What is a traffic control device and why did I get this ticket?

Getting a ticket for not obeying a traffic control device is basically ignoring a traffic sign or light. Common enough for anyone driving to say to themselves “I can just pull this U-turn real quick” and if we’re unlucky, we’ll then be greeted by a siren and red and blue lights. This is certainly one of the least severe citations a driver can get, but the fines and insurance points are real for any driver.

You may know a traffic control device violation as:
– Running a red light
– Illegal U-turn
– Ignoring flashing lights, temporary signs, construction zone signs, school zone signs
– Failure to yield or stop at a yield or stop sign
– Driving over the posted speed limit
– Passing in a no passing zone
– Pedestrian and railroad crossing violations

Sec. 154-234 states obedience to devices as “The driver of any vehicle and the operator of any streetcar shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the traffic laws of the city..”

So how bad is the traffic control device ticket?

If you receive a ticket for not obeying a traffic control device, there are immediately fines and likely rate increases on your insurance. Always remember, **if you pay your citation, you are pleading guilty to this moving violation and it will go on your record and affect your insurance rates.** It’s incredibly important to understand that paying a ticket is pleading guilty and while the problem may be solved now, your future self may run into issues with wanting to drive for work or compounding traffic tickets.

Why should I hire a traffic attorney for not obeying a traffic control device?

A traffic ticket attorney will work to get your ticket reduced from a moving violation to a non-moving violation. A ticket for not obeying a traffic control device has a standard fine of $152.50 plus your court costs and is considered a moving violation. Maybe no big deal now, but if you get another citation within a year, end up in an accident, or need a clean driving record, you’ll wish you got that ticket reduced.