Improper Lane Change - No Accident & Not Speeding

[jonathancox]

What is the name of your state? South Carolina

In Greenville SC, the busiest road with the worst traffic is Woodruff Road. I was traveling on Woodruff road below the speed limit (at most 10 miles per hour). I approached an opening in traffic, signaled, and immediately moved over in to the left lane (in front of an unmarked highway patrolman). I did not slam on the brakes, cause an accident, or endanger anyone’s life. The patrolman immediately turned the lights on and motioned me in the center lane. He claimed that I did an improper lane change because I did not signal for at least 15 feet. He claims that the reason I could ‘squeeze my car in front of him’ was because he wasn’t following too closely to the vehicle and when I ‘squeezed in’, I caused him (the patrolman) to follow too closely to me. I feel like I was picked out and discriminated against because I drive an expensive convertible sports car (2004 Mustang GT). I wasn’t doing anything that a million other people do not do every day on this horrible road.

FYI… I have a clean traffic record. Last speeding citation was 7 years ago. 60 (I think) in a 45 (Interstate 85N @ approx 5:00 AM in the morning). Last accident was 17 years ago. I hit another car in the back traveling at less than 20 MPH.

I was wearing my seatbelt, had my valid drivers license, proof of insurance, and registration.

Is there anything I can do to fight this?

[EvilWizard]

Admittedly guilty so here is what I would do.

Go to court and plead guilty, but explain to the judge all that happened and that you have a clean record. If the judge is feeling lenient they may just make you pay a fine and dismiss the points. But on the other side if the judge doesn't care then you also wind up paying court costs. There is a post one of the Sr. members here always puts down on how to represent yourself in dress and manner in court so I would read that if you decide to go to court.