It’s not a harmless prank or a joking matter, according to a press release last week from the TxDOT District office in Childress. Tampering, vandalizing, or removing traffic signs is a crime—not to mention a serious safety hazard that puts lives at risk.
“When signs are stolen or vandalized, it can result in serious consequences for the traveling public,” stated Childress District Engineer Darwin Lankford. “Traffic signs communicate important information to travelers.”
Damaging, destroying or stealing state property or state traffic control devices including road signs is a Class C misdemeanor if the damage is less than $100; a Class B misdemeanor if the damage is between $100 and $750; a Class A misdemeanor if the damage is between $750 and $2,500. The Class A crime is punishable by up to $4,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. If the damage is between $2,500 and $20,000, the crime is a state jail felony and is punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and between 180 days and two years in state jail.
Recently, several counties in the Childress District, including Dickens, have dealt with stolen and/or vandalized traffic signs. Replacing stolen or damaged signs takes limited funds for roadway maintenance away from needed projects and repairs. Statewide, it costs Texas taxpayers millions of dollars annually to replace these signs, including knocked-down and gunshot damaged signs, along with damaged mailbox posts.
Depending on the type of sign, replacement can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Stop signs, as well as city/county limit signs have come up missing in recent weeks. Most signs come up missing along FM roads.
TxDOT asks to public for their help by reporting missing signs and for information leading to the return of stolen signs or to the conviction of the persons responsible for sign thefts and vandalism. To report a missing sign anywhere in the Childress District please call the Public Information Office at (940) 937-7288.
