Interference With Official Traffic Control Device In Arizona

A.R.S. 28-649

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What does the law say?

A.R.S. 28-649(A) says that “A person shall not attempt without lawful authority to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down or remove an official traffic control device, a railroad sign or signal or an inscription, shield or insignia on any device, sign or signal or any part of the device, sign or signal.”

What is a “traffic control device”?

A traffic control device includes things like stop lights, stop signs, railroad crossing signs, and really any road signage installed by the government. This could arguably include construction-related signage and signals installed by private companies doing work on public roads.

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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.

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