Q: Make a safe right turn after checking traffic (no cars) from a far left lane, and got pulled over. Ticket situation?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In California, making a right turn from the far left lane is generally considered an unsafe and illegal maneuver, even if you checked for traffic and there were no cars present. This action violates California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22100(a), which states that right turns should be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
If a law enforcement officer observed this maneuver and pulled you over, you would likely be issued a ticket for making an illegal turn. The fine for this violation can vary depending on the county where the offense occurred and whether you have any prior traffic violations.
To avoid such situations in the future, always make sure to be in the rightmost lane when intending to turn right, and only proceed with the turn when it is safe to do so. If you find yourself in the wrong lane, it is better to continue driving and find a safe place to turn around or make a legal lane change to the right before attempting to turn.
If you believe that the ticket was issued in error or there were extenuating circumstances, you may choose to contest the ticket in court. However, if the officer's observation of your driving is accurate, it is likely that the ticket will be upheld, and you will be responsible for paying the fine and any associated court costs.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
