Will i win over court?

Question

I was cited for making an illegal left turn in downtown san francisco. I went back to see if there was a sign posted and the sign was not visible due to it being faded. Shouldn't this be a safety issue towards the city for lack of maintanance?

Answer 1

There are two issues here.

First of all, the prosecutor may argue that if you saw it the second time, you should have saw it the first time.

Secondly, there may be pavement markings or other indicators prohibiting the turn.

Answer 2

bring a picture with you.....if it is obvious that it is not clear...you may win.....

Answer 3

certainly -bring up this fact and pay the fine.

Answer 4

There is not going to be any prosecutor in a traffic court.  The process of a traffic court is a lot like playing chicken.  The harshest punishment is when you accept  the ticket as is.  The best outcome is fined you not guilty.

If you have time, go the the court. Plead your case - make sure you plead not guilty, never no contest. How can any conscionable judge fine you when the sign is not clear for you to follow? Of course, had you been able to see the sign, you would follow the law.  It is city's responsibility to make the sign visible to all.  You have only a fraction of a second to make a decision to turn left or not.  It is not aided by a damaged sign.  

You have a strong case.