Is this citation valid?

[silveruserlog]

I got a traffic ticket today - the ticket stated " VC 21461 (a) Fail to obey sign" and failing to exit.

I was on the right lane of the freeway....Signs posted stated right lane exit only, I realized that it was the wrong exit, so I signaled and safely merged when clear onto my left to ongoing traffic since I was not going to exit. I don't understand why I was cited.

How much is this fine? How likely is it to get the fine reduced? If I appeal and lose, will I still have the option for traffic school?

[retdetsgt]

You probably waited too long to change lanes and the ticket was for unlawful lane usage or something like that.

As far as the fine, etc., no one here will have a clue. Every place is different, even within the same state.

If you feel you did nothing wrong, plead not guilty and go to court.

[BJJVad]

retdetsgt is spot on.

My guess would be you crossed over a solid white line or a drawn median to enter back onto the freeway. By doing that you disobeyed the right lane must exit sign.

He probably could have written you for a few things but dropped the rest as to give you a break.

By looks of the violation(21461(a)), I would assume this was CA? Can you list what city..

[TX-LEO]

I got a traffic ticket today - the ticket stated " VC 21461 (a) Fail to obey sign" and failing to exit.

I was on the right lane of the freeway....Signs posted stated right lane exit only, I realized that it was the wrong exit, so I signaled and safely merged when clear onto my left to ongoing traffic since I was not going to exit. I don't understand why I was cited.

How much is this fine? How likely is it to get the fine reduced? If I appeal and lose, will I still have the option for traffic school?

Nobody can give you any information since we don't know where you live, the city or state it was issued, etc

[Cat_Doc]

Next time make the exit, and then get back on the freeway/highway within the guidelines of traffic laws.

The signs stating exit only are there for a safety reason and you are not allowed to decide yourself if it is safe for you to violate the regulatory signage.

[greg72982]

Let's start from the top. Was he wearing his hat? If not all of this is irrelevant.

[PapaBear]

Obedience by Driver to Official Traffic Control Devices

21461. (a) It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to acts constituting violations under Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 22500) of this division or to acts constituting violations of a local traffic ordinance adopted pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 22500).

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 203, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005.

Your's is a common violation on CA Freeways. You obviously passed the point of making a legal lane change - went beyond the last sign stating "Right lane must exit" and crossed over the lane marker line - wide, solid white line that delineates the gore point and controls traffic.

It is essential that YOU comply with all signs, signals and markings to prevent being involved in a traffic collision and to allow all traffic to proceed at an even pace without disruption.

You have the right to plead not guilty if you feel the citation was unjust. Just take enough money with you to pay the fine if you are found to be at fault.

You may also wish to consider attending traffic school. That will keep the points off of your record and will keep the violation from showing on your record. Just contact the court - before your due date - so things can be set in progress.

Good luck!