Is Stealing a Road Sign a Felony?

Stealing traffic signs, street signs, and other types of road signs might seem like a funny prank, but it can result in a criminal conviction or worse—an innocent person gets injured. A felony isn't out of the question if a missing sign leads to a car accident. Even if the prankster doesn't serve jail time, the costs of a conviction are high, including fines, court fees, restitution, and a criminal record.

Criminal Charges for Stealing Road Signs

Many states have crimes specific to stealing, defacing, knocking down, altering, or shooting at street signs, traffic signposts, historical markers, railroad crossing signs, and traffic control devices. But even if no such law exists in a state, these acts will fall under the state's general theft and property damage laws. Criminal trespass is another possible charge if the person unlawfully goes onto private or public property.

Penalties and Fines for Stealing Road Signs

Stealing one road sign probably won't land you in jail, but your out-of-pocket costs for that one prank can add up. The judge will almost always order you to pay restitution to the city or state government that owned the sign for its replacement (plus labor). Restitution could easily add up to $300 or more per sign. On top of that, the judge will likely impose a fine and court costs, which can add another $500 or so to your bill. Finally, you might have to pay for a criminal defense attorney. And, after all that, you'll have a criminal record for theft. (Getting a record expunged generally costs money too.)

When Is Stealing a Road or Street Sign a Felony?

Most first offenses and even second offenses for stealing a road sign carry misdemeanor penalties, punishable by a fine and possible jail time. Judges will typically order the defendant to pay restitution to the city or state for the replacement or repair of the sign (as noted above). Certain factors, though, could bump up the offense to a felony.

Person injured or killed. Under several state laws, stealing or damaging a road sign can bump up to a felony when a person is injured or killed due to an accident or crash caused by the missing sign. California, Oklahoma, and South Carolina are just three examples of states where felony penalties apply when a stolen traffic sign results in another's injuries or death. (Cal. Veh. Code § 21464; Okla. Stat. tit. 21, § 1753.8; S.C. Code § 56-5-1030 (2025).)

Theft threshold. In states where this crime falls under theft or criminal damage to property, charges can quickly add up to a felony. The penalties for these property crimes are based on the value of the stolen or damaged item and often its cost to repair or replace. Felony thresholds in some states are as low as $1,000 or $1,500. Most states allow prosecutors to combine the value of multiple thefts or property damage offenses occurring within a short time frame. A person who goes on a spree and steals multiple signs over a few months could face a felony charge if the law permits the offenses to be aggregated. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 514.030(4) (2025).)

Prior theft convictions. Defendants with multiple prior convictions for theft and related property crimes might face felony charges based on their record. For instance, Texas makes it a state jail felony to steal property worth less than $2,500 if that person has two prior theft convictions. (Tex. Penal Code § 31.03 (2025).)

Trespass. A person could face additional charges for trespassing if they unlawfully enter another's land or property. Trespassing crimes typically carry misdemeanor penalties. But trespassing onto critical infrastructures or government property could result in felony penalties. For instance, Florida makes it a third-degree felony to trespass onto railroad switching yards, mining facilities, gas and water plants, wireless communications equipment, military bases, dams, and more. (Fla. Stat. § 812.141 (2025).)

Is It Illegal to Take a Road or Street Sign That's on the Ground?

If a huge storm swept in and felled several road signs, is it fair game? Generally, no. It's still government property. Cities and states want you to report the damaged sign to them so they can assess the damage and make certain it's repaired.

Some states—like South Dakota—make possession of a road sign a crime, even if you didn't remove it from the post. In other states, you could be charged with theft of government property, because you are knowingly taking another's property without permission. (S.D. Codified Laws § 31-28-28 (2025).)

Will a Minor Face Charges for Stealing a Road Sign?

Minors younger than 18 can face the same charges as adults do, although these cases end up in juvenile court. Judges and prosecutors in the juvenile system have a much broader range of options for handling offenses. For theft and property damage cases, juvenile judges may order the minor to pay restitution to replace the sign or perform community service hours. Suspending a minor's driver's license is another common punishment for juvenile offenses.

For first-time juvenile offenders, a judge or prosecutor might offer diversion that will allow the offense to stay off their record if they complete the conditions of the program. Diversion program conditions might include attending classes or counseling, going to school, doing community service, and staying out of trouble.

What Should I Do If Someone Gives Me a Stolen Road or Street Sign?

Politely decline. Technically, receiving stolen property is also a crime. If your buddy is bragging about climbing the street signpost at 3 am and taking it down for you, it will be difficult for you to argue you didn't know it was stolen.

Still Want That Street Sign With Your Name or College on It? Or One That's Just Funny?

You can buy street signs and traffic signs from sign companies for much less than a misdemeanor conviction will cost. It's also possible to purchase old signs from a city or state transportation department or a government surplus warehouse. Go to the city or government website and see if they are selling old signs. Be wary of buying signs that appear on eBay, Craigslist, and other secondhand market sites, as these signs could be stolen.