Traffic sign defacement could carry jail time according to new bill

Lawmakers on Thursday wrapped up discussion of a bill that would criminalise the alteration or defacement of road traffic signs, making such offences carry jail time and hefty fines.

The legislative proposal belongs to Disy MP Nikos Georgiou.

“It is positive that the relevant agencies – the police, the department of public works, the attorney-general’s office – all agree with this bill,” Georgiou said after a session of the House transport committee.

Any writing, counterfeiting or distortion on any traffic sign would be punishable by up to six months prison and/or a fine of up to €1,700.

This will apply even where any such action does not alter or obscure the meaning of a road sign.

“It will send a strong message of deterrence that such behaviours are not tolerated. We need to ensure the safety of the road network,” said Georgiou.

MPs also heard that the state could be legally liable in the event a traffic accident occurs at a location where a road sign is altered or defaced.

Asked by journalists how offenders might be tracked down, Georgiou said only that “the intention is to send a message of deterrence and censure.”