Went Straight in Left Only Lane

[ajayef]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Texas

Today I continued straight on a left turn only lane. I wanted to go straight and I didn't realize I was in a left turn only lane until I reached the intersection. The only indication it is a left turn only lane are markings on the road until you reach the traffic light. There was a decent amount of traffic so changing lanes was not an option. I then noticed the lane did continue straight even though it was a left only lane. I didn't see any reason why I couldn't continue on but then I saw the lights behind me. I thought the sign was just incorrect. Would it be worth my effort to fight this ticket?

Here's a link to google streetview of the intersection. I was driving South on Preston RD across I635.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=3...78.52,,0,14.65

I appreciate any suggestions anyone has for me. Thanks!

[That Guy]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Texas

Today I continued straight on a left turn only lane. I wanted to go straight and I didn't realize I was in a left turn only lane until I reached the intersection. The only indication it is a left turn only lane are markings on the road until you reach the traffic light. There was a decent amount of traffic so changing lanes was not an option. I then noticed the lane did continue straight even though it was a left only lane. I didn't see any reason why I couldn't continue on but then I saw the lights behind me. I thought the sign was just incorrect. Would it be worth my effort to fight this ticket?

Here's a link to google streetview of the intersection. I was driving South on Preston RD across I635.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=3...78.52,,0,14.65

I appreciate any suggestions anyone has for me. Thanks!

What code section/statute were you cited for?

You're free to argue that the fact that the lane continues past the intersection got you confused, however, based on what I see in the link you provided and in addition to the Left Turn Arrow ONLY marking on the pavement (I see two of those pavement markings -back to back- (first one immediately following the intersection with LBJ Fwy and another one immediately following it)), there is also a sign posted on the traffic light pole arm with two "Left Turn ONLY" for the two leftmost lanes, as well as two lighted Left Turn Arrows (which happen to show a Red indication at the time the picture was taken).

You might want to check the TX Manual for Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to ascertain whether the markings/signs meet the guidance/recommendation/requirements for such a setup.

[jk]

ajayef;449955]My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Texas

Today I continued straight on a left turn only lane. I wanted to go straight and I didn't realize I was in a left turn only lane until I reached the intersection. The only indication it is a left turn only lane are markings on the road until you reach the traffic light.

you didn't notice those left turn arrows next to the light? You should have been able to see those from quite a distance away. I don't really see any valid argument.

[ajayef]

Thanks for the quick response. I thought that's what I would end up hearing but I wanted to see if there was any chance. I did ignore the sign but only because I didn't know and would have taken a left if I knew. I didn't see anything unsafe with what I did. The lane continues and nearly every intersection with two left turn lanes the center most one has a left and straight sign. Agreeing that I broke the rule is definitely not the best defense. This is my first ticket and getting it for this is frustrating as I'm sure all tickets can be.

The ticket is for 03 Disregarding Traffic Control Device, I'm not sure if this is or what the actual citation number is.

Thank you again for the help, I really do appreciate it. Sounds like my best chance is to just suck it up and pay the fine.

[adam_]

Not much chance of arguing based on the facts.

What's the story in Texas? Can you force the state (ie the officer) to jump through hoops to find you guilty? If you can do that and not (a) pay more, or (b) lose rights to mitigate the citation through traffic school, etc, you might consider that.

Always know where cops are when you drive.

GL