Driving in the left turn lane

[singlemom47]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? pa- i was issued a citation for driving in the left lane which was marked for turns for approximately a mile. I entered that lane because my destination was on the left according to my GPS but upon looking, it was not my intended destination so I kept driving looking for a space to turn into and turn around. When I finally found a spot to turn into, the police car was following me with lights flashing. There was traffic to my right and my blinker was on the whole time I was in the left lane. The officer was behind about 3 cars. I explained the situation to the officer and showed him my GPS. He said I was in the left lane too long to let it go. I am pleading not guilty due to the fact that I had nowhere to turn and traffic on my right. This citation was also based totally on the officers judgement. He stated approximately a mile on the ticket. Can I use the word "approximately" to support my argument?

 

[Shadowbunny]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? pa- i was issued a citation for driving in the left lane which was marked for turns for approximately a mile. I entered that lane because my destination was on the left according to my GPS but upon looking, it was not my intended destination so I kept driving looking for a space to turn into and turn around. When I finally found a spot to turn into, the police car was following me with lights flashing. There was traffic to my right and my blinker was on the whole time I was in the left lane. The officer was behind about 3 cars. I explained the situation to the officer and showed him my GPS. He said I was in the left lane too long to let it go. I am pleading not guilty due to the fact that I had nowhere to turn and traffic on my right. This citation was also based totally on the officers judgement. He stated approximately a mile on the ticket. Can I use the word "approximately" to support my argument?

Why in the world didn't you STOP and wait until you could merge back into the driving lane?

 

[adjusterjack]

I am pleading not guilty due to the fact that I had nowhere to turn and traffic on my right.

I think you will find that falling on deaf ears in court. You should have stopped in the lane as soon as you realized what was happening and waiting for an opening to either make a U-turn or go back into the lane you came out of.

This citation was also based totally on the officers judgment.

That's your opinion. The reality is that he watched you travelling in the left lane illegally for quite some time.

He stated approximately a mile on the ticket. Can I use the word "approximately" to support my argument?

You can try, but that's lame, too.

 

[HighwayMan]

The "I was following my GPS" excuse is certainly not a valid one.

I deal withn plenty of truck drivers that drive right into low bridges and try to use the excuse. You are still responsible for reading signs and using common sense.

Besides, a glance at your GPS should have told you what distance the turn was from your location.

 

[singlemom47]

I thought a U-turn would be illegal. Is it? Also, I didn't know you can stop on a highway?

I think you will find that falling on deaf ears in court. You should have stopped in the lane as soon as you realized what was happening and waiting for an opening to either make a U-turn or go back into the lane you came out of.



That's your opinion. The reality is that he watched you travelling in the left lane illegally for quite some time.



You can try, but that's lame, too.

 

[Shadowbunny]

Perhaps you should review this: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DVSPubsForms/BDL/BDL%20Manuals/Manuals/PA%20Drivers%20Manual%20By%20Chapter/English/PUB95.pdf