Bellevue, WA
I got a ticket 2.5 weeks ago for driving on a HOV-only ramp while entering the freeway. I attest that this was not (i) not entirely my fault and (ii) a genuine mistake given the circumstances. The officer did not give me a chance to make my case at the spot of the ticket. Hence, I contested the ticket (Contested Hearing). Given the circumstances (below), how do I fight this in court ? Any advice would be appreciated.
- My destination was 1.3 mi away from my starting point, and I did not intend to take the freeway at all. I took a turn on a street, which happened to be a HOV-ramp only street. So I was left without an option but to take the HOV lane and I got pulled over immediately (Google Maps Link: Ticket on HOV-only ramp - Google Maps. Intended Route: Blue, Taken Route: Red). I believe that the HOV lane markings on the street (112th Ave NE) are not adequate and easily obscured by a large vehicle ahead (as was in my case), and once one turns onto the HOV-only street (NE 6th St. from 112th Ave NE), there is no way out but to take the HOV lane.
- In any case, my destination was 1.3 mi away, and there was no need for me to take the freeway. It was a genuine mistake. I have written proof that I had a doctor's appointment that I was heading to from work at the time of the ticket.
- It was 3:20pm in the afternoon on a Wednesday, and there was no traffic on the freeway. Another reason why I didn't have to take the HOV lane, except due to a genuine mistake.
I would like to know what my options are. Is this case strong enough to contest by mail? If not, how do I fight this in court ? Can I fight it on grounds of a genuine error due to unclear signals on the road. Thanks in advance for your input.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
I got a ticket 2.5 weeks ago for driving on a HOV-only ramp while entering the freeway. I attest that this was not (i) not entirely my fault and (ii) a genuine mistake given the circumstances. The officer did not give me a chance to make my case at the spot of the ticket. Hence, I contested the ticket (Contested Hearing). Given the circumstances (below), how do I fight this in court ? Any advice would be appreciated.
- My destination was 1.3 mi away from my starting point, and I did not intend to take the freeway at all. I took a turn on a street, which happened to be a HOV-ramp only street. So I was left without an option but to take the HOV lane and I got pulled over immediately (Google Maps Link: Ticket on HOV-only ramp - Google Maps. Intended Route: Blue, Taken Route: Red). I believe that the HOV lane markings on the street (112th Ave NE) are not adequate and easily obscured by a large vehicle ahead (as was in my case), and once one turns onto the HOV-only street (NE 6th St. from 112th Ave NE), there is no way out but to take the HOV lane.
- In any case, my destination was 1.3 mi away, and there was no need for me to take the freeway. It was a genuine mistake. I have written proof that I had a doctor's appointment that I was heading to from work at the time of the ticket.
- It was 3:20pm in the afternoon on a Wednesday, and there was no traffic on the freeway. Another reason why I didn't have to take the HOV lane, except due to a genuine mistake.
I would like to know what my options are. Is this case strong enough to contest by mail? If not, how do I fight this in court ? Can I fight it on grounds of a genuine error due to unclear signals on the road. Thanks in advance for your input.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?