Court: Washington drivers must use turn signals to turn

U.S. Supreme Court News

The state Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that drivers must use their signal every time they turn or change lanes on a roadway.

Thursday’s ruling reverses a Court of Appeals ruling that said a signal is required only when public safety is affected. The high court ruled that the plain language of the law requires drivers “to ensure turns and lane changes are done safely and with an appropriate turn signal."

The ruling was issued in the case of David Brown, who was arrested for driving under the influence in Kennewick in March 2015. State patrol officers pulled him over after he briefly turned on his left turn signal while approaching a light in a designated left turn lane but turned it off and did not reactivate it while at the light or making the turn. He was arrested after his breath test showed .26 breath alcohol content, more than triple the legal limit.

Brown had argued that the evidence of the breath test should be suppressed because the underlying traffic stop was without cause, and a lower court agreed and dismissed the case. The only issue before the Supreme Court was whether Brown violated traffic laws. The case now goes back to the lower courts to proceed in accordance with the high court's guidance on the initial stop.

Related listings

  • Justices to take up dispute over subpoenas for Trump records

    Justices to take up dispute over subpoenas for Trump records

    U.S. Supreme Court News 12/14/2019

    The Supreme Court said Friday it will hear President Donald Trump’s pleas to keep his tax, bank and financial records private, a major confrontation between the president and Congress that also could affect the 2020 presidential campaign.Argume...

  • California court invalidates law requiring Trump tax returns

    California court invalidates law requiring Trump tax returns

    U.S. Supreme Court News 11/22/2019

    President Donald Trump does not have to disclose his tax returns to appear as a candidate on California’s primary ballot next spring, the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday.The law, the first of its kind in the nation and aimed squa...

  • Hong Kong court reinstates mask ban ahead of elections

    Hong Kong court reinstates mask ban ahead of elections

    U.S. Supreme Court News 11/22/2019

    A Hong Kong court that had struck down a ban on face masks at protests said Friday that the government could enforce it for one week, as police readied for any unrest during keenly contested elections this weekend.The High Court granted the temporary...

Lawyer Website Design For Sole Practitioners - Law Promo

Law Promo understands that running a solo law practice can be a difficult undertaking at any stage, especially if you are just starting up your practice.

The most challenging part of running any solo business can be managing each and every aspect, especially those areas in which you have less experience. Marketing is often one of the weakest areas for small businesses and yet is the most important in ensuring business growth.

A solid internet marketing campaign is crucial, as it can level the playing field between you and larger firms and is by far the most cost effective way to attract more clients.