21453 a

[hdac2323]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

I live in California and received a ticket for 21453 A.

I came out of a mall parking lot and made a right turn onto a busy street. The time was 9:05am so the mall was not open so there were no pedestrian traffic. However, there was some morning traffic on the street. The officer stated that I ran a red light.

I am wondering if I should contest this citation because:
1. I stopped and looked both way to ensure there were no pedestrians. I also looked to my left for on coming traffic. After ensuring that it is safe, I proceeded to make a right turn out of the parking lot.

2. The red light was a circular red and not a red arrow. I went back to confirm that there were no "No Right on Red" signs.

Should I just pay the fine and take traffic school. I am confident that I stopped, but I know I will have to prove this and it would be my word vs. the officer.

Any advise is appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

[I_Got_Banned]

Originally Posted by hdac2323

I came out of a mall parking lot and made a right turn onto a busy street. The time was 9:05am so the mall was not open so there were no pedestrian traffic. However, there was some morning traffic on the street. The officer stated that I ran a red light.

I am wondering if I should contest this citation because:
1. I stopped and looked both way to ensure there were no pedestrians. I also looked to my left for on coming traffic. After ensuring that it is safe, I proceeded to make a left turn out of the parking lot.

Did you make a right turn? or did you make a left turn? Or do you even know?

Originally Posted by hdac2323

1. I stopped and looked both way to ensure there were no pedestrians

A 21453(a) has nothing to do with pedestrians. You ran a red light.

Originally Posted by hdac2323

I also looked to my left for on coming traffic. After ensuring that it is safe, I proceeded to make a left turn out of the parking lot.

So according to this statement, you ran a red light.

Originally Posted by hdac2323

The red light was a circular red and not a red arrow.

Which means you cannot go straight or make a left turn until the light changes to green.

Originally Posted by hdac2323

I went back to confirm that there were no "No Right on Red" signs.

This has no connection or relation to you making a LEFT turn against a circular red light!

Originally Posted by hdac2323

Should I just pay the fine and take traffic school.

If you can do traffic school, pay double the fee and repeat the course. You really need it!

Originally Posted by hdac2323

I am confident that I stopped

You really really need it!!!

[The Occultist]

OP, did you come to a complete stop (no part of the vehicle, not even just the bumper, was moving in the slightest) prior to making your turn?