Based on the video, I see nothing to substantiate that charge so I’m going to assume you were ticketed for 1128(a). Personally I don’t see anything in the video that in and of itself supports the charge, but you said in the original post “Since I was on autopilot I did not look in my rear view mirror before allowing the car to change lanes, which obviously was a mistake on my part.” If that was said during the traffic stop, or observed by the Trooper, that would certainly meet the criteria. You did commit that offense by your own admission. Changing lanes without looking in your mirrors is an unsafe lane change. Here is the text of 1128(a):
A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
With regard to the situation as a whole, you made a minor, but unsafe lane change and were driving for an extended period of time with your blinker on during a holiday weekend. That is enough reasonable suspicion to stop you to investigate the possibility of a DWI. Had the situation gone differently, the Trooper probably would have let you go with a warning but unfortunately when the Trooper approached without a mask, it devolved into a pissing match between you and her and the other responding troopers that were trying to ascertain whether you were under the influence. I don’t know what the NYSP’s current policy is regarding masks, but it’s definitely something for you or your attorney to look into and go from there. As for the moving violation, hopefully the video is compelling enough that your attorney can get a dismissal. Good luck. Keep us updated.