21655.5B - Improper Use of Pref Lane

[tdowty]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Hi. I got a ticket (21655.5B) going West bound on I-80 back in May. I made a wrong turn and wound up heading toward the bay bridge. I ended up getting sucked into the bus lane ( I didn't see that since it was night and I was trying to figure out how to turn around.) There were about 5 police cars there and they pulled me over (seems like this is a great revenue source for them... maybe it should be marked better for people to see at night) Anyway, I am wondering if I could fight this or get the fine reduced at least.
The fine was for $436 and seems a ridiculous fine for getting lost and disoriented.

Thanks for the help,
Tim

[cthd]

I got same ticket (21655.5B) in Bay Bridge Toll plaza. I wanted to go to I80E, ended up in I80W, thanks to traffic, heading towards toll plaza. I wanted to avoid going to SFO and looking to turn around. GPS showed me exit before toll plaza, which I took.. I didn't realize it was bus pool lane, and CHP officer gave me ticket to show up in court. Court sent me fine for $436.

I showed GPS route to CHP officer, he look convinced, but still gave me ticket. Looks like good revenue source.

I am in 2 minds if I should fight it in court OR just pay the fine. Would be good if at least fine can be reduced. I've read in other forums that lane pool violation won't result in point. Not sure if that is true.

thanks

Cthd

Originally Posted by tdowty

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Hi. I got a ticket (21655.5B) going West bound on I-80 back in May. I made a wrong turn and wound up heading toward the bay bridge. I ended up getting sucked into the bus lane ( I didn't see that since it was night and I was trying to figure out how to turn around.) There were about 5 police cars there and they pulled me over (seems like this is a great revenue source for them... maybe it should be marked better for people to see at night) Anyway, I am wondering if I could fight this or get the fine reduced at least.
The fine was for $436 and seems a ridiculous fine for getting lost and disoriented.

Thanks for the help,
Tim

[I_Got_Banned]

Following your GPS rather than watching the road and reading what the signs say will not get you out of the ticket.

Also, according to the UNiform California Bail Schedule, a conviction of VC21655.5(b) is NOT assessed any violation points.

Lastly, The fine for a first conviction of 21655.5(b) is $436... Second violation, $625... a third conviction is $815. SO it might pay to not listen to your GPS all the time.

[cthd]

Thank You.

This is 0 point violation. Should I attend traffic school? The letter I got mentions that I can attend traffic school If i pay 490$. Will it show up in my record ? Does going to court reduce my fine?

[I_Got_Banned]

Originally Posted by cthd

This is 0 point violation. Should I attend traffic school?

The purpose of taking traffic school is to avoid having points added to your driving record. So with a zero point violation... Its pointless!

Originally Posted by cthd

The letter I got mentions that I can attend traffic school If i pay 490$.

I'm sure they'll appreciate the extra $49 or so but why would you pay it if you're not going to benefit from it?

Originally Posted by cthd

Will it show up in my record ?

Yes, it will show up as a zero point violation.

Originally Posted by cthd

Does going to court reduce my fine?

It might... That is up to the judge.