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Is it illegal to take a fallen street sign?

I’ve seen a few fallen street signs as the result of a hurricane and I was wondering if it is illegal to take them. If so, what would the penalty look like?

avatar
Sean Boehme · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s always good to be cautious, especially when it comes to something like traffic signs. The short answer is, yes, it is illegal to take a fallen street sign. Just like with a standing street sign, a fallen sign is government property and stealing one is considered theft. The consequences you can expect if you steal a street sign include:
  • A misdemeanor charge
  • A fine
  • Jail time
The extent of these penalties will depend on
the state
you live in as well as your particular case. If you steal multiple signs or someone gets hurt as the result of your theft, the crime could be elevated to a felony.
If you see a fallen street sign, the right thing to do is to contact your town or city. Some cities have an online portal where you can let them know about a fallen street sign, whereas others will require a phone call.
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