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Have you ever disobeyed a traffic device? Chances are you have and you might not have even noticed!
There are all kinds of traffic control devices ranging from street signs to less common symbols and markings. This article will show you what to look out for and teach you everything you need to know about what happens when you disobey a traffic device.
What Is a Traffic Control Device?
Knowing what is and what is not a traffic control device is relatively easy. That being said, the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) makes it sound about as complex as possible. Once you’ve read the complex version, we’ll tell you the simple version. See below:
VTL §153
This section of the law defines traffic control devices as “all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with [the Vehicle and Traffic Law] or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.”
What all this legalese means is that any kind of sign, signal, marking, or device set up by the government is a traffic control device. That also includes when those traffic control devices are set up by government sponsored organizations that might not actually be part of the government themselves.
As a general rule of thumb, if there’s a sign or symbol on the street, that’s a traffic control device.
What Does Disobeying a Traffic Control Device Mean?
Disobeying a traffic control device is when you don’t do what the device says to do. This is spelled out more directly in the VTL.
VTL §1110
This section of the law states that “Every person shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable to him placed in accordance with the provisions of this [law], unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this [law].”
There are many ways to get in trouble for disobeying a traffic control device. Here are just a few of the most common:
Failure to Yield at a Yield Sign
If you drive past a yield sign without slowing and yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles, you could be charged with failure to yield in addition to disobeying a traffic control device.
Encroaching on a Sidewalk
As the name suggests, sidewalks are for walking. They’re not called sidedrives, after all. To drive too close to a sidewalk is to disobey a traffic control device.
Ignoring Hazard Lights
Hazard lights require you to slow and yield as you would for a stopped emergency vehicle. If there are hazard lights on the road, you should slow down and keep an eye out for whatever is going on.
Ignoring Portable or Temporary Signs
Road crews and emergency personnel often set up portable or temporary signs to meet the needs of the moment. That could include “road work ahead” yield signs or “stop” signs set up during construction. Even though these are temporary, you must still abide by them.
Railroad Crossing Infractions
If the arm comes down to block your path at a railroad crossing, do not try to drive through or past it. In addition to being charged with disobeying a traffic control device, you could be charged with getting killed by a train. That last bit isn’t a crime, but it’s certainly not fun.
Making an Illegal U-turn
Making an illegal u-turn is, as you might figure, illegal. If you make a u-turn where there are “no u-turn” signs, you could get one ticket for making an illegal u-turn and another for disobeying a traffic control device.
Penalties for Disobeying a Traffic Control Device
The penalties for disobeying a traffic control device vary from state to state. In New York, you can be fined up to $235 and receive up to two points on your license. In other states, the fine may be significantly higher.
How the Winit App Can Help with Disobeying Traffic Control Device Tickets
If you’ve gotten a traffic ticket for disobeying a traffic control device, download the WinIt app. The WinIt app helps you connect with expert traffic ticket lawyers in your area who know the best ways to beat tickets. Why pay a ticket when you can win it with WinIt?
