Infringement Question

[dankman]

Hey guys,

I have a question about an infringement my mate received last week.

The background:

On a trip to Brisbane from Canberra last week I pulled in at the Maccas at Kempsy and let my mate with an ACT license drive.

Unfortunately because he'd been sleeping for the while trip until then, he made a wrong turn and started to head back south. When I pointed that out to him he made a U-Turn at an intersection with traffic lights. Unfortunate for him as the only police car I'd seen in a few hours noticed and booked him $179 and 2 points.

The police officer was good. He did the usual breath test and licence checks and was very friendly.

When he told us what he was booking us for, Joffy (my mate) pointed out that he was certain that U-Turns were legal unless otherwise sign posted. I.E. you cant U-Turn where there is a "No U-Turn" sign. This intersection didn't have one and traffic was light at the time.

The officer said he would make a call for us and see what the ACT rules were (seeing Joffy had an ACT license). After about 10 minutes he came back and said that the people he spoke to couldn't say for certain what the ACT law was but he suggested we write a letter to the NSW infringements department.

The officer was very helpful but said since he'd already written the ticket it still stood unless the infringement office quashed it. He also had a giggle at my plates and asked what they meant.

So all that I'm ok with, no complaints. The officer was professional and courteous.

Now:

Until this happened we were both of the same opinion, as are most of my family and peers, that unless specifically sign posted, you could perform u-turns at intersections.

We've since looked up the RTA road rules and unfortunately we were in the wrong. The rule that applied in this case was Australian road rule #40.

I've also spoken to the Federal Police and Urban services and found that the ACT also abides by the Australian Road rules book so a u-turn at an intersection with lights is illegal here as well unless there is a sign permitting a specific u-turn section.

So, now knowing all this, what I'm asking is; is there anyway to word a letter to ask for this to be a warning instead of an immediate fine and points deduction?

If any one could help me out it would be greatly appreciated. If any one has any experiences with this sort of thing your comments on your success would be appreciated as well.

Thanks

Chris

[RHR]

Good question for Slymeat me thinks

[seventytwo]

I feel your pain added $77 to the state piggy bank today, first one in four years not bad for someone with a rubbery attitude to speed limits.

As for getting out of your ticket, give it a try the worst they can say is no.

[JimmyXR6T04]

bugger.. I too thought you could do a U turn at lights unless it said otherwise especially if you got a green arrow.... its not like cars are gonna be coming straight from the other direction.

[ZAP]

No, but they could be turning from the other street.

I do not like your mates chances, but send a letter in anyway.

U Turns have been illegal in NSW for 20+ years at traffic lights.

[TurboDewd]

Unquestionably harsh action from the cops for booking you.

The U-turn caused no harm, the officer in question should have sternly advised you that the action was illegal.

Recentlly I was pulled over for doing 80 in a 60 zone (temporary one due to construction, its otherwise 80). it was 10:30 at night, noone was around, accordingly he simply gave me a stern warning which Ive pretty much respected since.