Negligent Driving 2nd Degree

[ballardwa]

While driving on US route 2 in Washington State going east up to Steven's Pass, I was given a ticket for Negligent Driving 2nd degree. I was given the ticket for passing on a double yellow line. Route 2 is for the most part a single lane highway that frequently changes from double yellow to hashed yellow. In the winter the road is heavily sanded because of snowy conditions. The sand collects on the sides and in the middle of the road. The sand in the middle of the road often makes it difficult to see the center line. I made my pass on a straight section of the road, after having made sure that there was no oncomming traffic. While I was not able to see the center line of the road, I did use care and did believe that it was a safe section to pass on. I do plan on contesting this. Do you recommend a lawyer? Thanks.

[Mr. Knowitall]

The defense is pretty simple; I suspect that you could make it without a lawyer. But sometimes using a lawyer helps with negotiating a result without going to court, or with the presentation of your defense if the ticket goes to hearing.