My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: CA
I received a ticket for:
- Disobeying Traffic Sign
- Unsafe Lane Change
Summary:
Pulled over for going straight from a left-turn only lane. Street was recently paved without any lane markings.
Full Scenario:
I am the first car at a red light in the right-most lane in a double left-hand turn intersection. Orange County Sheriff is directly to my right in the only straight lane (See Figure 1).
At this point, I am under the impression that I am in a straight lane and can legally and physically go straight (I say "physically" because there is no median directly across the intersection from me). Left turn light turns green, cars to my left go, and I stay - waiting for the straight green. Keep in mind, cars behind me do not honk during the full green turn cycle and Sheriff does not make an attempt to inform me that it was my turn to go.
I make the "illegal" intersection crossing and the Sheriff pulls me over. First thing he says, "Did you know you almost took me out!?" In my head I'm thinking, "No, I went straight and you went straight. I didn't merge into your lane at all." (See Figure 1). The first citation on ticket was an Unsafe Lane Change. I didn't technically change any lanes...
The next citation was for Disobeying the Traffic Sign. The roads were recently paved, with no lane markings on the pavement (See Figures 2-4). Left turn lanes are supposed to be marked with giant turn arrows are are delineated with solid white lines. However, there was signage on the light for the double left-hand turn. I didn't notice them, because I thought it was perfectly legal to go straight.
MUTCD Chapter 3B-27: Pavement and Curb Markings
Where through lanes approaching an intersection become mandatory turn lanes, lane-use arrow markings (see Figure 3B-24) shall be used and shall be accompanied by standard signs.
CalTrans 6-02.14
Signs or markings should be repeated in advance of mandatory turn lanes when necessary to prevent entrapment and to help motorists select the appropriate lane before reaching the end of the line of waiting vehicles
Do I have a case?
Can I plead not guilty through a written declaration?
Figure 1
Figure 2
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