Failure to Yield Ticket When the Other Vehicle Was Using the Lane Illegally
My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Michigan
I was turning left out if a parking lot, intending to go east. The traffic was very backed up, and stopped at a red light. The driver in the far right lane stopped just prior to the driveway allowing me to exit. Next, the driver in the adjacent lane stopped to let me out. I eased in to the road, checking to make sure that eastbound traffic was clear, and as I proceeded to turn left, was hit by my front driver side by a car that came barreling down the center turn lane. The other car spun out into the open eastbound lanes. I was given the ticket even though the other car had entered the turn lane too early and was passing the other stopped cars. Of course because of all the stopped cars I couldn't see the other car coming. I understand traffic in the road has the right of way, but is that so even if the car was illegally using the center lane? The cop was very mean to me and not to the other driver. Wondering if I should fight this in court.
Re: Failure to Yield Ticket When the Other Vehicle Was Using the Lane Illegally
Depends on whether the law allows you to drive any distance in the center turn lane in your state. In some states you can drive a prescribed distance in the lane, in others you cannot drive any distance at all. If it is not allowed, then he should be found 100% at fault. If you CAN, then you may be found at fault.
Re: Failure to Yield Ticket When the Other Vehicle Was Using the Lane Illegally
the Michigan traffic laws FAQ states: When preparing for a left turn a driver can travel a "reasonable" distance in the center turn lane.
I'm not sure what that means. The Michigan drivers handbook says using the center lane "to pass other vehicles or as a merge lane is both dangerous and illegal."
I'm not sure how the magistrate would define it.
Re: Failure to Yield Ticket When the Other Vehicle Was Using the Lane Illegally
You may share the responsibility with the other driver that was in center lane if they were as you say, traveling in the lane just passing stopped cars. I would guess to say that car in the center lane was failing to yield as well when he struck you. This will be hard to prove with out any witnesses. I do not believe you would get off with out a failure to yield fine because you were interring traffic. PA has same lines for turning on many of its highways as well, so I do understand what you mean.