Carpool/HOV Violation

rlism · #1 08-10-2007, 11:59 AM

I live off an expressway which has a carpool lane as the far right lane. This is the same lane as the merging on and off the expressway. I received a carpool violation after crossing the intersection following my merge, about 1600ft after my merge, probably 1000 ft after the carpool lane sign (I'll have to go back to check this).

I tried to plead my case to the officer but he stated there was ample time and space to move into the lane. There was almost no traffic except one vehicle in the adjacent lane. Is there anything I can/should do to contest this ticket?

Thanks in advance.

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rlism · #2 08-10-2007, 12:10 PM

To clarify, in the map below, I was going westbound on Cabrillo, I turned right onto San Tomas going north. I got the ticket crossing Monroe. Cop was sitting on the northeast corner of San Tomas and Monroe.

Map: Cabrillo and San Tomas

PersonaNonGrata · #3 08-10-2007, 12:12 PM

That's strange that a carpool lane is at the far right.

Was there a solid white line that prohibits you from getting out of that lane for a distance? Anyway, I would contest it and try to plead my case in traffic court. The fines are pretty steep for carpool violations so it's worth it. I would suggest taking pictures and maybe even getting a fairly detailed map of that area.

At worst you waste some time but this sounds worth fighting.

rlism · #4 08-10-2007, 03:35 PM

Yeah. When I first moved to the area I thought the right-hand carpool lanes were strange as well - always having to slow for people merging on and off. But after living here a while I realized that when there are exits on the left as well, there really is no difference except in this situation of getting a ticket! This is my first carpool violation in 9 years living here. I always comply with the carpool lane rules... well, almost always.

motordavid · #5 08-10-2007, 04:11 PM

That's less than a fifth of a mile, if your estimate is accurate.
Either the cop is being squeezed for "monthly contacts" or,
he's jes' a p rick or, jes' bad luck. I'd do some pics, maps and
studying up, as suggested. This can't be the first time some
halpless or unknowing motorist has done this.
GL,mD

MrLabGuy · #6 08-10-2007, 04:13 PM

I'd fight it in traffic court with photos and a diagram. The fine is $271 but I'd fight it on principal based on what you describe. If you have an otherwise clean record I'd suspect it would be dismissed. Especially if you come prepared to court.

hayaku · #7 08-10-2007, 04:24 PM

ticketassasin.com - fight it via written letter.

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