Interference With Official Traffic Control Device In Arizona

What does it mean to interfere with a traffic control device?

Interference would include pretty much anything except looking at a traffic control device. Examples of interference could include:

• • Spray painting a bunny on a stop sign because you’re feeling silly.
  • Putting stickers on a stop sign because you’re doing some guerrilla marketing.
  • Shooting a road sign because you wanted to do something stupid.
  • Hitting a road sign with a hammer because you are angry.
  • Colliding with a railroad crossing gate with your car or motorcycle because you were trying to beat the train.
  • Adding extra letters to a road sign to make it say something funny.
  • Removing letters from a road sign to make is say something offensive.
  • Stealing a speed limit sign because you’re doing some redecorating at home.

I’m sure I missed something here but, in summary, traffic control devices are for looking, not touching according to this statute.

What are the consequences of interfering with a traffic control device?

A conviction for interfering with a traffic control device is a class 1 misdemeanor, the same as a DUI or aggressive driving. This means there is the potential for up to six months in jail, $2,500 in fines plus surcharges, which would nearly double the fine, and up to 3 years of probation. In practice, jail time is unlikely, the fine will be far less than the maximum, and we do not often see probation.