LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation that sets higher penalties for the intentional destruction or removal of traffic control devices such as signs and signals.

In a statement, Snyder says the legislation signed Tuesday will help deter vandalism.

Sponsored by state Democratic state Rep. Fred Durhal III of Detroit, the legislation strengthens penalties for the intentional damage, destruction or removal of a traffic control device by increasing the fine for repeat offenses by adding a tiered-misdemeanor.

Durhal says the law is “the culmination of months of conversations with my constituents and collaborations with colleagues on how to best tackle acts of vandalism in Detroit.” He says it’s a “small but important step to making Detroit safer.”