Violation, No Left Turn From 4-6 P.M

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

Made an idiotic mistake and made an illegal left turn at a traffic light at 4:30. There was a sign next to the stoplight saying left turns weren't allowed between 4 and 6 p.m. but I simply did not see it. I get pulled over immediately after because there was a cop waiting there and he gave me a ticket.

My questions are:
1. Am I able to plead not guilty if I did not see the sign?
2. And If I do plead not guilty and lose what are the consequences?
3. What are my chances of winning my case?

Quote:

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Quoting Moua651

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

Made an idiotic mistake and made an illegal left turn at a traffic light at 4:30. There was a sign next to the stoplight saying left turns weren't allowed between 4 and 6 p.m. but I simply did not see it. I get pulled over immediately after because there was a cop waiting there and he gave me a ticket.

My questions are:
1. Am I able to plead not guilty if I did not see the sign?
2. And If I do plead not guilty and lose what are the consequences?
3. What are my chances of winning my case?

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If, at the intersection, a reasonable person cannot see the sign, then yes, this is a valid argument. You'll have to back it up. See if its posted correctly too. Consult manual on uniform traffic control devices.

But if you simply did not notice it but it was visible, then no, this is not a valid defense.

So which is it: a) you could not see it or b) you did not see it

You can investigate whether the signage was proper (see, e.g., the MUTCD) and, if not, can use that as a defense. If the sign was obstructed for some reason - overgrowth, other signs placed in front of it, etc. - such factors might also provide a defense.

If the sign was proper and in open view, a defense of "I didn't see it" is not likely to succeed.

If you take a case to trial and lose you can expect to pay the fine, be assessed court costs, and face whatever other consequences go along with conviction for the ticket.