Illegal U-Turn in Encinitas, CA?

Question

I have a question. I worked as a nanny for a family in Encinitas CA. I received a $168 ticket for making a right turn on a sign that stated "No right turn, between 7-9AM" in front of the entrance of the condo complex. Now the sign was put there because the area is right off a major freeway (5), and many people would use the entrance to go up the hill and then make illegal U-turns and turn around and go back on the freeway. The residents of the area actually lobbied the city to put up the sign...guess it was up a year already. Now, yes I did make the right turn to enter the complex, however my intention was not to make an illegal U-turn (which is why the sign was put up). I was actually going to work for a family that lives up the hill. Now, making that right turn to enter the complex is the ONLY way for me to enter. There is no other way for me to enter the complex, beside that way. But since I made the right turn, the officer probably assumed I was going to make an illegal U-turn since my DL stated I was not a resident there.

I want to plead not guilty and I do have my paycheck from my employer the day I was ticketed. Her address/name is clearly on the check and the date is the same. Is this sufficient evidence that I did enter the complex for a job, not to just turn around?

For the record, I have a PERFECT DMV for 6 yrs. No points, nothing.

Please help.

P.S. Also, I want to to a TRIAL BY WRITTEN DECLARATION. I have the forms, etc. But do I have to actually go to court to plead not guilty? Or can I just plead it by mail?

Answer 1

the sign reads NO right turn from 7am to 9am you just admitted you made the right turn It doesnt matter if you going to turn around or work

there   there are no expectations (well unless you are an emergency vechile)

the officer just saw you disobeying the sign maybe  you should have the city put up NO U turns  signs instead of NO right turn

TRIAL BY WRITTEN DECLARATION. yes you do that

and you wont have to go to court I also suggest you send everything to the court Certified, return receipt for your safety)

Answer 2

You could claim hardship, and that it was necessary to make the right turn to enter your place of employment, and that it was safe to do so at that time.

The next time maybe you could go straight ahead, make a U-turn somewhere and enter the complex from the left. Or maybe you could be given privileges and be exempt from the prohibition, as the residents would be.

Answer 3

You were cited for an illegal right turn, which you admit you did.  Sorry, the fact that you were entering the complex for employment does not mean you have the right to violate a posted sign.  A U-turn has nothing to do with why you were cited.  The officer was correct in citing you, and you will have a hard time proving otherwise.