Will I get a ticket?

by Guest Fri Nov 15, 2013 11:02 am

There is this traffic light where I had to make a left turn, from a left only lane, on to a bigger road. In general the red light runs a long time there, but today it was just stuck at red. There were 2 cars ahead of me, and within about 5 minutes of red, 10 cars behind me.

Ultimately, since this was unusually long, the first car made a left turn, and the second one too. Now I was at the intersection. Across the intersection, which is a way out of a small strip mall, there were 4 cars waiting to turn left (highly unusual number for 9:00 am, but considering the delay, made sense). The first car there was not moving either.

I waited another 30-40 seconds in dilemma. When the cars on the intersecting main road passed, the road was completely clear. 10 cars behind me. Too much pressure, I made the turn. I think after a few seconds the car behind me turned too but I can't be sure coz I had made another immediate turn after that.

Biggest problem in this story is, there is a camera on that light. What do you think?

by indophile Fri Nov 15, 2013 11:22 am

I think the camera operation is tied to the light operation. If the light stayed red for 10 minutes the camera should be stuck in "on" for all that time. That continuous "on" may have ruined the camera by the time you got to the intersection (i.e., the camera may have been dead), and you well be safe and don't get a ticket. Of course, all this is my wishful thinking on your behalf.

by Obnoxious Fri Nov 15, 2013 11:28 am

Vidya Bagchi wrote:
There is this traffic light where I had to make a left turn, from a left only lane, on to a bigger road. In general the red light runs a long time there, but today it was just stuck at red. There were 2 cars ahead of me, and within about 5 minutes of red, 10 cars behind me.

Ultimately, since this was unusually long, the first car made a left turn, and the second one too. Now I was at the intersection. Across the intersection, which is a way out of a small strip mall, there were 4 cars waiting to turn left (highly unusual number for 9:00 am, but considering the delay, made sense). The first car there was not moving either.

I waited another 30-40 seconds in dilemma. When the cars on the intersecting main road passed, the road was completely clear. 10 cars behind me. Too much pressure, I made the turn. I think after a few seconds the car behind me turned too but I can't be sure coz I had made another immediate turn after that.

Biggest problem in this story is, there is a camera on that light. What do you think?

Cameras are very expensive. That is one reason CA has gotten rid of them. We have a rule here that says they have to post signs otherwise it is entrapment.

by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Fri Nov 15, 2013 11:55 am

Vidya Bagchi wrote:
There is this traffic light where I had to make a left turn, from a left only lane, on to a bigger road. In general the red light runs a long time there, but today it was just stuck at red. There were 2 cars ahead of me, and within about 5 minutes of red, 10 cars behind me.

Ultimately, since this was unusually long, the first car made a left turn, and the second one too. Now I was at the intersection. Across the intersection, which is a way out of a small strip mall, there were 4 cars waiting to turn left (highly unusual number for 9:00 am, but considering the delay, made sense). The first car there was not moving either.

I waited another 30-40 seconds in dilemma. When the cars on the intersecting main road passed, the road was completely clear. 10 cars behind me. Too much pressure, I made the turn. I think after a few seconds the car behind me turned too but I can't be sure coz I had made another immediate turn after that.

Biggest problem in this story is, there is a camera on that light. What do you think?

If you get a ticket go to the court - also, hire me as your lawyer...airfare/motel6 expenses paid + $1 fee...

I was stopped by a cop today. When he walked to my door, I showed him the new "tag" I was supposed to have mounted 2 months ago. He was kind of surprised that I knew why he stopped me (he did not know about Saamiyaar wisdom). He asked me how long have I been having that tag. Told him my wife misplaces and you know.. finally she found time to locate it last weekend... He must be another misguided married man. He told me to put the tag before some lady cop stops me.

by Guest Fri Nov 15, 2013 2:13 pm

What will you do at the court, upps?

Thanks for the wishful thinking Indo, matches mine.

by Marathadi-Saamiyaar Fri Nov 15, 2013 2:25 pm

First send me a copy of your ticket - as and when you get it.

by goodcitizn Fri Nov 15, 2013 3:33 pm

I don't know how this works in California. In Chicago I wouldn't worry too much since this kind of malfunction of the green left arrow happens often. I have followed the herd in making quick turns even when the arrow was red but thankfully no tickets.

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