Going with the flow is not a defense. Road conditions do not alter the maximum limits in 22349.
If you have not done so the past 18 months, your best option, given your concerns (maintaining record, avoiding returning to the county you were cited), would be to avail yourself of the traffic school provision.
Such is frequently offered when the courtesy notice is sent. If they don't (or you don't get the courtesy notice, which is as it says just a courtesy, not a requirement), you can contact the court and inquire. You should however make sure that you either resolve this or appear before the date on your citation.
The traffic school option has you pay the fine plus an additional ($52 last I checked) fee. You also have to pay the tuition at the school you attend. Then when the results are reported, the court will not enter a conviction and your DMV record will remain intact and your insurance carrier won't know.

