Sign vandalism a costly safety hazard

This bullett-riddled stop sign silhouetted by the setting sun graphically illustrates one problem with sign vandalism in Dunklin and other counties. [Click to enlarge]

They make tempting targets for bored hunters who often riddle them with bullets. They're also removed by individuals who see them as souvenirs. Replacing the damaged or stolen road signs is an on-going and costly endeavor for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Just in the 14-county area of the Southeast District of MoDOT, which includes Dunklin County, there are approximately 70,000 signs posted on state roadways.

Keeping them free of vandalism is a continual problem.

Area Engineer Jeff Lambert says there are problems in Dunklin County with sign vandalism and stealing. His crews report they are having to replace or repair some signs weekly. Most are in rural areas away from towns where there is not a lot of traffic.  

Vandalism of road signs is just as serious as theft of the signs.

Anyone who removes or vandalizes road signs could face criminal charges as well as civil liability.

The penalty for damaging signs is a fine and/or up to six months in jail regardless of the cost to repair the damage.

Criminal penalties for stealing state roadway signs depend on their value and volume. The penalties range from fines to sentences to jails or prison.

In addition to the safety hazard, sign vandalism also results in added expense for Missouri taxpayers. An average stop sign costs more than $50 in materials alone to replace.

Sign posts cost taxpayers $12 each, not including the cost of labor and equipment to install the new sign.

Highway Department officials say area residents can help keep roadways safer and save taxpayers money by reporting to their local law enforcement agency anyone suspected of removing or vandalizing signs

If a sign has been removed people should contact MoDOT's Southeast District Customer Service Center toll-free by calling (888) ASK-MODOT, (888) 275-6636).