(A) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended:
HIGHWAY. Any public street, alley, highway, or other public way open to the public for vehicular traffic.
PUBLIC BODY. The city, the county, the state, the United States Government, or any other body politic authorized to install traffic signs.
TRAFFIC SIGN. Any permanent or temporary written sign or light designed to direct traffic, aid traffic, or help any person find his way, installed by or at the direction of the city or any public body.
(B) Tampering with traffic signs prohibited. No person shall tamper with any traffic sign, highway direction sign, traffic light, or sign indicating the name of any street. As used in this section, the word tamper shall include the following:
(1) Changing the wording of any sign.
(2) Removing any sign.
(3) Turning any sign so that it no longer faces the direction it was installed to face.
(4) Covering any sign.
(5) Defacing any sign.
(6) Shooting at any sign.
(7) Doing any act that will render a sign more difficult to read.
(8) Placing any obstruction in front of a sign.
(C) Exemption for authorized work. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit any action by a person authorized by the body politic or other agency having authority over a sign to take any action in connection with a sign.
(`79 Code, § 130.316) (Ord. 1093, passed 10-19-87) Penalty, see § 10.99