HOV Lane Infraction

[cjticket]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California (Westbound HOV/bus lane San Francisco Bay Bridge).

My question relates to the rules for driving in the HOV lane with the Clean Air stickers on my Prius. The Code referenced on the ticket is 21655.5(b) VL. (Not sure it's VL as I can't read his writing). I recieved a ticket (Infraction) for driving in the HOV lane after the carpool lane hours.

The sign says "buses only" and then lists the carpool hours. It was my understanding the with the HOV clean air stickers that I am allowed to be in the carpool lane at any time and that the hours listed apply only to vehicles with carpool passengers. What is the law and do I have any chance of having it dismissed? Thank you

[sniper]

Were you driving a Prius Bus? If the sign says "Busses Only" with times in a black and white sign then that is what it means. If you were in the "Bus Only" lane within that timeframe it seems to me sticker or not, its a violation.

Regular carpool lanes are fine to drive solo in if you have a clean air sticker at all hours.

Exclusive- or Preferential-Use Lanes for High Occupancy Vehicles

21655.5 VC

(b) The Department of Transportation and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, shall place and maintain, or cause to be placed and maintained, signs and other official traffic control devices to designate the exclusive or preferential lanes, to advise motorists of the applicable vehicle occupancy levels, and, except where ramp metering and bypass lanes are regulated with the activation of traffic signals, to advise motorists of the hours of high-occupancy vehicle usage. No person shall drive a vehicle upon those lanes except in conformity with the instructions imparted by the official traffic control devices. A motorcycle, a mass transit vehicle, or a paratransit vehicle that is clearly and identifiably marked on all sides of the vehicle with the name of the paratransit provider may be operated upon those exclusive or preferential use lanes unless specifically prohibited by a traffic control device.