Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Traffic Violation

I approached an exit ramp at which a police car was sitting on the shoulder with his lights on, there were no lit flares. I entered the ramp and was stopped by traffic ahead of me. After 10 minutes an officer approached my car and informed me I would receive a ticket for failing to obey a lawful order. He indicated I had entered a closed exit ramp though it was no longer closed and instructed me to pull onto the shoulder to receive the citation. He had 5 cars lined up. I asked how I was to know the ramp was closed and he told me his car and lights signified that because his roof lights were moving from left to right. He said that though there are no arrowheads this is considered an arrow. We all received a citation for $300 and 1 point. I asked why there were no flares or signs indicating the closure and he said they had just burned out. I was told that by ignoring the roof lights I had willfully disobeyed a lawful order.

Did I violate a law? I can't find any documentation that says this is a valid traffic sign or signal. How was I to know the ramp was closed?


Asked on 4/10/09, 11:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Re: Traffic Violation

What traffic code section are you charged under?

Read more
Answered on 4/11/09, 12:32 am


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