Mississippi § 65-7-23 - Defacing, removing or destroying signs or traffic control devices prohibited; penalties; liability for cost of repair; liability of parents of minor.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 65-7-23 — Defacing, removing or destroying signs or traffic control devices prohibited; penalties; liability for cost of repair; liability of parents of minor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 65-7-23. Defacing, removing or destroying signs or traffic control devices prohibited; penalties; liability for cost of repair; liability of parents of minor.
Any person willfully defacing, removing, marring, damaging or destroying any sign or guide board, including any railroad crossing sign or flasher signal, or other traffic control device erected as provided shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be liable for the actual cost of replacing or repairing such sign and shall be fined not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or be imprisoned in the county jail not more than six (6) months, or be punished by both such fine and imprisonment. If the offender is a minor, the parents of such minor shall be civilly liable in accordance with Section 93-13-2 for the actual cost of replacing or repairing the sign, signal or device. The penalties prescribed in subsection (1) of this section shall also be applicable to any person, and to the parents of any minor, who willfully defaces, mars or damages any bridge, underpass or overpass. Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section regarding a memorial, other historical or cultural marker or sign, the value of which is Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or more, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned in the county jail for up to six (6) months or fined up to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or both. Such person shall also be ordered to make full restitution.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 65-7-23
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 65-7-23 cover?
Section 65-7-23 ("Defacing, removing or destroying signs or traffic control devices prohibited; penalties; liability for cost of repair; liability of parents of minor.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 65-7-23?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 65-7-23" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 65-7-23 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.