Traffic ticket (non-speeding) fine: $75, choose jury trial. Potential fine higher or still $75?

I was behind a driver that decided to turn left at the last minute, so his car was blocking both the left turning lane and regular traffic lane while he waited on the left-hand traffic to go. But there was a right-hand turning lane available to go around him, so I did. For that, I got a ticket for passing in a no-passing zone!

The particular statute cited relates to passing on the left over a double-yellow line, and meanwhile there's another statute that says what I did is perfectly legal.

The maximum fine on the violation was $75. But I'm fighting it on principle, jury trial.

But if I'm found guilty anyway, can the judge increase the fine because I went to jury trial, to whatever he wants to cover court fees? (E.g., jury of 12 = $25 each, or $300). Or is it still a maximum of $75?

I really would prefer to just settle w/ D.A. ahead of time, at calendar call. I tried to get them to deal at first appearance, but that's just Asst. D.A.'s who are only authorized to accept Guilty, NoLo, or drop anything less than $75, so they wouldn't deal. I chose Jury Trial vs. Bench Trial thinking my odds are better w/ 12 people who would see what I did as quite normal and reasonable, since they'd have to convince 12 people that I was absolutely wrong to make use of a legal lane to go around a car that had made itself an obstacle.

(State is GA.)

But if the judge could potentially fine me for the cost of the jury, then maybe I better try the bench trial instead.

Don't necessarily expect the DA to dismiss it even if you're right -- I had a ticket for speeding in a school zone, but the lights were broken. I did a lot of research and documented my findings that the lights were NOT on in the direction I was going, including video, statements from the school transportation department, and pictures; the DA offered me a deal for deferred ajudication for the amount of the ticket as soon as I came in the door, without even looking at my evidence. Once he noticed I had so much documentation, he knocked off $50, but that was all. Basically, he was banking on it being cheaper and easier for me to just take his deal instead of fighting it, so the court would get the money instead of a lawyer -- sadly, he was right. It WAS cheaper and easier and no ticket on my record after 90 days, so I took it, though it still makes me angry. I wanted the vindication of an "innocent" verdict, and he just wanted my money. Sneaky.

In Canada, I believe changing lanes right before an intersection is just as illegal as changing lanes in an intersection. The other driver probably should have been ticketed, too.
Like I say, if no demerits, no big deal. Report It

You are not entitled to a jury trial in a speeding ticet case for 75 dollars.Therefore you will have to pay for the jury and potentially other court costs. Let it go and pay the ticket. It is the cheapest and least hassle option. Sometimes admitting guilt on these small matters is easier than fighting it. You are not going gain anything by fighting it. And you will lose your time and money if you try. Sorry about the bad news but sometimes this is the facts of life.

Using a lane designated for turns to pass a vehicle is illegal. Your not going to find a law that says it is not. A marked turn lane is for turns only. In most states its illegal to pass someone on the right. And wether it is a normal occurence or not does not have an effect on the law. People speed all the time and find it acceptable. Its still against the law. Id just pay the fine and be done with it. I do not think they can raise the cost of your fine but they can charge you a fee for the jury trial itself.

I wouldn't do it. It's illegal to change lanes in an intersection. If there are no demerits, just take the fine. In principle what you did was dangerous (sorry) since... say what he did was change his mind again and went straight.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how this could even be a jury trial. If you stayed in your lane, fight it. If you changed lanes in the intersection, pay the fine.

I'd say the ticket can only increase if the charges increase (e.g. dangerous driving) but IANAL so YMMV.

Good luck!

Sounds nebulous. I'd probably just pay it, not having looked at the statutes myself. $75 is nothing to me. I paid $500 for a fender bender repair last year and it wasn't even my fault but the insurance company wouldn't give me the 250 deductible if it was the other person's fault.

Could be a potential higher fine along with court costs for the action.

Yes you could potentionally have to pay for the trial and the court costs.

Dont waste your time fighting it. Passing on the right is legal in some situations, but not using a lane designated for turns.

The fine would not increase - the $75 is the maximum fine.

However, you will probably be charged for court costs. this will be before a judge, not a jury.

In principle, you don't have a good fight. The right turn lane is for right turns only, and you technically passed in a no-passing zone (at an intersection) - unless the other statue you mention pertains specifically to what you did - exactly.

I'm an ex-cop, and I know here (WA St) what you did would cost you $124.

I would just pay the fine as a double line means no passing unless it is a emergency,which in this case it wasn't.You will be paying a lot more for a jury trial.As they get paid for their duties and guess where the money comes from.Next time be a little more patient.Sorry