OWI Dismissed, Roundabouts Don’t Require Use of Turn Signal

An Indiana man’s convictions for operating while intoxicated, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamines were dismissed after the court found that he was not required to use a turn signal to exit a roundabout. The man had entered a three-exit roundabout and exited without signaling. A police officer stopped the car and cited him for failing to signal at least 200 feet before making a turn or changing lanes.

Following the traffic stop, the officer saw the driver throw a digital scale on the floorboard. This led to a search of the car, where methamphetamines were found.  The driver was then taken to the hospital for a blood draw and charged with OWI, a Class C misdemeanor; possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.

The driver filed a motion to suppress the evidence arguing that the State had failed to prove he had violated the Indiana law regarding turn signals, and therefor the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop. The court agreed and found the traffic stop illegal.

On the State’s appeal, the Court of Appeals held that a motorist does not violate the current Indiana traffic regulation law by not signaling a turn when exiting a roundabout. All charges against the driver were dismissed.