My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California
I got a ticket for merging late onto the freeway. At the time the ticket was issued, the CHP told me I didn't obey the sign which reads: Right Lane Must Exit.
There was stopped traffic on the highway and, before I could reasonably merge, I had to keep moving because some nitwit was tailgating me within inches and leaning on his horn. Further, I didn't want to just stop in the lane and wait for an opening.
I actually thought about pulling over to the right to allow the tailgater to pass me but there was only the shoulder so I kept moving.
As soon as I saw an opening in the stopped traffic, I merged left. The tailgater followed.
I was waved over by a CHP officer parked on the shoulder. He ignored the tailgater, of course: he probably never even saw him.
My point is: I did not cross a solid white line. I merged left crossing the broken white line and at the same point where the sign that reads RIGHT LANE MUST EXIT is posted. In other words, as soon as practicable and safe.
The CHP officer was completely uninterested in hearing what I had to say, so I just gave up talking and handed him my paperwork.
Problem is I only have my story, e.g., no proof of what happened. I guess my only hope is that the issuing officer doesn't show up next week.
I searched for something in the vehicle code or CA law that covers how soon a motorist has to actually obey such a sign. Could not find anything. Does anyone know if there is such language?
It seems to me that if I had merged after passing that sign, then I would be guilty of not obeying it. If however I merged as soon as I saw the sign, which due to traffic conditions and flow and to refrain from simply stopping in the lane, occurs just as my car was at the the sign, then I did in fact obey the sign.
This is the only way I have of describing my position.
What do you think?
Have any advice?
Thank so much!


