When operating a motor vehicle, an Ohio driver is responsible for following the rules of the road, including yielding to oncoming traffic and stopping at stop signs. Failure to stop when there is a sign could result in a traffic stop by law enforcement, during which the driver could receive a citation that may require him or her to pay a fine. Stop signs control traffic flow and discourage speeding, and they can make the roads safer. However, some stop signs in one town were recently ruled illegal.
The impact of removing stop signs
A recent ruling made certain stop signs in Genoa Township illegal, and many residents are concerned about the potential impact this ruling could have on the safety of their community. Speeding is one of the most common complaints that law enforcement in the area receives, and there is an assumption that removing the stop signs will encourage speeding and increase the chance of accidents.
Ohio laws permit villages and cities with more than 5,000 people to add stop signs as needed and enforce violations of these signs. However, townships cannot do this without permission from their county based on safety and engineering requirements. Apparently, Genoa Township did not have the required permission to install these signs.
What does this mean for drivers?
Drivers who received a violation for failure to stop at an illegal stop sign may have the option to dispute their citation. Any traffic violation could result in fines and points on a driver’s license, which is why it is important for a driver to fight back. Before paying a fine and moving on, it can be helpful to speak with a lawyer regarding legal options.
