Citation For Disregard Of A Traffic Lane After An Accident
My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: PA
6 weeks ago I wreck a motorcycle because of stones and stuff on the roads from the winter mantinece. I was not speeding, I have my permit and the bike was insured and inspected. I was life flighted and got out of the hospital two days later. 4 weeks later I get a ticket in the mail.
The charge: other is checked and the officer wrote " roadways laned for traffic"
Nature of offense: "vehicle must be driven in a single lane until safe to move "
Along with the ticket I got a letter from the magistrate that states "disregard traffic lane single"
On this road there are no markes lines. Should I fight this $91.50 fine?
Re: Disregard Traffic Lane (Single)
What's the statute cited? How many points?
I've seen careless and reckless driving tickets issued under similar facts.
Re: Citation For Disregard Of A Traffic Lane After An Accident
The traffic citation doesn't say how many points and I'm not sure where to find the other question you asked.
Re: Citation For Disregard Of A Traffic Lane After An Accident
I would guess, from the description, that it's § 3309 which states:
Quote:
Quoting PA VC § 3309
Driving on roadways laned for traffic.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others not inconsistent therewith shall apply:
(1) Driving within single lane.--A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.
...
Apparently, you are being charged with "not staying inside the lines". If there are, indeed, no marked lanes of travel -- not even a center line -- take some photos of the roadway (at the location shown on the ticket) and take them to court with you. The key provision is "Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes...." Too bad you didn't photograph the area right after the accident -- salt, sand, etc. could have obscured the painted lines at the time.
Also, were there any witnesses? Otherwise, I don't know how the state can prove the charges, since the officer who wrote the ticket, most likely, didn't witness the accident.
Good luck,
Barry