Making the World a Better Place with Vandalism

One particular exit off the 110 in Los Angeles was both frustrating and dangerous because not only was it a left turn, it lacked a directional sign that would give drivers a chance to get in the left lane! After years of frustration, artist Richard Ankrom took matters into his own hands in 2001, literally, and added the instruction that the traffic sign needed. Ankrom is a professional sign maker, and went to great lengths to make the sign accurate to Caltrans standards and install it in a manner that no one would question. The result was indistinguishable from a genuine officially-sanctioned highway sign.

This act of vandalism immediately improved traffic flow and the peace of mind of the millions of drivers in Los Angeles  looking for I-5. The new sign probably saved lives, too. Did Caltrans investigate this illegal change to their signage? No, they didn't even notice! Drivers were happy with the change, and just assumed it was official. Ankrom was surprised by his success, and eventually 'fessed up to the project about a year later. He even made a documentary about the project, which you can watch here. The stunt got all kinds of publicity, but Akrom wasn't arrested. After all, he did what needed to be done, and everyone was happy about it. Caltrans left Akrom's sign up for eight years before it was replaced with a new sign that has the proper directions. (Thanks, Brother Bill!)