Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device in Tacoma

Some of Tacoma's intersections can be tricky. We all know how messy it can get by the multi-lane intersections around Tacoma Mall, the congested crossings near the University of Washington Tacoma campus, and the confusing traffic signals around Pacific Avenue and South 9th Street. At these intersections, it's relatively easy for drivers to accidentally fail to obey a traffic control device. In these cases, our Tacoma legal team is ready to help.

Experienced Defense Attorneys Specialize In Traffic Control Device Violations

Misunderstanding a signal in heavy traffic or navigating confusing lane layouts often leads to receiving a traffic citation in Tacoma. Fortunately, our traffic defense team is here to help. With 20 years of experience in Western Washington, we specialize in helping drivers dismiss tickets, reduce penalties, and keep their licenses. Contact our Tacoma law offices now to learn how we can fight for you.

What Is Failure To Obey A Traffic Control Device In Washington State?

In Washington state, failure to obey a traffic control device is a violation. Law enforcement will charge you with failure to obey a traffic control device if you do not follow the instructions of a sign, signal, marking, or other device placed following the law to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. Examples include:

• Running a red light
• Ignoring a stop sign
• Failing to yield at a yield sign
• Not adhering to speed limit signs
• Disregarding pedestrian crossing signals
• Making illegal turns
• Not following lane change markings
• Entering a road against a "Do Not Enter" sign

Washington state takes traffic control device violations very seriously, as they significantly increase the risk of accidents.

What Are The Legal Penalties For A Failure To Obey Conviction In Tacoma?

In Tacoma, Washington, the legal penalties for a conviction of failure to obey a traffic control device include:

• Fines: Fines can range from approximately $136 to $250 and increase significantly if the violation contributes to an accident or is part of repeated offenses.
• Traffic School: Washington state may require offenders to attend a defensive driving course as part of the penalties.
• License Suspension: For more severe infractions or repeat offenses, Washington state authorities can suspend your driver's license.

You do not have to accept a failure to obey a traffic control device conviction. Our Tacoma traffic defense attorneys can help you fight to reduce or dismiss these penalties.

What To Do If Tacoma Law Enforcement Cites You For Failing To Obey A Traffic Control Device

If Tacoma police cite you for a traffic control device violation, here is what to do next:

1. Review Your Citation: Read the citation to understand the specific violation and the traffic control device involved. Make sure all the information is correct, including date, time, and location.
2. Consider Legal Advice: Consulting our traffic attorneys who specialize in Tacoma laws can provide you guidance on the best course of action, whether that's paying the fine, attending traffic school, or contesting the citation.
3. Decide Whether To Contest The Ticket: If you believe the citation was unjustly issued or if there are extenuating circumstances, you can contest the ticket.
4. Review The Fine: Check the citation for the amount of the fine and the deadline by which you must pay it.
5. Pay The Fine: Pay your ticket before the deadline to avoid additional penalties or potential escalation to a court summons. Payments can typically be made online, by mail, or in person at Tacoma Municipal Court's website or their office located at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402.
6. Consider The Impact On Your Record: Paying the fine is an admission of guilt under the law. Your admission may affect your driving record and could lead to an increase in your auto insurance rates.

After paying the fine, check if you are eligible to attend a traffic school to mitigate any negative effects on your insurance. While not always available, completing a defensive driving course may help maintain lower insurance premiums and improve your driving skills.

Can A Failure To Obey A Traffic Control Device Ticket Be Dismissed In Tacoma?

If you do choose to challenge your case, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed. Our Tacoma traffic defense attorneys will help. Here's how to fight a traffic control device violation in Tacoma courts:

1. Request A Contested Hearing: To contest the ticket, you must request a contested hearing at the Tacoma Municipal Court and file this request within the deadline indicated on your ticket, typically 15 days from the date of the citation.
2. Prepare For Your Hearing: Our attorneys will help you collect evidence like photos of the traffic control device, your driving history, and testimonies from passengers or bystanders that can support your case.
3. Attend The Hearing: On the day of your hearing, your attorney presents your case to the judge. Be punctual, dress appropriately, and prepare to explain why you believe you did not violate the traffic law.
4. Attorney Presentation: During the hearing, our experienced Tacoma traffic defense attorney will present your case to the judge. We will articulate the reasons and evidence that suggest you did not violate the traffic law, focusing on demonstrating either a misunderstanding or an incorrect application of the law in your situation.
5. Follow Court Instructions: After the hearing, the judge will make a decision. If your ticket is dismissed, no further action is required. If the Pierce County judge upholds the ticket, you must pay the fine.

If the judge finds you guilty, your fight does not have to stop there. You can choose to appeal, where we'll fight for you in the Washington State Appellate Court.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Tacoma Traffic Attorneys

Tacoma's intersections are notoriously challenging. The busy junctions near Point Defiance Park, the complex traffic lights along 6th Avenue, and the densely packed crossings in the Hilltop neighborhood can all be confusing. The complexity of these intersections can make it easy for drivers to unintentionally violate traffic control device regulations.

Our Tacoma attorneys are confident that traffic control device charges can be challenged in court. Whether it's finding inconsistencies in the ticketing process or presenting a strong defense based on specific circumstances, we'll fight for a favorable outcome. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with our traffic defense team.

A traffic control device can be virtually anything on the roadway. For example, you can be cited for violating this statute if you did not conform to a traffic sign or markings on the street. Technically, this statute could be used for just about all situations, i.e. speeding (violated the speed limit sign), failure to stop (violated the stop sign), ran a red light (violated the red light), etc. However, in reality, a failure to obey control device ticket is issued as a catch all statute. It is used when there is not a specific more applicable statute, i.e. the speeding statute, the red light statute, the stop sign statute.

Unfortunately, normally these types of tickets are more difficult to beat because they are so easy for a prosecutor to prove. All they have to show is the sign said you cannot do X but the officer saw you doing X. Not especially complicated.

Even though these are difficult tickets, there are still quite a few tricks that an experienced traffic attorney knows which can help you to keep this ticket off of your record. Don’t give up without trying fighting for your record.