Our local traffic ticket defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert have decades of experience in representing individuals who have received traffic tickets of all types. We know that while receiving a ticket for a noncriminal traffic infraction is not the same as being charged for a crime for which you might serve prison time, the process of handling the ticket (and paying for its consequences) can be incredibly frustrating and unnerving, not to mention inconvenient. For instance, being ticketed for failure to signal may require you to appear in court, pay court costs and fines, receive points on your license, and pay increased car insurance rates. Luckily, a Ft Lauderdale failure to signal lawyer can help.
What Does Failing to Signal Mean?
Florida State Statute 316.155 outlines when signaling from a vehicle is required. According to the regulation, no person may turn a vehicle from a direct course or move left or right on a highway unless and until the movement can be made with reasonable safety, and then they can only do so after giving an appropriate signal, in the event that any other vehicle may be affected by this movement.
Specifically, the law provides that a “signal of intention to turn left or right” must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. It is important to note that a signal by hand or arm need not be given continuously by a bicyclist if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle. Moreover, no person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of the vehicle in which they are driving without first giving an appropriate signal to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear, when there is an opportunity to give such a signal. This means that this would not be applicable to instances in which there is an accident and cars must suddenly come to a screeching halt.
316.155 goes on to say that the signals provided in s. 316.156 shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, overtake, or to pass a vehicle and may not (except as discussed in s. 316.2397) be flashed on one side only or on a parked or disabled vehicle or flashed as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear. This means that signals should not confuse other drivers. Signaling should indicate anticipated movements, and not be used as a communicatory mechanism between motorists. A lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale could explain the various situations in which in may be appropriate for someone to receive a ticket for failing to signal.
Steps to Take if Charged with Failure to Signal
If you are given a ticket for a noncriminal traffic infraction, such as failing to signal, you can either go to court to fight the ticket or you can, within 30 days of the issuance of the ticket, pay the civil penalty and delinquent fee. This fee can amount to a significant dollar amount causing you considerable financial stress as well as points on your license and increased insurance costs. Our experienced Ft Lauderdale attorneys know the strategies that work in fighting failing to signal tickets. We could go to court for you, fight your ticket, and, in most cases, be able to free you from the imposition of fines, fees, points, and increased insurance rates.
Speak with a Ft. Lauderdale Failing to Signal Attorney
If you have received a noncriminal traffic infraction ticket, contact our Ft. Lauderdale failure to signal lawyers at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert. Our team could explain your legal options and help you minimize any consequences you may be facing. We all make simple mistakes while driving. Our attorneys are here to help you defend yourself and protect your rights.
