Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    1

    Default Fighting a Ticket for Performing an Illegal Left Turn

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

    Question for everyone... I was issued a ticket for making an illegal left turn today. I honestly didn't know that left turns were prohibited (which I told the officer). He said there was a sign stating that left turns were illegal. I honestly didn't see the sign and people make a left into this transit center all the time. I am not trying to make excuses here, I am just saying that I had no idea it was illegal. If I would have known it was illegal, I never would have done it. When I returned to the transit center this afternoon after work I looked at the sign. The pole that the sign is on is crooked and not facing the right way entirely. Can I argue that I wasn't given "reasonable notice" because of this? I took pictures of the sign to show to the judge. My record is clean and I really don't want this to be reported to my insurance. I am not expecting the charge to be dropped completely.... I would settle for a lesser charge and a fine as long as it doesn't cost me points or get reported to my insurance. Thoughts?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Fighting a Ticket for Performing an Illegal Left Turn

    Post the names of the streets, the direction you were coming from before you made the turn, and the city or town.

    Google Earth has a street view feature where you can move along the street with the same view as if you were actually in your car.

    Photos might be recent enough to give us an idea of whether you have a defense or not.

    Bottom line, though, ignorance of the law is no excuse, and not seeing the sign is no defense. Even if the sign was canted it would depend on just how much it was canted.

    You can post your photo here if you use something like photobucket for a url.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    CT & IL
    Posts
    5,273

    Default Re: Fighting a Ticket for Performing an Illegal Left Turn

    you bet .. improperly posted signs have no lawful effect

    its an affirmative defense .. you have to prove it ... with evidence, regulations & laws would be needed to be plead as well ...

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Other Violations: Left-Turn Across Double-Yellow Lines into Parking Spot Ticketed As Illegal U-Turn
    By wright1jd in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-11-2012, 11:14 AM
  2. Traffic Lane Violations: Detour Sign Indicated to Turn Left - Given Ticket for Improper Left Turn
    By Jose08 in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 08-02-2012, 01:46 PM
  3. Lights, Signs and Traffic Controls: Can You Get an Illegal Left Turn Ticket for Crossing Double Yellow Lines
    By pake1 in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-16-2012, 12:22 PM
  4. Lights, Signs and Traffic Controls: How Do I Defer an Illegal Left Turn Ticket
    By Baby Ollie in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 07-05-2009, 04:29 PM
  5. Traffic Lane Violations: Illegal Left Turn, No Ticket but Followed, Chances of Ticket in Mail
    By andrea2k6 in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-09-2009, 02:04 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources