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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    1

    Default Left Turn Only - but No Sign Posted

    Hello,

    I was recently cited in PA for "Obedience to Traffic Control Devices" PA 3111-A. Basically, there are four lanes coming to an intersection. The left two lanes have "left only" written on the pavement of the lanes. There is no sign posted saying anything like "left only" or "left lanes must turn left." I went straight from the "right" left-hand lane.

    Under "Nature of Offense," the officer wrote "defendant failed to turn left where a sign is posted requiring to do so." As I mentioned, there is no "sign" posted, only words on the actual road itself.

    Is there any merit to defending this in court?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    LA LA Land
    Posts
    9,170

    Default Re: Left Turn Only - but No Sign Posted

    Quote Quoting hanser
    View Post
    Hello,

    I was recently cited in PA for "Obedience to Traffic Control Devices" PA 3111-A. Basically, there are four lanes coming to an intersection. The left two lanes have "left only" written on the pavement of the lanes. There is no sign posted saying anything like "left only" or "left lanes must turn left." I went straight from the "right" left-hand lane.

    Under "Nature of Offense," the officer wrote "defendant failed to turn left where a sign is posted requiring to do so." As I mentioned, there is no "sign" posted, only words on the actual road itself.

    Is there any merit to defending this in court?

    Thanks!
    § 3111. Obedience to traffic-control devices.
    (a) General rule.--Unless otherwise directed by a uniformed police officer or any appropriately attired person authorized to direct, control or regulate traffic, the driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any applicable official traffic-control device placed or held in accordance with the provisions of this title, subject to the privileges granted the driver of an emergency vehicle in this title.

    § 102. Definitions.
    Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this title which are applicable to specific provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
    "Official traffic-control devices." Signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this title placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic.

    So you didn't make a left turn from a lane clearly marked by a "traffic control device" for a left turn! Signs, signals, markings and devices not inconsistent with this title have the same effect as far as that statute is concerned in that they all mandate a certain movement.

    You guys in PA can sometimes negotiate for a lesser violation maybe in lieu of a higher fine payment; since I don't see you as having any sort of argument, I would accept whatever deal that may come my way (if one comes along at all)!

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