Need help with out-of-state traffic citation

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xBa380

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Hello everybody,

We recently were down in Texas from Cleveland, OH due to winning a contest with Southwest Airlines.. We had a rental for a mere 4 hours when pulled over in Irving Texas for crossing dual white lines... Cited for ignoring traffic control devices.

Yet, I can't but feel this cop gave us this ticket without hearing our side of the story, and since he knew we were from out of town felt like we could not fight this and it was an "easy" no hassle ticket.

Now, here is my reasoning.

1.) The citation came from this off-ramp from the freeway to another 60mph 2-lane traffic flow. The dual white lines ended a few thousand feet past where they meet together, leaving very little time to safely get over 3-lanes to the other ramp to exit. Mind you, this two lane road has a 55mph speedlimit as well. If any traffic is present, you could not do it. This is why we tried to get over as soon as possible. Looking at a photo I took, I made this little diagram below of the merge area:

traffic.jpg


Now from the time the double white ends (marked in red) to the time you need to get over 3 lanes to get off at the exit marked in blue, you have only about 500ft estimate. With any traffic, how do they expect such a quick merge? Those double whites could end hundreds of feet sooner, as there is no merge at all. I don't get it. We would be approaching just below the Lyndon Baines Fwy (orange to yellow one)... That merge up into it is how we approached.

Here is actual photo I took showing this merge:

IMG_1613.jpg


*Red line showing where white lines end, green showing where we needed to be*

The bad part is, it is a $200 fine on a perfect record (my girlfriend was driving) and this cop had little to no care for the flawless record, or the fact we been in the city for four hours, in a rental (charger) that is much larger than any car she is used to driving (mazda 3). To safely get over, we had to go over those lines.

Obviously the cop was sitting on his bike... Waiting... These lines are silly in every way. Pointless. Going back two days later, we saw two cars fly behind us over to get off in time, as soon as they could get over. Now, I understand the law is there for a reason and totally understand that. However, when they have "traffic control devices" like that, that make no sense, that bothers me.

Seems like a traffic trap to me.. But anyway.

How can we actually fight this? There has to be someway other than flying back down there and going to court. Is there any way to contact the courts, judge, police department, anything? We really need help here. We want to fight this, but obviously are not flying down there to do it. We just want to know if we can do anything.

Appreciate all the help, and I would clarify anything if need be.

Thanks,

Steven
 
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You wont get any points for disobeying traffic signs, unless the fine is rediculasly high, It would be easier to pay it. I dred travelling thru Virginia for the same reasons.
 
I can't return to California. I have an unpaid traffic citation there for windshield obstruction.

What was "obstructing" my windshield? My state registration and inspection stickers.
 
How to beat it:

1. expensive lawyer.

But:

You saw the pointless double lines everywhere, hence you should have been prepared for any future exit. Why were you not in the right lane.

Rules are rules, pay the piper.(not worth the stree)

You can't beat the law. (old saying)
 
Actually, no... We did not see these lines everywhere. That was our first encounter with them. Remember, we were in town for only a few hours. We saw none of those from the airport to our hotel.

Afterward though, we were sure to look our for them though.

Secondly, why were we not in the right lane? We were merging from the other freeway. We needed to get to that lane... Hence, we had to get over three lanes to make that exit from the far left (where we were). How could we be in the right lane? That is where we needed to be.
 
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With the diagram and picture you provided, I can tell you exactly why the double white lines are there (Civil Engineer speaking): To prevent a crazy crossing into the first right turn, exactly where you point out the double white line ending.

You also conveniently clipped your map and forget to mention that there are not one, but three more exits after the exit you took that will get you essentially the same place, all within a relatively short distance. (You can see the nice sweeping off ramp to the right and behind the semi truck in your picture, a black car turning on from the next exit ramp off past the bridge (that appears to circle the wrong direction), and then there is another exit after that going to what appears to be a Home depot and connecting streets (not in your picture).

The double white line is there for reasons that may not seem apparent at the time but that doesn't mean you get to just ignore it. You broke the law. Tough cookies...

As a side note, in my opinion, having that many access points is not good design. This is a frontage road to the main highway, but that many accesses onto a 55 mph three lane frontage road is asking for trouble.
 
Well, being new to this area we had no idea if there was other ways to get here. We were simply following GPS direction. If we had known the next ramp would have taken us to the sample place, we would not have crossed the lines.

I also did not "conveniently" clip my map... I just made a crop that was sizable to show on here.

Honestly, they should put a sign up saying the next two or three exits will get you to the same location (shopping plaza, whatever).

I understand why it was there, but like you said, the access points were ridiculous and makes it very hard for drivers new to the area. People were doing the same thing we did constantly when observing the area from the shopping center. Which is why they obviously cite there.
 
Sorry if my tone was snippy - been a rough day at the office. No offense intended.

I agree though - just a bad design all around. Hard on those who haven't driven it before (not good) and even worse when the locals who do know it drive it like kamikazees leading to strict enforcement or fund drives for the local government...
 
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
I can't return to California. I have an unpaid traffic citation there for windshield obstruction.

What was "obstructing" my windshield? My state registration and inspection stickers.


Wow, are you serious? I'd go to court over that. There is no way in heck you'd lose.
 
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Tough thing. First thought, follow the rules, and if it means missing the exit the first time, just miss it. You can make a U-turn.

But that is often not the natural reaction that people have, and I can understand that. Unfortunately this is a matter where the costs and hassle due to distance is of primary concern. You can try to write a letter to the mayor of the town and to the local judge if you can get their name. Explain the circumstances and request their consideration. They may throw you a bone... But be prepared for them not to, knowing that youll likely not go back down and thus they have you to make their budget.

At that point, a lawyer to represent you remotely is likely the best move, or else just pay it and learn to obey the traffic controls.
 
Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
I can't return to California. I have an unpaid traffic citation there for windshield obstruction.

What was "obstructing" my windshield? My state registration and inspection stickers.


Wow, are you serious? I'd go to court over that. There is no way in heck you'd lose.


Unfortunately, I am serious.

I probably would have had it dismissed if I had been able to see a judge while I was there. After all, they are official state documents from my state in the place the state intends for them to be placed. But the court clerk would not accomodate me and I would not be able to see the judge for at least two weeks.
 
The way to get in and out of these double lanes (I assume those are carpool lanes) is to get out one stop ahead of your exit so you have time to merge. I know it sounds ridiculous but it is there for a reason. You don't want people going in and out of it when there's a traffic jam, only if you are going far should you use it.

Now of course, it is easy to get caught if you are from out of town without these kind of things. It is almost impossible to fight because you can always get out the next exit and get back on the highway.

What you can do, most lawyers would tell you, is to find someone to represent you and get it off with the same fine + traffic court fee, and take traffic school online.

Most counties use traffic fine to fund their expense and give pressure to cops to give out tickets. You are unfortunately as you are not familiar with the area with an unfamiliar car.
 
Originally Posted By: 5sfe91
Like others have said don't pay it if you're not going back, or call a lawyer


It'll hurt your insurance rate, and you may have no choice but to go back in the future. $200 + lawyer + traffic school could get a lot more expensive if you don't pay.
 
Wow Stephen, If it were me, I probably would have done something stupid and still be locked up in Texas. What a load of bull! But back to the problem at hand. If you have AAA there may be some assistance available thru them. Baring that, I have had GREAT luck calling area dealership parts counters and seeing if they can give a recommendation for a traffic attorney. Many mechanics get lots of tickets and find the best person to handle their issues. I bet local performance shops might be able to help too. I'd try to call at a time when they are not so busy, like 10:00 AM or something. This technique has saved my license at least twice...I'd be looking to get that citation changed to a non-moving violation and pay a small fine + court costs. After its settled, consider writing a letter to the editor of a local paper (and Mayor's office) explaining how they can expect (NOT) to get your tourist $'s or recommendation. I'd even consider emailing a local news TV station to shed some light on this ludicrous situation.

Insufficient signage, inadequate "Traffic control devices," lack of consideration from the officer about you being from out of town...I'm getting mad just thinking about it! Good Luck and let us know what happens.
 
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
I can't return to California. I have an unpaid traffic citation there for windshield obstruction.

What was "obstructing" my windshield? My state registration and inspection stickers.
Anyone remember the show Real Stories Of The Highway Patrol? I can recall a CHP pulled over a Texas family because the rear tag didn't have the expiration sticker(s). I also remember a CA car getting stopped by Utah for no front tag. I guess there are Ohio-minded cops everywhere (ie get followed or pulled over for the tiniest "infraction." We got tailgated by a sheriff one county over in March because we have the newest "style" of Ohio plates and they were not as prevalent. Though one would think maybe cops would be notified of plates being changed since here they worship front plates and [censored] up a storm when it's merely thought to drop the front plate.)
 
Originally Posted By: tmorris1
If you are never going back there, just don't pay it.


Sounds like a good idea to me.
 
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