Fighting red light ticket at intersection with seperate right turn lane in California

Hi, I am fighting a traffic ticket I received a while ago for not stopping at a red light. The intersection has a right turn lane much like a yield lane to turn right at the intersection, but no yield sign or stop sign is posted. The traffic light is on an island to the LEFT of the turn lane and there is no light to the RIGHT of the turn lane. I was always told that this is a situation where you must yield, but do not have to make a complete stop. This is known around here to be a "free turn" lane.

I understand that if the traffic light is to the RIGHT of the lane of traffic then you must stop completely before proceeding. My problem is that I don't know where to look for proof of this if any that there is such thing as a "free right turn" in California law. If anyone knows where I can find legal documentation showing that it was legal for me to do this then please let me know!

I also don't need to hear something along the lines that it is a good practice to stop just in case. I usually do stop just in case, and I nearly did come to a complete stop this time. I was also driving a 2001 GT mustang and have a pretty good feeling that the rookie police man and his ride along superior where watching me and waiting to pull me over for the littlest thing they could think of. But that doesn't matter now, I just want to be able to goto court and not look like a fool.

Thanks!

I'll check back frequently. My case is on July 9th, 2008....

red light: you must stop before proceeding...

but see also: WORLDLawDirect - Fighting a speeding ticket

I like how you just assumed and came up with a totally incorrect answer.
After hours of research my Father and I have found this
Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide (FHWA-HRT-04-091)

department of transportation defining what you should do. I was correct. I not only made a legal turn, I made a safer, faster turn. Thank you.

Oh and that fighting a speeding ticket thing didn't work too well...lame.


"Applicability

Channelized right-turn lanes are applicable for intersections with a high volume of right-turning vehicles that experience excessive delay due to the traffic signal. The larger the turn radius, the higher vehicle speeds can be. An important consideration is the desired speed of the turning vehicles as they enter the crossroad. The turn radius can be used to control speed, especially if the speed varies greatly from the road the vehicle is turning from. Larger turn radii and higher speeds are a safety issue for pedestrians. "

Let me hjave your court case number if you would.

I would like to follow the case, good luck.



Guest from Sacramento (with simialr situation, sort of)

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Let me hjave your court case number if you would.

I would like to follow the case, good luck.



Guest from Sacramento (with simialr situation, sort of)

Lol, after all the research we did the officer did not show up. My guess is that he was told by someone on the force that it was a yield situation. I was ready to grill him too. Oh, the officer was a rookie too....

If you have a ticket from the same situation just bring in all the info you can about channelized intersections. You should win no problem! Good luck!

i go in in two weeks

i hope i will have the same luck

i am putting all this information together

[Timmer]

Please send me some info on turning right at a red light with a right turning lane without yielding or stopping. I am fighting a ticket also here in Texas.

Timmer- did you ever get info on fighting a case in Texas. I am doing the same and would love to see what you have.