My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California in Culver City
In need of serious advice in regards to my recent citation for California Vehicle Code Section 22101(D) pursuant to Section 21455.5.
First off, I would like to ask...if I choose to contest the violation and request for a Trial by Written Declaration do I automatically lose my option to attend Traffic School if I am found guilty?
Now for the scenario that resulted in my violation:
I was caught by a RED LIGHT CAMERA when I was in the LEFT TURNING LANE and then proceeded to go straight (which was still a green light) and never went against the RED LEFT TURNING SIGNAL which set off the Camera.
Just to explain the situation a little more. I was only in that lane because I noticed there was an ambulance behind me and thought its lights were on, so I immediately wanted to get out of their way and since the right lane was completely congested with other vehicles, I proceed to go into the Left Turning Lane which was free to leave them clear passage. However, once realizing their lights weren't turned on and they had passed me anyway, I waited till that lane was clear again (which wasn't open until the front/end of the Left Turning Lane)...turned on my blinker and proceeded to turn back into the lane to go straight since that was always my original intention.
Upon review of the video provided by the Police Department (I'm driving the Blue Mazda 6)...you can clearly see these actions are supported in the video. You can see the ambulance pass by me when I am in the Left Turning Lane, I never come to a complete stop in the turning lane (since I never intended to make a left turn), put on my blinker and proceeded straight ahead when it was clear and in no danger to other vehicles (as the vehicle immediately behind me never had to brake since their brake lights never turned on).
I've uploaded the video onto YouTube: https://youtu.be/nYZu1so2HTI
However, upon looking at the pictures/photos from the camera...it appears that I am stopped in the Left Turning Lane and then making a left turn when the Left Turning Signal is clearly red...which from the video, is not the case.
So I guess what I'm asking is...what "exactly" is my citation of 22101(D) pursuant to Section 21455.5 really for? If it's for going straight from a Left Turning lane then I realize I'm clearly at fault for making an illegal lane change but given my scenario, would that be reason enough for a judge to dismiss my violation and find me Not Guilty???
I truly appreciate any advice on this matter and would be very grateful to hear any of your opinions if it's even worth fighting this or simply to just pay the fine and attend traffic school?
Thank you.

