Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

I was cited in Long Beach (Los Angeles County) for an HOV violation (driving solo in the HOV lane) on an on-ramp to the 405-N in March of 2010. The violation is VC 21655.5(b). CHP issued the citation and I am to pay bail to the Long Beach Courthouse on Ocean Blvd.

The courtesy notice finally arrived; the bail is $446 (+$10 if I pay online). That amounts to one week's paycheck, and money is pretty tight for me as it is.

This particular on-ramp is one that I've not previously used. Signs at the on-ramp were obscured by overgrown trees (I've gone back to check it out closely) and I wasn't able to safely merge into the metered lane due to a back-up of vehicles. I suspect that the back-up was at least partially caused by the CHP officer on his motorcycle positioned IN the metered lane just past the meter. There was no shoulder on the ramp, and when the meter light turned green, the cars in the metered lane were forced to swerve around him (cutting into the HOV lane) in order to safely proceed and merge onto the 405.

Of course, my explanation is the same one that officers and judges have heard a million times over - so I don't think it's worth it to contest the citation. But because I check every bill twice these days, I've been trying itemize the bail and associated fees to understand and verify the bail amount before I mail the check.

The last ticket I received was almost three years ago; it was at a photo-enforced intersection in Lynwood. I was also ticketed for speeding more than five years ago and attended traffic school for that violation, but I've had no prior citations for HOV violations.

I've checked out the 2010 Bail Schedule, but I really can't make sense of it. I've also been distracted - the condo I rent is in foreclosure and I need to move soon, so my time has been consumed with finding a new place within my and my roommate's budget... but I digress.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions or advice - or any information - from anyone who is more VC/Bail Schedule-literate than I.

Thanks so much!


Asked on 4/19/10, 10:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Aggressive defense would involve taking photos of the scene and requesting discovery from the CHP, among other things. I would quote you a low fixed fee to represent you, and you'd never have to go to court. Email me from the Contact Me page at mikestonelaw.com .

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Answered on 4/24/10, 10:33 pm


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