How to fight a ticket?
 

So last night I got a ticket for unsafe lane changing, the officer said I didn't have my signals on but my friend saw me use them (I changed into in front of him) anyways I've never fought a ticket before so I was just wondering if anyone could give me some tips.

much thanks appreciated

Dispute it in a court?

What else...

Go to ICBC.
Tell them that you want to fight the ticket.
Have all of your evidence ready (ie: make sure your friend is willing to go to court for you).
File a request for officer's notes and all related evidence (did the officer have a dash cam recording that incident?).
????????????
Profit

Thanks will do tomorrow
if my friend is not able to make it to the date is a signed written description of what happened good enough?

It will most likely have to be a notarized testimony, but the officers here will probably be more helpful in terms of what will be helpful re: why he can't come to court.

just request for an adjournment?
witness not being able to make it is a good enough reason.

also your friend can attend via phone.

There is more to "unsafe lane change" than just not signalling. Is that the wording on your ticket? Read the section for which you were charged under the motor vehicle act to better understand what it is you are alleged to have done wrong. Also, you are required to keep your signal on before initiating the lane change and all the way until you have fully completed the lane change (think back to your road test).

Depending on where the matter is to be heard, your friend may have to appear in person.
Posted via RS Mobile

Turning your turn signal on does not magically grant you power to force others to permit you to change lane. You cannot interfere with outher traffic either. If the other vehicles do not change their driving to accomodate you, then you must wait until it is safe. Mirror, signal, side mirror, blind spot....then if it is safe you may start to change lane.

Like sho said, if you have a witness then they will very likely have to appear and be subject to cross examination by the Crown when their testimony is given.

he has no proble with coming im just worried in case its booked when he is at work or is busy, but the officer said that I failed to use lights when I did

What is the charge written on the ticket? Thats what matters, moreso than what he said roadside, because that is what must be proven in court.
Posted via RS Mobile

I can just go to the Motor vehicle branch to dispute my ticket? got one the other week and the officer told me he forgot to put my plate number down on purpose so I will get off when I dispute it...

Why even write me a ticket in the first place then :rukidding:

The plate not being written down isnt essential/needed for a conviction.
Posted via RS Mobile

Going to the Motor vehicle branch to notify them you are disputing is the first step. You still have to attend court. What might happen is the officer will have the ticket returned to him, making your ticket void...

As for the OP, unsafe lane change means a lane change that isn't safe. If it was strictly failing to signal, there is a section for infraction. If you were given an unsafe lane change ticket, he probably observed you changing lanes which was unsafe for a number of reasons, including

- almost colliding with another vehicle

- doing so in an erratic manner

- failing to signal while doing all or one of the above

A lot of drivers will have their signal on but is activated too late or deactivated too early... There are specific infractions for those as well.

Anyways, if you feel like you were wrongly charged, go ahead and dispute it, it is your right, but without your friend's testimony, it will be your word against the officers.