Got a citation for 21801(a) vc

[bobcanfly]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

I got a citation for 21801(a) vc, fail to yield. I was exiting from a private property at an intersection without traffic light. I was waiting to make a right turn, and waiting the traffic to be clear on my side. After the traffic was clear, a newly appeared police car on the other side was about to make either a u-turn or a left turn. I waited for a second or two, and neither of us moved. I thought the police was trying to be nice and let me turn first, and I thought I was there first anyway. Then, I slowly pulled my car out and turned slightly to the right, and I was still paying a lot of attention to my left to see if there was any car coming. At the same time, the police made a quick sharp U-turn. Seeing that, I made a quick break, and the front of my car was barely touching the edge of the rightmost lane, and then I let the police car went first. After that, the police pulled me over and cited me 21801 (a) vc.

Should I request a trial? Any chance of wining?

 

[CdwJava]

There's always a chance. Though, if you go to trial and lose, you may lose the option of traffic school. But, if the officer does not show, you could win by default.

It's a gamble.

 

[bobcanfly]

There's always a chance. Though, if you go to trial and lose, you may lose the option of traffic school. But, if the officer does not show, you could win by default.

It's a gamble.

Am I really doing something wrong there?

 

[CdwJava]

Am I really doing something wrong there?

This is the offense:

21801(a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.

I was not there so I cannot say what the officer observed and will testify to. But, if he can articulate the elements of the offense, then you'll likely lose.