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Vandalizing traffic signs can be a matter of life and death

March 26, 1999 (Release 99-055)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News Contact: Kim Athon, (785) 296-3585

Vandalizing traffic signs can be a matter of life and death

It's not a game. It's dangerous and it's against the law. Vandalizing any highway traffic sign, including stop signs, can cause a serious accident and is a punishable offense.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds everyone of the vital need for safety on or near any roadway. Any person or persons caught tampering with roadway traffic signs exposes themselves to criminal prosecution.

Under Kansas law, tampering with a traffic signal is intentionally altering, destroying or removing any sign or signal that controls or directs traffic. It is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500 and/or up to one month in jail.

The law considers aggravated tampering with a traffic signal to be any tampering which results or could result in an accident causing injury or death. This offense is a Severity Level 7 non-person felony with a fine of up to $100,000. A person with no prior convictions can receive up to 13 months in jail; a person with prior convictions can receive up to 34 months in jail.

KDOT encourages everyone to drive safely and follow all traffic rules and regulations. It can be a matter of life and death.