Perhaps badge heavy is not the proper term in this case. The bottom line is, I felt it was a pretty unjust situation, but there wasn't a heck of a lot I could do about it.
For what it's worth, the violation was 22101(d) of the CVC.
22101. (a) The Department of Transportation or local authorities in
respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may cause
official traffic control devices to be placed or erected within or
adjacent to intersections to regulate or prohibit turning movements
at such intersections.
(b) When turning movements are required at an intersection notice
of such requirement shall be given by erection of a sign, unless an
additional clearly marked traffic lane is provided for the approach
to the turning movement, in which event notice as applicable to such
additional traffic lane shall be given by any official traffic
control device.
(c) When right- or left-hand turns are prohibited at an
intersection notice of such prohibition shall be given by erection of
a sign.
(d) When official traffic control devices are placed as required
in subdivisions (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful for any driver of a
vehicle to disobey the directions of such official traffic control
devices.
I was stopped at a red arrow in a left turn lane. I was looking at the light on the far left corner of the intersection. When it went green, I cleared the intersection, made a U-turn, and pulled over in front of the post office to go get my mail. A traffic cop (slicktop car, lots of strobes, not well marked) practically ran into the back of me as it roared up to make the stop. I honestly had no idea what I was being pulled over for.
Turns out the overhead arm with the light on it had a sign on it with a big picture of a left arrow, to indicate that it was a turn lane. In small letters underneath, it said "No U Turn". I never saw it. I was traveling 3-5 mph as per my ticket (seems accurate), the intersection was mine as per the green arrow, and I made the u-turn without difficulty. Apparently some larger vehicles can't turn that tight, and end up in a 3-point turn, which can snarl traffic. There was no universal no turn sign (red circle with slash), only the plain white text reading no U turn.
I was courteous, respectful, and there was never discussion of warnings. Just blam, cited.
I researched the sign requirements, and found that California had adopted the Federal standard for traffic warning signs, which specify a universal no turn sign (red circle with slash) rather than a text only sign (which IMHO blends in). I also found that in CA's infinite wisdom, we've also said "Yeah, we adopt the Federal standard, with this whole book of exceptions and differences." Pathetic.
The reality is, I probably could have got off in court. Which would have meant a day off work (at least, assuming I didn't get continued to a different day), which would have cost me more than just paying the fine and doing online traffic school. If they ran my DL (I'm sure they did), they'd know I hadn't had a cite in 10+ years. I'm not exactly a habitual offender. No contacts in LS, nothing. I am curious if firearm registration comes back when they run a DL, but I don't think that mattered either way.
While there are no "quotas" it is common knowledge that municipal police departments make good money from traffic operations. I've been told by more than one cop that when they worked traffic, they were told that while there was no quota, reality was that if the department didn't have enough income, they wouldn't be able to continue to fund a traffic safety program.
Did I break the law? Yeah, I guess I did. Did I deserve a ticket? I guess that depends on why cops issue tickets. If it's to prevent dangerous behavior, then I fail to see how what I did was dangerous. If it's to keep me from repeating my mistakes, then honestly a warning would have been fine. Although I'm a law abiding citizen, I still prefer to see the red and blue lights somewhere other than my rear view mirror. If it was to continue to support a traffic safety program, then maybe they should focus a little harder on DUI, speed, running red lights, etc.
Just my opinion. I don't think cops are all out to get me. Quite the contrary. I just wish FTO's would spend a bit more time on discretion. Part of the problem where I live is that the cost of housing is so high, and the pay of cops is so low, it's rare to see a cop with more than five years on the job anymore before they move someplace affordable and open up a spot for a new rookie.
I also think $300 for a non-safety related infraction is a bit steep.
