The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is urging the public to refrain from stealing road signs, following a rise in thefts over the past few months, Bigfoot99 Radio reports.
WYDOT officials say the problem has worsened, with thieves targeting both large and small signs, including the iconic “Welcome to Wyoming” signs and essential traffic control signs like stop signs.
According to Andrea Staley, Senior Public Relations Specialist for WYDOT, the theft of road signs poses serious risks to public safety. Missing signs can create hazardous conditions for drivers, especially those unfamiliar with local roads, and may result in traffic crashes.
Replacing the stolen signs comes with a significant financial burden. Large “Welcome to Wyoming” signs along highways like Interstate 80 cost up to $3,000 each to replace. Smaller traffic signs, such as stop signs and yield signs, cost between $1,500 and $2,000. These expenses are covered by the state’s highway maintenance budget, which also funds snow removal, pothole repairs, and general road maintenance.
“When people steal signs, they are effectively taking money away from vital services like snow removal and pothole repairs,” said Staley.
The theft of road signs is classified as a crime under Wyoming law, with penalties varying based on the value of the sign. Theft of signs valued at $1,000 or more is considered a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Theft of smaller signs valued under $1,000 is a misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
In addition to theft, WYDOT warns against defacing signs with stickers or other markings. Defacing a sign also carries a fine and requires cleaning and repair, further straining maintenance budgets.
Most of the recent thefts have been reported in Albany County, with no incidents currently reported in Carbon County, according to WYDOT. District One Traffic Supervisor Mike Ginther emphasized that stolen stop signs present a severe risk to drivers.
“Travelers unfamiliar with an area can blow through an intersection and involve themselves and others in a crash they normally would have stopped or yielded to,” he said.
WYDOT is calling on residents to report missing or stolen road signs to the Laramie District Office at 307-745-2127. Public reports help WYDOT respond quickly to ensure driver safety and minimize the risk of crashes.
