Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

Hello,

I recieved a traffic citation from a florida highway patrol officer for "Failure to stop at a traffic light". I was waiting at the light for about 10 minutes in the left turning lane and the light kept skipping the two left arrow lights to turn left so I waited and a car pulled in behind me and two more besides me also trying to turn left and the light remained on red and ever other light was working fine. The car to the right of me went and everyone else followed suit. I figured the light was broken so I went as well and the state trooper pulled all of us over. I didn't sign the ticket because "I asked what happens if I don't sign?" and the officer responded "I don't need a signature." So he let me go with a 250$ ticket for running a light along with all the other cars. What should I do? The light never turned green and I truely think it's broken 4 other cars thought so as well. I was blocked in by them and had no way of getting across.


Asked on 12/07/10, 6:48 am

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

Actually a broken light is generaly not a defense to running a red light. Your solution is to go around either by a subsequent U-turn or other ways is what the officer or judge will justify. That said, it is a big piece of mitigation. I suggest you hire an attorney to help you fight this.

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Answered on 12/12/10, 7:13 am


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