Motorists must continuously use their turn signals for 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. Drivers who do not follow this regulation can get a ticket under California Vehicle Code Section 22108: Failure to Signal Before Turning or Changing Lanes.
A VC 22108 ticket can come with fines and a point on your driver’s license. The police may accuse a motorist of driving under the influence (DUI) after claiming that a driver failed to properly signal a turn.
You can learn more about this driving offense when you reach out to a Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
What Can Lead to a VC 22108 Ticket?
Drivers can get a ticket under California Vehicle Code Section 22108: Failure to Signal Before Turning or Changing Lanes if they change lanes or turn without using their turn signal for at least 100 feet.
California insists on this period of warning before turning or changing lanes to reduce the chances of a collision with other vehicles. Turn signals allow other motorists on the road to understand a driver’s intentions and adjust accordingly.
Do Drivers Have to Do Anything Else Before Turning or Changing Lanes?
Drivers must do more than use their turn signals before turning or changing lanes. Motorists must observe other motorists on the road and only complete a turn if they have the right of way and sufficient space to complete the maneuver.
For example, some drivers could get a ticket for CA Vehicle Code 21801 – Failure to Yield When Making a Left or U-Turn if they turn without properly assessing their situation.
An attorney can help you handle a VC 22108 ticket and any accompanying offenses. Getting help immediately can help you feel more confident about handling your legal situation.
What Are the Penalties for Failure to Signal Before Changing Lanes or Turning?
Drivers accused of a VC 22108 violation may face several hundred dollars in fines. Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can put a point on their driver’s license.
A single point will not result in a license suspension. However, drivers with too many points on their licenses will lose their driving privileges.
Additionally, getting a point on your driver’s license can increase your insurance rates. Therefore, it’s essential to take a VC 22108 ticket seriously.
Will a VC 22108 Ticket Go Away on Its Own?
Tickets in California will not just go away if you wait. Indeed, if you do not contact a lawyer or pay the fine, you can face additional charges under CA Vehicle Code 40508a – Failure to Appear for a Traffic Ticket.
Failure to appear for a traffic ticket is a misdemeanor offense in California, so it comes with more severe penalties than a VC 22108 ticket. In fact, you can face jail time, fines, and a hold on your driver’s license for this offense.
Therefore, it’s essential that you resolve a VC 22108 ticket to avoid additional penalties.
Can a Lawyer Help with a VC 22108 Accusation?
An attorney can help you face an accusation for California Vehicle Code Section 22108: Failure to Signal Before Turning or Changing Lanes. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may argue that:
- The police officer made a mistake, and you did use your turn signal appropriately
- You had to turn without signaling because of an emergency situation
- The roadway design didn’t give you 100 feet of space to signal
You can discuss the defenses that would work best to handle your VC 22108 ticket with a criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles. An attorney can focus on the specifics of your situation and help you decide what steps to take next.
The Connection Between VC 22108 Tickets and DUI Charges
The police may pull you over and claim that you made a turn or changed lanes without properly signaling. They may look for other signs of traffic violations after they stop you, including signs of drunk driving.
In some cases, they may accuse you of driving under the influence (DUI), regardless of how much you had to drink, using claims of unsafe driving practices to back up their decision. They may even order a blood alcohol content (BAC) test.
In this situation, it’s essential that you seek legal help right away. CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol charges can have lasting impacts on your life, including fines, jail time, and restrictions on your license.
Talk to an Attorney About a VC 22108 Ticket
You can get additional help understanding a California Vehicle Code Section 22108: Failure to Signal Before Turning or Changing Lanes ticket from legal professionals. You can also get help if the police accuse you of drunk driving.
Our team can connect you with a DUI lawyer who will put you first. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
