Sec. 9-128. Any person who intentionally damages or removes an official sign or other traffic control device erected by the proper authority having jurisdiction over such highway authorized by Chapter 11, Article III of The Illinois Vehicle Code, as now or hereafter amended, or any other sign authorized and approved by this Code shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $250 in addition to any other penalties which may be imposed. This Section does not apply to persons properly authorized to repair or remove such signs or other traffic control device.
Illinois Compiled Statute
605 ILCS 5/9-128
Offense Description
Damaging or removing signs or traffic control devices
Offense Classification
Petty Offense
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Under Illinois law, 605 ILCS 5/9-128 (Damaging or removing signs or traffic control devices) is classified as a Petty Offense. Statutory sentencing scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.
Offense Class & Sentencing ScopePetty Offense
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Court Appearance MandateRelease on Notice (No Mandate)
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State License SanctionStandard Administrative Protocol
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Sec. 9-128. Any person who intentionally damages or removes an official sign or other traffic control device erected by the proper authority having jurisdiction over such highway authorized by Chapter 11, Article III of The Illinois Vehicle Code, as now or hereafter amended, or any other sign authorized and approved by this Code shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $250 in addition to any other penalties which may be imposed. This Section does not apply to persons properly authorized to repair or remove such signs or other traffic control device.
(Source: P.A. 83-672.)
Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis
Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 605 ILCS 5/9-128 in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, 605 ILCS 5/9-128 (Damaging or removing signs or traffic control devices) is classified as a Petty Offense.
Sentencing Scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Is a court appearance mandatory for 605 ILCS 5/9-128 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?
No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Is an individual accused of 605 ILCS 5/9-128 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?
Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 605 ILCS 5/9-128?
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Official Legal Citation Formats
Legal & Academic Reference
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
Illinois Supreme Court Citation605 ILCS 5/9-128 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.)605 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/9-128 (2026)
Canonical Web Referencehttps://ilcsindex.com/statutes/605-ilcs-5-9-128