Received a couple driving citations the other day...thinking of contesting them

[kyporter903]

So I recieved 2 tickets the other day (both at the same time).

 

-Changing lanes not in safety

-Impeding the flow of traffic

 

Now, I have a couple options here:

 

-I can challenge one or both of the tickets in court

-I can pay both fines up front ($400)

-Get both dismissed with defensive driving ($430+)

-Get both dismissed with deferred disposition ($450+)

 

I have never challenged a ticket in court, and therefore do not know how difficult it is to get a ticket dismissed. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

As for how I received the tickets, here you go:

 

Basically, I take I-10 East to 45 South to get to work. Well on I-10 East there is only a one lane merging lane to get to 45 South. So, as you can expect, that line backs up super bad. Well, I was running late to work and, of course, the line was backed really bad. Therefore, I decided to cut in line right before the actual lane splits from I-10 East to 45 South. Naturally, there were 4 motorcycle cops waiting with 5-6 people pulled over for doing the same thing. Anyways, I deserve the "changing lanes not in safety" ticket, but I am not so sure I deserve the "impeding the flow of traffic" ticket. I don't know the exact definition, but I would figure it means slowing down traffic one way or the other. Well I didn't slow down any traffic while executing this move....This is in Houston, Texas by the way.....

[One_Putt_Blunder]

IMO very hard to contest a violation and win, in many states if you contest and lose not only are you still responsible for the fine you would also lose your right to dismiss or defer via driving school so that is something worth considering and looking into before you make your decision. Might be less expensive in the long run if you consider your insurance premiums if you just pay for the dismissal.

[kyporter903]

But if I just pay for the ticket it wont be off my record...is that correct in texas?

[teejaywhy]

Sorry if you are not getting the answer you are looking for. You are worthy of both tickets. You don't get excused from dangerous driving because you are late to work. Tough sh*t. Get in line and wait like everyone else.

[Agent Jim]

This is for other, just as a warning before contesting tickets. Here is Florida if you decide to contest a citation the fine amount is thrown out. The judge can issue a fine up to $500 dollars for any fine. Add in court costs and someone can get hit hard.

I usually only write tickets for violations I capture on video. I make sure I tell the person when I issue the citations if it is on video, and write it on the citation.

[bigred90gt]

I know the intersection you speak of very well, as I travel that route home in the evening on a regular basis. I hate people like you. If I am in the lane exiting to 45 south (I'm not usually, as I live in Baytown), or any other interchange where this situation exists, you won't get in front of me, rest assured. I will let you hit my truck and make your insurance pay for a new paint job and bumper, as well as the rental car I will require. Just be a man, Suck it up, be late, and own up to it.

That being said, did you cross over the solid line or after the lane actually splits, or did you just jump in at the last second still in the area of the dashed lines? If the latter, fight it and make them prove that you crossed after the start of the solid line. If the former, suck it up and spend the money.

Edit: I just realized this post is almost a year old, so I'd imagine this one is handled. So, OP, did you pay it or fight it?

[robert_wrath]

Seek Legal Advice Immediatley. The section is an obvious trap point for law enforcement. Appearantly many motorists were caught in the act - tough to beat. Lawyers will work out a deal with the prosecutor reducing the likelyhood of Points againts your license.

[tatertot]

Of course you slowed somebody down ... everybody in line had to wait extra time because you cut in front of them.