A STUPID dare left a teenager $9000 out of pocket after he drove his car through more than 40 road signs.

Lane Sidney William Hancock, 18, of Talwood, admitted to police he drove though 42 chevron alignment markers, one road subject to flooding sign, two right curve ahead signs and a narrow road sign because his mate drunkenly dared him to.

The damage was calculated at $13,546 but downgraded to just under $10,000.

Hancock pleaded guilty to the one charge of wilful damage, having been sentenced for a similar charge earlier in the year in New South Wales.

In the same drive on the Talwood-Boonaga Rd, Hancock also drove through a number of signs on the New South Wales side of the road, amounting to $5000 worth of damage.

Defence barrister Ross Cameron made it clear his client had paid restitution in full, and it had not come from his mother's pocket.

"She has confirmed he has paid the full amount of restitution," Mr Cameron said.

Police Prosecutor Ken Wiggan said the restitution should have some influence over the penalty

"He's already got a bit of a smack out of the nine and a half thousand," Sgt Wiggan said.

Mr Cameron said a driving disqualification would be detrimental to Hancock's employment.

"As a young fella working in the bush, he needs his vehicle," Mr Cameron said.

Magistrate Bevan Manthey was of a different opinion.

"I can't have blokes like him thinking it's okay to run signs over," he said.

"If he walked out with no disqualification, it would be a joke.

"He has to suffer some consequences of his actions... I'm trying to get the message out.

"It's a stupid, stupid thing he's done and, unfortunately, I often deal with stupid people in the courts, and they're crying, saying" 'I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't have done it'."

Hancock was put on a 12-month good behaviour bond and disqualified from driving for a month.

"You commit another offence in 12 months... bugger you, mate, you're going to do time," Mr Manthey said.

A spokesman from the Department of Transport and Main Roads called the Hancock's actions "a waste of public funds."

"Road signage is in place for the safety of all road users and to assist them in their travels," he said.

"Replacement of signs diverts essential resources that would be best spent on repairing our roads."