Pontiac, MI asked in Traffic Tickets for Michigan

Q: Can I fight an improper lane use ticket?

I was turning left onto a street that has a ramp on the right hand side that leads to a major highway. I was given a ticket for turning into the far right lane to go onto the ramp. I’m not denying that it’s a law to turn into the closest lane first and then get all the way over but I do feel that it’s petty as many people turn into the far right lane to take the ramp. I’ve used that ramp so many times and for many years and have never been pulled over for making that turn. Even when a cop is sitting at the intersection. I also do not have anything on my record. What are my odds of winning in court?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: You can fight. Request a formal hearing. You won't win as a matter of law. Police have discretion; people do things in front of cops all the time - sometimes the cop just lets them slide, other times they just don't see it happen. It doesn't change the fact that in this instance, the cop saw you and issued you a ticket.

Now, what could happen through a formal hearing is that the cop may now say "you know what, I'm okay with just a warning this time". You could also negotiate for something lower.

1 user found this answer helpful

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