I got a ticket this morning at about 8am for making a left turn, which could not be made between 7am and 9am. The intersection was at Hillmount Ave and Bathurst St in Toronto. The intersection has a dedicated left-hand turn lane, which is why I didn't notice the sign. I'm thinking of arguing that the traffic laws are ambiguous; since I'm in the left-turn lane, it would be illegal to not turn left and change lanes in an intersection or to go straight, while it would also be illegal to turn left.

Thoughts?

Looking at the intersection on Streetview, I don't see any signs posted indicating you must turn left (square black signs with white arrows). It would also be legal I believe to stop, signal and merge back into a through lane.

I agree it's a stupid design to have a left turn lane that you can't use at certain hours, but I'm not sure you have a viable defence yet.

is it a dedicated lane with its own traffic light? if not then there is not much you can argue

This is much like the garbage trap they like to set up to catch people turning left at Bay and Edward in downtown Toronto between 4 and 6 PM... unfortunately they tend to stick in court...

Anyway you may be able to plea-bargain to a lesser offence in this case... that is, unless they take more than 11 months to bring the case to trial.