My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California.
I received traffic violation 22100(a) (c) at about 9am on a bright, dry morning last month. Traffic was very light in all directions.
I came to a complete stop for a red light at a 4-way interestion in lane #3 of a 4 lane road (second lane from far right). I was behind two other vehicles, about 40 feet from the corner. Lane #4 (far right lane) was a dedicated right turn lane. Being unfimailar with the area, I realized I needed to turn right to find my destination. Traffic in my direction was still stopped. I checked my right side and behind me; there were no appoaching cars or bicycles. I signeled I was changing lanes, moved forward and right into the next lane, drove the 40 feet to the corner and merged right into to the right lane of the other road.
I was stopped in about 1/4 mile away. The officer apparently witnessed my turn from behind. He relayed I could not merge into lane 4 and turn right from the position I was in, dispite it being safe to do so.
Is he right? Do I have a defense? I received a TBWD

