Colorado Move Over Law

[boatmarci]

I was pulled over south of Colorado Springs last Friday and given a traffic ticket for 42-4-705 "Failing to yield right of way to a stationary emergency vehicle"

There were two police cars on right side of the road with a Porsche. I did not get in the left hand lane when I passed them. So one of the police got in their car, pulled me over, and gave me a ticket.

I am not disputing my guilt in breaking this law. But, I had no idea this was a law! Why don't I know this? After doing a little research online, I found out this law is less than four years old, having gone into affect on July 1, 2005. My traffic record has been clear for over 16-17 years, so I have not had to take a written driver's test for a looooong time. In fact, the DMV sent me my last drivers license, (automatically renewing it) and I didn't even have to go in.

For instance, when the seat belt law went into affect, there was, and still is, a lot of public awareness. I've seen bill boards, newspaper ads, and even signs on the highway "click it, or ticket". I've haven't seen ANYTHING on the move over law. In fact, about 60% of my friends that I asked did not know that one must move over.

I suppose that ignorance of the law is no excuse, but how would someone like me know a new law like this?

It's a four point ticket, so I'd like to fight it, but I'm not sure on what grounds. Any advice for me? Or am I a fool?

Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

[IsabellaSoriano]

i'll give an example.

a doctor is required by law to renew his/her license per the state law and update his/her information, inform himself/herself of new laws, educate himself/herself on these new laws that pertain to hold that medical license.

as a driver's license holder, it is YOUR responsibility to educate yourself on ALL aspects of carrying that license. it's a privilege, not a right to drive.

[boatmarci]

Thanks for your reply Isabella. It IS privilege to drive. I wonder what other laws I don't know about**************.....

[The Occultist]

Your best bet is to hope for some sort of plea bargain. Your excellent driving record should prove to be a good bargaining tool.

Since the ticket is worth four points, seeking legal representation should be high on your list of things to consider. The costs of an attorney may seem expensive now, but your insurance premium increase from such a ticket will be far more expensive in the long run. Local attorneys know best what the courts want to hear, and as such present the highest potential for yielding the most favorable outcome. Many attorneys will offer free/cheap consultations, so you should take advantage of this and sit down with a couple to see what insight they may have to offer.