My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of CA. I was issued a citation for an illegal right turn while heading West on Wilshire, turning right onto Figueroa, in downtown LA. Both streets are one way. The right most lane at the intersection is right only, and West bound traffic can also be observed regularly turning right from the next lane over as well, especially during peak traffic when pedestrians crossing the street at the intersection severely limit the number of cars that can make a right turn from just the one right-most lane during each light cycle. The only signage I have found at the intersection regarding right turns stipulates that the right most lane must turn right (nothing about the next lane over), which is reinforced with the lane markings at the intersection. From the observed behavior, drivers seem to interpret the required right turn to also mean that the next lane over is a legal right turn lane. (As a practical matter it definitely should be given the congestion at the intersection but that's no help to my current situation.)
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has noticed this traffic pattern and recently set up a trap with approximately three motorcycle officers positioned on Figueroa just after the turn. With each light cycle one officer would walk out into the street and direct the first three cars turning from the lane one over from the curb to the side of the road. They would then each quickly cite and dismiss the drivers just in time for the next light cycle. It was a very fast and efficient process they established which must have generate a large number of citations in a short period of time.
Although I maintain I was making a legal right hand turn with the flow of traffic and using my signal, I was caught up in their "dragnet" and issued a citation. Because this feels like a money grab, I am inclined to fight the ticket rather than take the path of least resistance (traffic school), and I am seeking any advice or guidance on how to proceed. My current plan is to submit an informal discovery request to the LA Sheriff's Office and then request a trial by declaration. Anything I might include in my declaration to improve my chances of a favorable decision?
Thanks in advance.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has noticed this traffic pattern and recently set up a trap with approximately three motorcycle officers positioned on Figueroa just after the turn. With each light cycle one officer would walk out into the street and direct the first three cars turning from the lane one over from the curb to the side of the road. They would then each quickly cite and dismiss the drivers just in time for the next light cycle. It was a very fast and efficient process they established which must have generate a large number of citations in a short period of time.
Although I maintain I was making a legal right hand turn with the flow of traffic and using my signal, I was caught up in their "dragnet" and issued a citation. Because this feels like a money grab, I am inclined to fight the ticket rather than take the path of least resistance (traffic school), and I am seeking any advice or guidance on how to proceed. My current plan is to submit an informal discovery request to the LA Sheriff's Office and then request a trial by declaration. Anything I might include in my declaration to improve my chances of a favorable decision?
Thanks in advance.
Traffic Lane Violations: Illegal Right Turn Ticket in Downtown Los Angeles, VC 22100(A)
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