A rash of stolen stop signs were reported by Precinct 2 Commissioner James Pilchiek during a discussion of the closure of FM 682 at the regular meeting of the DeWitt County Commissioner Court.
When stop signs are missing, vehicles can head into oncoming traffic, leading to devastating consequences. However, young people vandalizing traffic signs might not see past the initial humor to the potential impact of collision, injury, fines and criminal penalties.
“I drove down that farm road yesterday,” County Judge Daryl Fowler said. “It kinda disturbed me to see every sign on that road is stolen or broken off. Someone is going along county roads and stealing road signs.”
In addition to the cost of $350 and manpower to replace a traffic sign, stolen signs cause frustration in driving and are considered a misdemeanor theft. The penalties are not light.
“Transportation Code section 544.0055 and the Penal Code section relate to misdemeanor thefts,” Fowler said. “The range is Class C offense and $100 fine up to Class A misdemeanor offense and a $4000 fine.”
In the event of injuries resulting from such pranks, there are also criminal penalties.
“Tampering with a warning device such as a sign is covered by Texas Transportation Code section 472.021,” Fowler said. “There are criminal penalties. There can also be civil liability or even criminal liability if someone is injured due to an accident because a sign was tampered with or stolen, and the perpetrators are tied to the accident.”
The stop sign at the intersection of Bootlegger Lane and TX 111 in Yoakum is frequently targeted. It is almost 3 miles from the Yoakum Dairy Queen, a popular hangout for young people.
“The BOOTLEGGER LANE sign itself has been stolen more than 100 times in the length of time Commissioner Pilchiek has been with DeWitt County,” Fowler said. “One sign has been stolen about every seven weeks over a period of almost 14 years as a commissioner.”
We visited this intersection to investigate. Fortunately, there was a stop sign before heading into the heavy highway traffic.
Fowler said, “Parents need to be informed and be watching to see if these signs show up in bedrooms and garages.”
