By PSA Newsroom Staff
LEE COUNTY, S.C. — What may look like a harmless prank or souvenir is becoming a serious public safety issue in Lee County. County leaders and emergency officials are warning that stolen road signs are creating dangerous conditions, delaying emergency response and driving up costs for taxpayers.
According to county officials, multiple road and street signs have been reported missing in recent months. Each missing sign must be replaced — a process that takes time, manpower, and public funds.
“These signs are not decorations. They are critical safety tools,” one county official said. “When they disappear, everyone on the road is at risk.”
Why Missing Signs Matter
Road signs play a vital role in keeping drivers and first responders safe. When they are stolen or damaged:
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- Drivers may miss stop signs, warning markers, or speed limits
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- Visitors and delivery drivers can become confused on rural roads
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- Emergency responders can be delayed while searching for addresses or intersections during 911 calls
In rural counties like Lee, even a short delay can mean the difference between life and death.
The Cost to Taxpayers
Replacing a single road sign is far more expensive than many people realize.
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- Sign cost: Typically $100–$500, depending on size and type
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- Post, labor, and equipment: Can add several hundred more dollars
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- Total replacement cost: Often $300 to $1,000 or more per sign
That money comes directly from county budgets funded by taxpayers, pulling resources away from road maintenance, emergency services, and other community needs.
Stealing a Sign Is a Crime
County officials stress that taking road signs is not a prank — it’s illegal.
Under South Carolina law:
- Sign theft is typically charged as a misdemeanor, carrying fines and possible jail time
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- Theft involving multiple signs or higher replacement costs can lead to felony charges
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- Courts may order full restitution, requiring offenders to repay the county for replacement and labor costs
If a missing sign contributes to a crash or injury, the person responsible could also face civil liability.
Officials Ask for Public Help
Residents are encouraged to report:
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- Missing or damaged road signs
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- Suspicious activity involving sign posts or road markers
Reports can be made to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office through non-emergency channels.
PSA Bottom Line
Stolen road signs don’t just inconvenience drivers — they put lives at risk and cost taxpayers real money. County leaders urge residents to respect public property and help protect the infrastructure that keeps Lee County roads safe.
If you see something, say something.
