Contest a carpool lane ticket?

Question

I recently received a ticket for using the carpool lane of the on-ramp while driving alone. I normally drive home with a coworker of mine and am accustomed to using the lane, but on this particular day I had to stay late (ticket @ 7pm) and he had left earlier (5pm) with another friend of ours. I'm thinking about contesting the ticket by written declaration. Two questions:

1) Do I stand any chance?

2) Do you have to pay any fees for a trial request? That is if I do contest and fail, would my cost be the same as if I had just paid the original bail without any hassle?

I appreciate input from anyone who has relevant experience. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Just contest the ticket.  Any info regarding fees you can obtain by calling the agency in question.  Every jurisdiction has different rules however I don't believe there is a fee for contesting.  The information you need should be on the back of the citation or included in the notice you received.

Answer 2

I wouldn't waste my time.  The carpool lane is for two or more people.  You did not have two or more people in your car when the officer gave you a ticket.  I feel for you, but I don't think you have a chance at beating this.  Sorry! =(

Answer 3

In America you can contest a ticket without any fees.  

Do you stand a chance of not paying a fine?  That depends on the person you are pleading in front of.

You certainly won't have to pay more, but you may get it reduced or (if the person is kind) dismiss the ticket.

It should state conditions on the back of the ticket as to court expectations (fees if any).  If not, call the appropriate number and ask.

Good luck.  I've had them dismiss a ticket.

Answer 4

Sounds like you are in clear violation.  Now, I do not know what the time restrictions are for your area, but it will come down to what you and the officer have to say.  The judge will nine times out of ten side with the officer because he has credibility and you do not.  Also when I have gone to court and the offender has sent in a written declaration, I have always won my case, because it shows a lack of responsibility by not showing up and just sending a written declaration, so the judge sides with the officer.  It is more of a lack of respect, by showing the judge your time is more valuable thin his.   No matter if you win the case or loose you still have to pay court cost.

As for the above answer, you always have to pay court cost every time you have a case in front of the judge.  How do you think the court makes it money, besides collecting fees.