Aside from the recreational sign stealer and prankster, more serious types of sign stealers exist. These people usually have a specific motive and target, such as influencing a political election outcome. Besides political motives, sign swipers may steal road signs for their aluminum scrap value. According to The Times, Britian's Automobile Association said in one instance 30,000 pounds worth of signs were stolen one night by a single group. Regardless of the reason, sign stealing is illegal and can have consequences if violators are caught.
Punishments vary depending upon the severity of the act and the state in which it occurs.
In Tampa, Fla., three people were convicted of manslaughter for uprooting a stop sign that led to a fatal car accident for three teens in 1996. Each received a minimum sentence of 13 years in prison before parole. Other areas have taken precautionary steps to prevent sign stealing. The Michigan Technological University in Houghton, provides stipulations for the possession of road signs in their student handbook. It states that students who do not prove legal ownership of sign decorations with sales receipts may be charged with theft.