[Calbullet]

Just received this from a friend on the force,

1. CVC section 21809 is a valid and enforceable violation. In summary, drivers must do ONE of the following:
(1) Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or DOT vehicle, if safe.

(2) If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed.......

However, the fine is only $50, imposed by the state (plus local and county assessments), totaling about $125-150. It's certainly not going to be anywhere near the alleged $754 as stated below.

2. Also, being that 21809 is a moving violation, it will only be "1" point on the driving record that drops off after 3 years from the conviction date, again not "3" points as exaggerated below.

3. As far as "mandatory court appearance," the violation is an infraction, so it can easily be kept off the driving record by paying the fine and taking an "on-line" traffic school for $20 bucks.

(What the writer doesn't say is that his $754 fine and 3 points probably included driving on a suspended driver's license which is "2" points and costs about $600 including county assessments.) Driving on a suspended license is a "misdemeanor" which requires a "Mandatory Court Appearance." Don't believe half the garbage on the internet.