CVC 21655.5(b) - From the eyes of the victim‏

[iota7]

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

Hello there,

I was just wondering can you help me understand whether I should fight out the following ticket or just yield. I would like to give a little background and the events that led to the above citation in Fremont, CA.

Typically on 880(S), two back to back signs give the complete picture to the drivers, as to whether a solo can drive in an HOV lane. First sign says HOV (2+) only and a subsequent sign after about 150-200 yards mention the day/time restriction (M-F 6:00 - 9:00 AM and 3:00 - 7:00 PM only).

On that day @ around 9:03AM (when HOV+ restriction ceases to exist on 880(S)), I took the Mission Blvd ramp to 880(S). The first sign on the carpool lane on the left mentioned HOV 2+ restriction (no mentioning of day/time) and about 100 yards later there is another sign of the similar attribute with no mention of day/time restriction. There was no HOV 2+ sign with day/time restriction on the entire ramp. That's where I was citied for driving solo in HOV for an hefty $490.

I see a little ambiguity here. When the mainstream 880(S) highway has no restriction driving solo @ 9:03 AM and also where signs are very crystal clear for HOV 2+ restriction along with day/time also, so how come a ramp which loses its identity after being merged into 880(S) becomes a target of 21655.5(b) citation where neither the time (9:03 AM) nor the presence of crystal clear HOV 2+ sign with day/time stamps are in the favor of the carpool lane on the ramp.

Any help is highly appreciated.

Regards.

 

[FlyingRon]

I'm not sure I follow you. Are you talking about the HOV lane on the Nimitz itself or the lane used to bypass the metering light on the ramp. Pretty clear signs on the Nimitz itself about the hours.
The ramp "carpool" lane doesn't have a time limit. You're not ever supposed to use that as a non-HOV that to bypass the other lanes EVEN if the metering lights aren't on.

 

[Zigner]

In other words - if no time is listed, then the restriction is effective at all times.

 

[Silverplum]

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

Hello there,

I was just wondering can you help me understand whether I should fight out the following ticket or just yield. I would like to give a little background and the events that led to the above citation in Fremont, CA.

Typically on 880(S), two back to back signs give the complete picture to the drivers, as to whether a solo can drive in an HOV lane. First sign says HOV (2+) only and a subsequent sign after about 150-200 yards mention the day/time restriction (M-F 6:00 - 9:00 AM and 3:00 - 7:00 PM only).

On that day @ around 9:03AM (when HOV+ restriction ceases to exist on 880(S)), I took the Mission Blvd ramp to 880(S). The first sign on the carpool lane on the left mentioned HOV 2+ restriction (no mentioning of day/time) and about 100 yards later there is another sign of the similar attribute with no mention of day/time restriction. There was no HOV 2+ sign with day/time restriction on the entire ramp. That's where I was citied for driving solo in HOV for an hefty $490.

I see a little ambiguity here. When the mainstream 880(S) highway has no restriction driving solo @ 9:03 AM and also where signs are very crystal clear for HOV 2+ restriction along with day/time also, so how come a ramp which loses its identity after being merged into 880(S) becomes a target of 21655.5(b) citation where neither the time (9:03 AM) nor the presence of crystal clear HOV 2+ sign with day/time stamps are in the favor of the carpool lane on the ramp.

Any help is highly appreciated.

Regards.

You're not a "victim," for Pete's sake.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

You are the ticket taker.

 

[Zigner]

I'm not sure I follow you. Are you talking about the HOV lane on the Nimitz itself or the lane used to bypass the metering light on the ramp. Pretty clear signs on the Nimitz itself about the hours.
The ramp "carpool" lane doesn't have a time limit. You're not ever supposed to use that as a non-HOV that to bypass the other lanes EVEN if the metering lights aren't on.

The ramps in my neck of the California woods (generally) have signs reading "Carpools only (when metered)". It seems to me that one still rolls the dice if a lone driver uses the carpool lane when the meter isn't functioning.

 

[FlyingRon]

The ramps in my neck of the California woods (generally) have signs reading "Carpools only (when metered)". It seems to me that one still rolls the dice if a lone driver uses the carpool lane when the meter isn't functioning.

This ramp isn't where you live. There are three lanes on the rather long ramp from Mission on to the Nimitz. There are signs and flashing lights over the metered lanes that say "prepare to stop" when the metering is on. The separate HOV lane runs the whole length of this flyover (nearly a mile) that just says HOV-2 all along it.

 

[Zigner]

This ramp isn't where you live. There are three lanes on the rather long ramp from Mission on to the Nimitz. There are signs and flashing lights over the metered lanes that say "prepare to stop" when the metering is on. The separate HOV lane runs the whole length of this flyover (nearly a mile) that just says HOV-2 all along it.

Understood - I was (trying to) make the point about the times not being listed on the signs there.