Verified answer

I would say this...the car in front of you slowed suddenly, and you "almost" rear ended that car, so you checked your right blind spot quickly, and changed lane into the right lane. This is to avoid an accident.

Telling the Judge that you want to avoid an accident is a good defense.

Don't say anything like you are from India, or you don't get used to US road. Never say that since you are driving on the US road, and you are suppose to know the US traffic rules.

Besides, I was able to beat seven (7) California tickets in the past 2 years. All by the method of Trial By Written Declaration (TBWD). You just need to call the court, and ask to contest your ticket by TBWD. You will need to download a form TR-205 and mail out the bail (ticket payment), and explain your reason in TR-205. With TBWD, you don't have to show up at the courthouse. Make sure you mail TR-205 about 2 weeks before your ticket due date.

If you were found guilty, you still have one more chance to appeal which is called Trial de Novo (TDN).

At TDN, you have to show up in court , and if the Officer did not show up, you win. If he show up, do this:

1) Ask the Judge for his TBWD since he is to turn in his TBWD within one month.

2) Use your reasonings from TBWD, and attack/corss examine the Officer.

For more details and examples, visit the website below:

http://www.mothercopper.com/

Ignorance isn't a viable excuse for lawlessness. How did you get your driver's license without knowing that? It's in the driver's manual for every state.

You'll probably get a reduced fine because you're showing up, but I doubt they'll let you off the hook totally. See if you can have it kept off your record. That's probably the best bet.

saying you don't know wont help anything. especially in court. pay the fine, take the class if they assign it, and learn from your mistakes. Since you have California drivers license, you are expected to know the traffic laws.