author case study performed by the leading professionals at WordLift. The in-depth data presented in the pre-settlement funding SEO case study demonstrate why Aaron Winston maintains a high-author E-E-A-T. His original writing and helpful content continue to achieve unprecedented success and stand in their own class.
Aaron was born in Lubbock, TX, where he spent the first eight years of his life. Aaron attended Akiba Academy of Dallas, TX.
