Traffic Signs, Defacement or Removal.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 101-43
in effect101-43. Traffic Signs, Defacement or Removal.
1. PROHIBITED. No person may injure, deface or remove any sign, guideboard, traffic control or marker, barricade or any other traffic control device erected by a political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency thereof for the warning, instruction or information of the public.
2. DEFINITION. In sub. 3, the meaning of "possess" includes the presence of any sign, guideboard, traffic signal or marker, barricade or any other traffic control device on premises owned or controlled by the person, including but not limited to a rented apartment, rented room, dormitory room or garage.
3. MAY NOT POSSESS. No person may possess any sign, guideboard, traffic signal or marker, barricade or any other traffic control device erected by a political corporation, governmental subdivision or agency thereof for the warning, instruction or information of the public unless such person proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she has legal title thereto.
4. NOTIFICATION. Persons who voluntarily notify a law enforcement agency or the city of the presence on the premises of such a sign, guideboard, traffic signal or marker, barricade or any other traffic control device shall be exempt from the prosecution under sub. 3.
5. PENALTY. A violation of any provision of this section shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or in lieu of nonpayment or default of such fine, costs and disbursements, by imprisonment in the house of correction of Milwaukee county for a period of not less than 10 days and not more than 60 days. A second or subsequent violation of any provision of this section shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500, or in lieu of nonpayment or default of such fine, costs and disbursements, by imprisonment in the house of correction of Milwaukee county or a period of not less than 25 days and not more than 60 days.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH101.pdf#page=42Fetched: 10/26/2026