Is It Illegal to Take a Traffic or Railroad Sign in Texas? Here’s What the Law Says

Traffic and railroad signs play a crucial role in ensuring road safety, guiding drivers, and preventing accidents. However, some people see these signs as souvenirs or pranks and remove them. But is it legal to take a traffic or railroad sign in Texas? The short answer is no—taking or tampering with these signs is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.

Texas Laws on Traffic and Railroad Sign Theft

In Texas, removing, stealing, or tampering with traffic and railroad signs is considered a crime under state law. These signs are government property, and their removal can create hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

Here are the key legal statutes that make this act illegal:

1. Texas Penal Code – Theft Laws

• Under Texas Penal Code § 31.03, theft is defined as unlawfully taking someone else’s property with the intent to deprive the owner.
• Since traffic and railroad signs belong to the state or local government, stealing them is classified as theft of public property.
• The severity of the charge depends on the value of the stolen item.

2. Texas Transportation Code – Interference with Traffic-Control Devices

• Texas Transportation Code § 544.006 states that interfering with, removing, or damaging traffic control devices (such as stop signs, yield signs, and railroad crossing signals) is prohibited.
• Violators can face criminal penalties, including fines and possible jail time.

3. Federal Laws – Tampering with Railroad Signs

• Removing or damaging a railroad sign is not only a state offense but can also lead to federal charges.
• The Federal Railroad Safety Act and related laws make it illegal to tamper with railroad crossing signs because doing so can lead to deadly accidents.

Penalties for Stealing Traffic and Railroad Signs in Texas

The penalties for stealing or tampering with a traffic or railroad sign in Texas depend on the circumstances, including the value of the sign and the consequences of its removal.

Offense	Charge	Possible Penalty
Theft of a traffic or railroad sign worth less than $100	Class C Misdemeanor	Fine up to $500
Theft of a sign worth $100 – $750	Class B Misdemeanor	Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine
Theft of a sign worth $750 – $2,500	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine
Theft resulting in injury or accident	Felony	Up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 fine

In cases where a missing sign directly causes an accident, the person responsible for taking it could face civil liability or even criminal negligence charges.

Why People Take Traffic or Railroad Signs

Despite the serious legal consequences, some people still steal or tamper with road signs. The most common reasons include:

• Souvenir Collecting: Some people take signs with funny names or unique designs as decorations for their homes or dorm rooms.
• Pranks and Dares: Teenagers and young adults sometimes remove signs as part of a prank or social media challenge.
• Scrap Metal Value: Some criminals steal metal road signs to sell as scrap.
• Lack of Awareness: Many individuals don’t realize that taking a sign is a crime with serious consequences.

Regardless of the reason, removing a sign endangers public safety and can lead to accidents, injuries, or fatalities.

Consequences of Missing Traffic and Railroad Signs

The theft of traffic or railroad signs can have severe real-world consequences, including:

• Increased Risk of Accidents: Missing stop signs, yield signs, or railroad crossing signals can lead to crashes and fatalities.
• Legal Liability: If a stolen sign leads to an accident, the person responsible could be sued or charged with criminal negligence.
• Costly Replacements: Taxpayers bear the cost of replacing stolen or damaged signs, increasing expenses for local governments.

One infamous case involved a group of teenagers who stole a stop sign in Florida, leading to a fatal accident at an intersection. The teens were later charged with manslaughter. Similar incidents have occurred in Texas, reinforcing the dangers of sign theft.

What to Do If You Find a Damaged or Missing Sign

If you notice a missing or damaged traffic or railroad sign in Texas, you should:

1. Report It to Local Authorities: Call your city’s public works department or the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
2. Call Law Enforcement: If the missing sign creates an immediate hazard (such as a missing stop sign), contact local police.
3. Avoid Taking It Yourself: Even if a sign is knocked down, do not take it home—it is still considered public property.

Conclusion

Taking a traffic or railroad sign in Texas is not just a harmless prank—it is a criminal offense that can result in hefty fines, jail time, and severe legal consequences. Beyond the legal risks, missing signs pose a significant danger to drivers and pedestrians, potentially leading to accidents and fatalities.

If you come across a downed or missing sign, the best course of action is to report it to authorities rather than taking it yourself. When it comes to road safety, every sign matters—and stealing one is never worth the risk.

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