Contest ticket or admit with explanation?

[Anonymous]

I received a ticket for making a left turn out of my child's school and crossing a double yellow line. Apparently, crossing a double yellow line to turn left is a moving violation. I was doing what I have seen parent-organized school buses (i.e., not office DCPS buses, but actually a charter service) do at this school EVERY SINGLE DAY. (I took photos). I walked down the street where there is a private high school, and took photos of multiple cars turning left out the school exit, crossing a double yellow line, which also happens every day. There is no official signage (from either the school or DDOT - or whoever puts up street signs) not to turn left. So, this one officer was specifically targeting parents at this one school - parents who pick up their own children (not the drivers of the chartered vans, for parents who can afford a bus service from the Hill).

So, on the one hand, apparently that is breaking the law. On the other, it is so targeted at a micro-population, that it is very confusing to the driver. Is it not a reasonable assumption that if this is in fact a law, it isn't enforced anywhere by anyone other than this angry officer with a grudge? Would a reasonable person not conclude that left turns are acceptable?

This is apparently points off a driver's license, so I really don't want to affect my insurance rates. Contest it altogether (involves a hearing with officer present, assuming they show for court) or admit with explanation, and hope my photo evidence convinces the hearing officer to dismiss?

[Anonymous]

It's exasperating, but the fact is that you just have to follow the letter of the law and not worry about what "everyone else" does.

[Anonymous]

Not knowing the law is no excuse. Everyone else doing it is no excuse.

[Anonymous]

OP, contest it. Post an update later! thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's exasperating, but the fact is that you just have to follow the letter of the law and not worry about what "everyone else" does.

Double yellow = do not cross. Even if everyone else is doing it Sorry OP

[Anonymous]

Remember this day when your 14 year old stumbles home drunk from a party and uses the same argument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's exasperating, but the fact is that you just have to follow the letter of the law and not worry about what "everyone else" does.

Double yellow = do not cross. Even if everyone else is doing it Sorry OP

This. Basic traffic law that is on every written driver's license test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's exasperating, but the fact is that you just have to follow the letter of the law and not worry about what "everyone else" does.

Double yellow = do not cross. Even if everyone else is doing it Sorry OP

This. Basic traffic law that is on every written driver's license test.

Are you sure? It's definitely not true in California! In fact, I'm looking for it and can't find any mention in either the DMV District of Columbia "Driver's Manual" or the DC Municipal Regulations and DC Register under "Moving Violations" (or any other section).

[Anonymous]

weird. I can't visualize this. There should be a sign.