Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

I was pulled over today and given a $168 traffic ticket for not pulling out into the right hand lane. I was leaving a Mobil Gas Station and got into the left hand lane because I needed to turn left at the next street light. As I was pulling out of gas station, a street light turned green, but because I pulled out, it caused a car to hit the brakes and almost made a police officer run into the back of their car. The street light is at least 50 yards away, therefore the vehicles were no where near me. Could the vehicle hit their brakes for another reason? Was everybody scared because a cop was near them which effects their driving? The cop did inform me that they were out today patrolling the streets and were looking for traffic violations.

Was I really in the wrong for not pulling into the right hand lane? There was 4 open lanes for me to pull in to. In the links below, there a pictures of the intersection and the store where I pulled out of. The Google Image must be old, because the store's sign says Victory, but it's a Mobil Gas Station now.

I am located in West Palm Beach, FL, not sure how the traffic laws change from county to county.

http://i.imgur.com/31Gkrpm.png ( Where I pulled out from. Showing 4 lanes in the direction I was going.)

http://i.imgur.com/44Qd5BY.png ( The intersection where the light turned green and showing the store up ahead where I pulled out)

Looking to find out whether I should fight the issue or not. The cop says he has video of the vehicel in front of him that hit their brakes. For all I know the cop was just too far up the guys rear end and not paying attention. Or I'm really in the wrong and should just pay the ticket instead of fighting it.

Any advise would be great. Thanks!

-Timothy Foley


Asked on 4/12/14, 9:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.

First the traffic laws are universal throughout the state, so West Palm Beach would be no different than anywhere else in FL. How they enforce may vary by location though. The law is that you must use the right lane when making a right turn. If you need to get over into the left lane immediately show the judge and explain why it would be impossible not to go into the left lane AFTER STARTING in the right lane. I am also assuming you used your blinkers to get over into the left lane. Getting an attorney would be your best bet.

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Answered on 4/12/14, 10:32 am


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