22100(A) Infraction Ticket

[SinginGrl]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of California: I was driving (straight) in the middle lane, between the right & left lane. Further down, the middle & right lane were closed ahead. I had to stop & merge into my left. I didn’t want to get caught in traffic. I checked my windows to make sure the pathway was clear. I made a right turn into a jack-in-the-box. Should I attend court & fight against the 22100(a) ticket?

[PTPD22]

You are really going to have to give us some more detail for any useful advice. Did you pass the point where the middle & right lanes were closed and then turn through the closed lanes? Did you make your turn from the middle lane, across the right lane, and into the parking lot in one movement? Please describe your actions.

[SinginGrl]

No, I didn't pass the point where the lanes wer closed. Yes, i made a turn from the middle lane across the right lane in 1 movement.

[PTPD22]

Ok. Well, in that case, I don't see any valid defense to the charge. So, without a defense strategy, I see no reason to go to court with the aim of contesting the ticket. However, if you go to court, you MAY be able to get a reduced fine...but, that is certainly not assured. Some of the people here more knowledgeable about CA can better advise you if there might be other advantages to going to court rather than just paying the fine (traffic school comes to mind as a possibility).