I got a ticket by illegally driving in the carpool lane for only a few seconds. Can I contest the ticket?
by 
googen
ANSWERS: 4
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Probably not. You are not allowed to drive in that lane at all. Unless you were avoiding a dangerous situation, which would have FORCED you to go into that lane... which would be hard to prove... how about you pay your ticket and stay out of the carpool lane, huh? You can't contest something just because you "only broke the law a little"
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Did you get the ticket for driving in the lane, or for entering or exiting at the wrong spot? If it is your contention that you were initially unaware the you were in a carpool lane, and that you got out as soon as you found out, it might be worth your time to tell that to the judge. He might give you a break.
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Being in the carpool lane for just a few seconds or minutes, is like being a little pregnant. either you are or you aren't. if everyone did this, might as well do away with carpooling. no contesting here. the officer would not have stopped you had you not been in violation.
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Intent is not an issue for infractions--you either did or did not break the law. "I didn't mean to" is only valid for misdemeanors or felonies. You could miss half a day at work and earn the officer some overtime by contesting it, but don't expect to win. If you're in CA, at least it isn't a moving violation with a point-count for your record.
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