My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: WA
Yesterday I was handed a speeding ticket for going 83 in a 70 zone on I5 skagit county. The penalty is USD144.
I was driving with a valid home country(India) driving license, on an avis rented car. In fact it was the first time I was driving in the US. I was driving within the speed limit, and comfortably keeping pace with the rest of traffic, when I noticed gap with the car in front was continuously increasing, so I accelerated a little and cut back when I realized I had gone over 80, and the gap wasn't really closing, the driver ahead was going at a much higher speed.
I looked into my rear view mirror, only to find a police car with flashing lights. He hadn't blared his siren, and being just the first day driving in US, I wasn't prepared for this situation, confused, instinctively I just pulled over to the right. (Thankfully)
The police officer comes over and says 'you were driving at 83 back there'. literally confused, I replied 'I was just keeping pace with the traffic'. He replies 'You were trying to catch up'. He asks for my license and registration and walks back to his car.
After 10 mins, he is back and hands me a ticket. I take it, and let him know that I am a first time driver and was just keeping up with fellow road users. And that I wasnt driving rash and was maintaining safe distances. I asked if he could let me go with a warning this time.
The officer was very polite, and seemed sympathetic, he said, 'I have already written you a ticket man', and shrugged. I just nodded an Ok,a nd that was it.
Now here are my questions. I would appreciate any answers that would help. Thank you.
1. As I am new to US, I assume I have no driving record, if I pay the penalty amount, would I now have a driving record(with this infraction noted), for my foreign license.
2. I intend to get a WA license next month, I have already cleared the written test. Would the above affect my ability to get a license here?
3. Would the infraction be noted in my WA license, if and when I get it in the future.
4. I have never had to deal with a court in my life, or have ever in my 5 years of driving in india been ticketed. I am a safe driver and now definitely intent to always be within the speed limits irrespective of traffic around me. lesson learned. Would the court be favorable towards me, would it be wise to go that route? I have read responses in other thread and in this site, that its always good to contest your first infraction, and try to keep it off your record.
Thanks in advance for any answers.

