What Does Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device Actually Mean?
The Original California Ticket Dismissal Team Is Here To Help You Beat Your Traffic Ticket!
Road traffic control devices (TCDs) are markers, signs and signal devices used to inform, guide and control traffic. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, and of course, vehicles. Traffic citations with this categorization are frequently misunderstood. Let us take a look at what it means to disobey a TCD, and the consequences that accompany its citation.
Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device
Citations for disobeying traffic control devices are some of the most common traffic tickets. Disobeying a TCD could be as simple as leaving your car in a no parking zone. However, there are more discrete ways that officers can fine you for disobeying TCDs. One of the most common reasons for being ticketed and pulled over by a police officer is for speeding. This is a basic example of violating a traffic control device. By not obeying the speed limit sign (a traffic control device—V&T section 1110) the officer can cite you for not only violating the speed limit but also not obeying the traffic control device. The majority of officers will not do this; however, they are legally allowed to.
Here are some other offenses that will bring about a TCD ticket:
- Failure to yield at a yield sign
- Encroaching on a sidewalk
- Ignoring hazard lights
- Ignoring portable or temporary signs
- Railroad crossing infractions
- Making an illegal U-turn
The Consequences. And Upsides?
Consequences of failure to obey traffic control device can be rough in some cases. In California, disobeying a TCD is a two-point addition to your license and a $150 additional charge. With this, the consequences for TCDs are actually much more reasonable than incurring a speeding ticket. The fines are lower with a maximum of $150 for a first TCD offense. On the other hand, a first offense for speeding can hold a maximum fine of $300.
Furthermore, after three occurrences of being convicted of speeding within eighteen months, revocation of one’s license is mandatory. TCD infractions do not share the same result. In fact, if a highway patrol officer is feeling remorseful, they will often give a speeding violator a ticket for disobeying a TCD without a hefty speeding ticket. Similarly, an individual who has run a red light or stop sign may receive a ticket for violating the traffic control device rather than the notably expensive “running a red light ticket.” None of the above is the true best option, however it is clear that infractions for TCDs are comparably less consequential than other common traffic violations.
How to Dismiss your TCD Ticket
Paying a fine, receiving negative points against your license, and insurance hikes are a few of the consequences of disobeying traffic control devices. However, it is possible to dismiss your ticket altogether. TicketBust helps you relinquish your ticket with no court involvement, no paperwork, and minimal waiting.
If you do get cited for failure to obey traffic control device, make sure you are on the lookout for certain breaches of traffic patrol policy. Was the traffic control device clearly visible or was it obscured by something? When the officer issued your ticket, did he clearly point out to you the exact traffic control device that you failed to obey? These instances can make a huge difference in dismissing your ticket. If you have any questions regarding TCD infractions, do not hesitate to contact us.
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We Help With Many Traffic Ticket Types
TicketBust produces results in fighting all kinds of tickets. Unfortunately, this list does not include exhibition of speed citations. Your best bet in fighting one of these infractions, is to contact an attorney. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to try and reduce fines, or even to reduce the charges to a lesser infraction which could possibly qualify for traffic school.
We do however, contest infractions revolving around speeding, red lights, red light cameras, cell phones, signs (primarily stop signs), carpool violations, U-turns, out of lane violations, and commercial violations. If you receive a citation and have questions, contact us today.
