Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Improper Left Turn

I was ticketed for making a left turn at an intersection into the far lane (right lane) of traffic. The officer stated that I was being cited for making the turn wide and ''acclerating like a bat out of Hell''. I did make the turn wide, but I beleive the fine of $101 and the motivation for issuing the ticket unreasonable.

The address on the ticket is the location where I was pulled over and not where the infraction occured.

The ticket cites RCW 46.61.290. I beleive the reasons for turning wide may be acceptable within the language of this code.

The reason I made the turn wide was to make an immediate right turn at the next intersection 300ft away. It is my place of employment.

What are my defense options to fight this ticket as I do not wish to pay the fine and I am also concerned about any affect on my insurance rates?

Thank You


Asked on 11/16/03, 2:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Improper Left Turn

As I tell all of my traffic clients, all tickets are defensible. Your chances of success depend upon the facts of your case. The 300 foot distance that you state was the length of travel from the intersection to the driveway of your employer may justify your wide turn. Were there two lanes of traffic on the street where your employer's driveway was? If there was only one lane for traffic and a second parking lane, you may be able to beat the ticket. If you care to, please call me to discuss your case. In your situation, there is no black or white answer.

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Answered on 11/16/03, 6:57 pm


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