I was driving when I saw a CHP (California Highway Patrol) in the middle of the road directing traffic, I slowed down to follow him. Apparently he was pulling over people (there was a person in front of me he was directing) and having them park, so I thought either a) It was a checkpoint (never been in one) or b) something bad happened. He was pulling over people for Failure to Stop at a School Bus, but I did not see the school bus that well because I was so focused on the officer, he confused me majorly. I would not have passed the school bus if he wasn't in the middle of the road giving traffic directions. I was neither in a hurry and I was slowing down for the officer, so I did truly think he was giving traffic directions.
Not to mention I have other news stories showing that police have distracted people to make them break traffic laws (Source: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-pasadena-school-bus-sting,0,7299116.story). Also, the CHP acknowledged that his signaling was confusing when I told him about it (unfortunately it was too late by then).
Should I fight this ticket in court with my argument? The officer acknowledged he was in the middle giving traffic directions, so it could help my cause. If I can't fight it and win, will this ticket hinder me from getting any jobs (like Postal Office, UPS, Police officer, etc. etc.)? Thanks.
"You were 100% focused on the officer, and COMPLETELY oblivious to the rest of your surroundings"
It wasn't just being focused on the officer - I thought he was guiding traffic, so I even slowed down for him (I was going 25 on a 40). I thought something may have happened or it was a checkpoint (never been in one before).
Not to mention I have other news stories showing that police have distracted people to make them break traffic laws (Source: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-pasadena-school-bus-sting,0,7299116.story). Also, the CHP acknowledged that his signaling was confusing when I told him about it (unfortunately it was too late by then).
Should I fight this ticket in court with my argument? The officer acknowledged he was in the middle giving traffic directions, so it could help my cause. If I can't fight it and win, will this ticket hinder me from getting any jobs (like Postal Office, UPS, Police officer, etc. etc.)? Thanks.
"You were 100% focused on the officer, and COMPLETELY oblivious to the rest of your surroundings"
It wasn't just being focused on the officer - I thought he was guiding traffic, so I even slowed down for him (I was going 25 on a 40). I thought something may have happened or it was a checkpoint (never been in one before).