Is It Illegal In Illinois to Take a Street Sign That’s Fallen Over? (Asking For A Friend)

So the other day I'm driving home and see a street sign laying on the ground.  It snapped from the base that's planted in the ground.  For a half second, my brain went to,"I mean... fair game?"

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Now before you call the police, I was not actually going to steal the street sign.  I don't have use for it, don't have room in my apartment, and definitely wouldn't know where to display it!  I was just thinking, like, if it's broken.. is it garbage now?  Might as well rehome it.

Related: The Illinois Law You Probably Break Without Even Knowing It

I just assumed it was the same consequences as if you straight up stole the sign.  So, I looked it up because it was really bothering me.  I needed to know!

Is It Illegal In Illinois to Take a Street Sign That’s Fallen Over?

The law is pretty clear about it: It's unlawful to steal, deface, destroy, alter, or remove any street name sign, traffic sign, parking sign, warning sign.. basically anything the city put up for information or safety.  And if you do?  You're not just looking at a fine.  You can also be on the hook for the full cost of replacing it - materials and the labor.  That sounds wildly expensive for something you didn't even want that badly.

So, the safest, most boring, most responsible option?  Report it to the city and keep driving.  Don't put it in your trunk.  Don't think it's fair game to take for your personal collection.  Don't go borrow a friend's truck just to haul it away later.  It's illegal and you could be fined a lot.

Read More: Rockford Police Are Cracking Down on Speeders This Month

There are cameras everything now.  You will get caught!  Don't risk it.