Drivers must adhere to the requirement of making a full stop at every stop sign they encounter, pause and only move forward when it is safe to do so. However, when you get a stop sign ticket you might need to dispute it in Bishop or Independence Courthouse in Inyo County, CA.
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22450, Special Stops Required, outlines the steps necessary to make a safe and legal stop. These actions will enhance safety by reducing the risk of accidents and upholding orderliness at intersections and railroad crossings.
These are the requirements, depending on the situation:
- In CA, "rolling stops" are strictly prohibited. When approaching a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop, look for oncoming vehicles, and then proceed. Any failure to fully stop at a stop sign is illegal.
- The legal guidelines dictate the designated points for coming to a stop. It is mandated that drivers halt at the prescribed limit line, typically marked by a white painted line, before reaching the intersection. Should this limit line be absent, drivers should stop ahead of the crosswalk on the side closest to them. When both the limit line and crosswalk are non-existent, the appropriate stopping point is where the vehicle aligns with the intersecting road.
- Just like at intersections, it is important to come to a complete stop at the designated limit line prior to the railway tracks. Should there be no distinctive limit line present, it is advisable to halt at a distance of at least six feet from the approach of the initial railroad track or the threshold of the railroad crossing. Look and listen for approaching trains at unprotected tracks.
Stop Sign Placement by Local Authorities
CA VC Section 22450 grants local jurisdictions the authority to install stop signs in locations they consider essential for maintaining traffic safety. This provision allows for adaptable solutions in addressing unique road circumstances.
Penalties for Stop Sign Ticket Convictions
A conviction for running a stop sign ticket normally requires a fine of around $238 in Inyo County. The CA DMV will also assess one negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR).
While the fine may appear reasonable, accumulating NOTS points could increase the driver's auto insurance premium over the following three years. When ineligible for traffic violator school (TVS) to maintain the confidentiality of your conviction, it could lead your insurance provider to become aware of your paid fine or conviction during the renewal process.
In line with data provided by Bankrate.com, it is estimated that CA drivers will pay an average annual premium of $2,633 for full coverage in 2024 or a monthly premium of $219. Although, auto insurance is normally much lower than “normal” in Inyo County.
Notably, you should remember this figure represents the average. Thus, individual costs may vary depending on various factors, such as age, location, and commuting distance, among others. Factors like driving history and the potential benefit of a "good driver's discount" amounting to 20% are of particular significance.
When a CA driver loses their good driver’s discount and their insurance provider adds the 10-12% risk for running a stop sign, the full-coverage premium increases by almost $800 yearly for 36-39 months, depending on your renewal date.
As stated earlier, even though the fine is manageable financially for most drivers, the auto insurance premium can devastate a family’s budget, particularly those with teens on their policy.
Your best approach is to consult a local traffic attorney about disputing your stop sign ticket, as many times, they can secure a dismissal or negotiate a non-moving violation to keep your insurance premium the same.
Consult with Bigger & Harman About a Stop Sign Ticket
When you have a stop sign ticket, contact Bigger & Harman for tips on resolving it in Independence or Bishop Courthouse in Inyo County, CA.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Or, use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.