What is a traffic control device? Getting a ticket for not obeying a traffic control device is as simple as it sounds. A traffic control device is a traffic sign or traffic light that is used to guide traffic. A good example of a violation would be running a red light, making an illegal U turn or ignoring a stop sign. These are simple violations that we have all done at one time or another. This is not a very serious traffic violation but since it is a moving violation it can damage your driving record and make your insurance rates increase for years to come. Take a look at how the law is defined below in our Louisiana state statute and New Orleans ordinance.
Traffic control device
According to statute RS 32:231. Obedience to and required traffic-control devices: “The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this Chapter.”
According to New Orleans ordinance Sec. 154-234. – Obedience to devices: “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, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, subject to the exceptions granted to the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter. This shall include special parking regulation signs”
Should I plead guilty to this ticket?
Obedience to and required traffic control devices citation is considered a moving violation. If you plead guilty then that will hurt your driving record and likely make your insurance rates go up. I always suggest fight any moving violation to try to get it dismissed or reduced to a non moving violation. We never suggest pleading guilty to anything without talking to an traffic attorney first.
How should I fight this?
There is only one way to fight and that is to go to court. Let me fight this citation for you! Most people don’t realize in Louisiana you can hire a traffic lawyer and they can go on your behalf. That is very convenient and saves your valuable time. I will go to court for you and fight to get this ticket dismissed or reduced on your behalf.
