Here’s a question from a reader:

I have been concerned by the increasing number of blind spots being created by “sign spinners,” for the lack of another name. They are positioning themselves at busy street corners and rocking very large signs back and forth, blocking drivers’ views of oncoming traffic. I could not turn right at the intersection of College Ave. and Cleveland Ave. the other day because I could not tell if it was clear to do so. I imagine some people are pulling out when it isn’t safe. Are there any rules/laws about creating these unsafe conditions? Marcie

The answer comes from Santa Rosa Police Sgt. Mike Numainville, who says, “It is not illegal to stand on the corner with a moving sign as long as the sign holder does not step into the roadway or block the path of other pedestrians using the sidewalk. ”

Here’s another question:

Downtown Santa Rosa on Fourth Street. Much jaywalking between Santa Rosa Avenue and D Street. I have never seen a person ticked for jaywalking on any downtown street let alone this stretch. Not that I want them to be, but what is law enforcements take on this? Is issuing of citations for this offense strictly at the whim of the officer? Susan

In answer, Numainville said he didn’t have any stats on the number of jaywalking citation issued but noted the base fine for jaywalking is $119  and with court fees it is just less than $200.  “As far as upcoming enforcement operations, we are in the planning stages of a special operation for  pedestrians in crosswalks but we do not have any jaywalking specific operation planned at this time,” he said.

Another question:

When they resurfaced South Wright Avenue in Santa Rosa, the intersection at Sebastopol Road lost the right-turn lane and now has hash marks in its place. People still use it as a right-turn lane. Is this legal? Also, when traveling north on South Wright Avenue at Sebastopol Road, on the south side it is one lane and on the north side of Sebastopol Road it is two lanes. Is it legal to cross the intersection into either lane? Kathryn

And more answers from Numainville, who says, “This question was a little confusing because it did not state which direction the driver is traveling.  However, I believe the readers question has to do with the hash marks for the bike lane. In that case, a vehicle can still make a right turn as long as they do so with safely looking for cyclist.”

As for the second question, he says, “A driver can choose to go into either northbound lane after they enter the intersection. Unless there was a sign stating otherwise, which at this intersection there is not.”

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If you have a question for the Road Warrior, please send it to jim.fremgen@pressdemocrat.com

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