Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

$271 Car Pool Ticket

I was in a horrible traffic jam on the freeway going to work. This particular spot on the freeway has had a bottleneck during morning rush hour ever since I can remember. Its an area where 4 lanes switch to 3 lanes, then later again to 4 lanes over a 4 mile distance. I had to be at a meeting at 9:00 AM and it was 8:35AM. The car pool lane is active from 7:00AM to 9:00AM, so I decided to take a chance. Well as I started to travel down the car pool lane and to my surprise, an officer was waiting in the adjacent lane stuck in traffic. When I saw him up ahead, I slowed and attempted to merge into his lane a couple cars behind him. He saw me merging in his mirror and pulled me over to give me a ticket. I feel like I was set up. The officer gave me no verbal warning but just jammed the ticket down my throat. I'm also upset why my tax dollars aren't being spent to correct this area of the freeway also. Can I do anything or do I have to just pay this and watch my insurance go up. Thanks ahead of time!


Asked on 9/03/02, 2:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: $271 Car Pool Ticket

Thanks for your posting, and I'm sorry to hear about your ticket. I know how frustrating that must be.

You can always challenge a ticket. The officer may not show up, or may show up but can't find notes regarding the ticket, or you may be able to negotiate with the judge or the officer to reduce or lower the fines, or allow traffic school.

You don't just have to pay it. If you would like representation, or have additional questions, please feel free to email me, or call me toll free at 1-877-568-2977.

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Answered on 9/09/02, 4:07 pm


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