Missy, I understand your point and it's exactly the reason why I hesitate to pursue this. However, the technicalities that tempt me to fight it is this:
21461. (a) It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.
Section 1A.05 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices From the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Guidance:
Functional maintenance of traffic control devices should be used to determine if certain devices need to be changed to meet current traffic conditions.
Physical maintenance of traffic control devices should be performed to retain the legibility and visibility of the device, and to retain the proper functioning of the device.
Support:
Clean, legible, properly mounted devices in good working condition command the respect of road users.

