Traffic Ticket for Blocking Intersection

[Nile]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Washington.

I got a traffic ticket today for blocking intersection at Redmond, WA. I did not block the intersection when it's yellow or red, so I am planning to fight. Here is what I have:

- I blocked the intersection on green, and cleaned the intersection as soon as the light turned to yellow (since the cars in front of me moved then). Do you think this is a good argument to bring up.

- The violation code is 10.36.060 Obstructing traffic.
No operator shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection or crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, notwithstanding any traffic control signal indication to proceed. (Ord. 304 § 52, 1963).

I definitely did not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. The text says "shall enter an intersection or a marked crosswalk unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection". However, the intersection is very long (7 lanes). Waiting for the next car move to the other side and seeing if there is space is practically impossible without stopping and waiting. Also there are two lights, another turning lane added to these lanes in just about 30 feet. It's not easy to guess if there is going to be space. Especially when the traffic is too busy here every morning.

- I have a pretty good driving history. 2 stop sign tickets over the course of 7.5 years. Do you think it's a good sign to bring my driving record?

Any suggestions on strategy? My priorities are 1- do not get it into my driving record. 2- do not go to the court if possible. I am looking into mail hearing. However not sure when I am supposed to send the mail.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Mr. Knowitall]

So you're arguing that even though you entered the intersection without sufficient space on the opposite side for your vehicle, you should be excused from sitting in the intersection because... of what? I recognize that some intersections are poorly designed, but what would have been the problem with waiting at the entrance to the intersection until there was space on the other side for your car?

If as you suggest, seven cars were lined up in the intersection, why did the officer pick on you?