Understanding the Legal Implications of Road Signs
Have you ever seen a road sign lying on the ground and wondered if you’re allowed to take it home? Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for almost eight years now, and I want to help you make law easy by talking about what to do about unattended road signs and if it’s permissible to possess one.
Legal Implications of Taking Road Signs
In short — no, it’s not legal. Under Oklahoma law (Title 21, Section 1753.8), taking a road sign is a crime. Even if you find one on the ground, you can’t take it home. While plenty of people have used road signs as decorations, the law treats possession of a sign — no matter how you got it — as a misdemeanor, which can come with fines or even jail time.
However, the stakes get much higher if removing a sign leads to danger. For example, if someone takes stop signs from an intersection and it causes a crash, injuries, or property damage, that’s a felony offense, punishable by up to two years in prison. What might seem like a harmless prank can have serious legal consequences.
Seeking Legal Guidance and Support
If you have a road sign at home and aren’t sure what to do, or if you’re facing charges related to this, reach out for legal guidance. It’s always better to address the situation before it turns into something bigger.
My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal defense attorney with Wirth Law Office and I want to help you make law easy.
Contact Us for a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session
If you’re concerned about road sign possession or any other legal issues, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We offer a low-cost initial strategy session to help you understand your options and the best way to proceed. Call us today at 918-879-1681 to schedule your consultation.