Got a ticket for a 21658a in CA. I was told that what I did wasn't illegal, it's just she ALMOST hit me. Help?

Question

May 28th, 2008 9:45pm

I was first at the light with a few other cars behind me. It was a 4 lane road with 2 dedicated left turn only lanes. I was in the second lane going left. After about 5 minutes, the light would still not allow me to precede left. The few cars behind me decided to go straight and left the left-turn only lane. A few more minutes and I decide to go straight too. I glance to check if it's clear then calmly switch lanes to go straight. I get busted for an "improper lane change". The Officer does the paperwork then tells me that "what I did wasn't illegal, but that she almost hit me from the back." I clearly remember checking behind me, but I saw no headlights coming toward me which brings me to think that the Officer was going fast enough for me not to nottice. I firmly believe that I should plead not guilty. What I want to know is if I could use that statement when I go to court, and how you think it'll play out.

Answer 1

I wouldnt say anything about the police officer speeding. Law enforcement bans together and whenever you go against a police officer they always win. Just explain that the light was broken and you made the most safe decision that you could, which was to change lanes and go straight. Tell them that you did check to make sure nobody was coming, but the police officer was in a "blind spot"

Tell them you feel very grateful that you were not hit by the police officer...

PS you were lucky, because if the police officer did hit you, you could have gone to jail. (police officers are above and exempt from the law most of the time, and you get blamed for everything you possible can get blamed for)

Answer 2

explain this as a statement at the police office

Answer 3

I believe what the officer was telling you is that it was not illegal to move out of the left turn lane, but that you did not do so safely.  If you want to get in an argument about whether your move was safe you can do so, but the odds are not with you.  Traffic school is a surer method to keep this off your record.