Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

citation with no witnesses

I recently turned left at an intersection and was hit by a guy coming toward me. He says the lite was green and I know it had turned red before he entered the intersection. I had started to turn and stopped when I realized the driver was not stopping. the corner of the driver's side on both cars were damaged.

The police came and after talking with the other guy, gave me a citation for not yielding, even tho the police didn't see the accident and there were no witnesses. They wouldn't allow me to explain what happened at all.

Can a citation be written when no one but the other party provided info? I know a driver who turns into another lane is usually at fault. But there have to be exceptions. I could not have stayed where I was as I would have been hit by traffic coming the other way. Please advise.


Asked on 10/31/07, 12:27 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: citation with no witnesses

A car turning left must yield to oncoming traffic. The only exception is if you have a green left turn arrow. If the oncoming car had a red light, so did you. You still must yield to him.

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Answered on 10/31/07, 1:16 am
Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Re: citation with no witnesses

A citation is just an allegation. Go to court and explain it to the judge, if the arrow had just turned green. You might consider getting a lawyer if this ticket means suspension for your provisional license, etc.

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Answered on 10/31/07, 8:07 am


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