Speeding Ticket

[lbheat]

Yup i knew it was coming but kinda weird how they caught me. Going the usual speed after work (1-2am) and out of nowhere i just see lights flashing like at least 30 car links behind me (real far away). I know i was doing 95-98. On the ticket he wrote 80+ but didnt write any radar equipment used even though he said "i clocked you going 90". He messed up on writing the time he stopped me, he put 1:05PM instead of 1:05AM idk if that makes a difference lol.

And yes speeding is not a good thing but when the I-10's 6 lanes are open with no cars in sight then you kinda just don't feel that speed.
So yeah this happened in Upland, Ca. Whats your thoughts on this? He let me off the hook by putting me at 80+ and not the 90 he said. Then again I'm skeptical on how he gauged me going that fast if he was like 1/4 of a mile away from me?

[RipperFox]

1. Visual estimation.
2. Paced you
3. Stop watch of know distance. Thats how they VASCAR you.

Radar is for verification only. and yes, they can write you a ticket on visual estimation of speed.

[Big Brunsy]

just consider yourself lucky he didn't take your lisence on the spot and pay the fine.

[SILVERHAWK]

Sounds like he paced you. Thats the way I write it when I do it. He most likely pegged his speed @ 80 and watched you keep pulling away from him thus you are over 80 but exactly how far is unknown . Sounds like you got lucky to me. and thanks for not cop bashin'.

[TooCool5]

You at risk if you go 10 over the limit. Stay within that and your OK.

[the upcoming]

Shoulda grabed the ticket then turn to the cop and say well would you just look at this!!!! Just look at it look at this look at that just LOOK at it!!!!!!!!!!!

[CamaroCowboy]

actually the 10 MPH does not work anymore. The best course of action is if you are goiing to speed then go 10% over and not any faster.

[SSdude]

Originally Posted by the upcoming

Shoulda grabed the ticket then turn to the cop and say well would you just look at this!!!! Just look at it look at this look at that just LOOK at it!!!!!!!!!!!

lol

[alab32]

Yup... Sounds like you are pretty lucky; could have been much worse. There are many ways the officer could have pegged your speed. And I am with SILVERHAWK, thanks for not cop bashing.

[shroomjohn]

9 your fine 10 your mine thats what I was taught good luck. Lawyer is usually your out but a lot of times you dont need them shop around good luck.

[2ndgenz28]

Originally Posted by lbheat

Yup i knew it was coming but kinda weird how they caught me. Going the usual speed after work (1-2am) and out of nowhere i just see lights flashing like at least 30 car links behind me (real far away).

Should of cut the lights and nailed it

[Skyblu]

I don't know what your laws are out there but here in florida cop car speedometers have to be tested every six months for accuracy for "pacing purposes" if they will be issuing tickets same for radar guns. This is what my husband does for a living testing the cars for accuracy he gives them a certificate showing speeds from 15-90 mph and noting the difference if any, I believe it can be no more than 3 mph off to pass + or -. So here in florida if you get a ticket and you think you were not going as fast as they say you were you go to court and ask to see their updated certificate for radar and or speedometer and if they can't produce and up to date form you win they lose.

[lbheat]

Originally Posted by SILVERHAWK

Sounds like he paced you. Thats the way I write it when I do it. He most likely pegged his speed @ 80 and watched you keep pulling away from him thus you are over 80 but exactly how far is unknown . Sounds like you got lucky to me. and thanks for not cop bashin'.

Yeah makes sense. I've had a clean record for the past 6yrs, so how do you think it might go for me. How are they going to give me a fine since it states 80+ and not a specific speed. Or its up to the discretion of the judge? Hopefully the fine isn't over $500.

No point in cop bashing since I was in the wrong. They have a job and clearly they executed on catching someone. I do consider myself lucky. Working 12hr shifts Mon-Fri can put you in a different state of mind when you drive.

[SILVERHAWK]

As far as a penalty that will depend on your statute in CA. Example: In my jurisdiction I can use a generalized "UNSAFE speed" not quite reckless but too fast either for traffic or weather conditions that way I don't have to testify about locking you in to a specific number. Or I can pin the specific number for Speeding ie., 80 in 65 or 55 zone. Then the fines and costs are usually set to some certain scale-- a base fine and some added cost for each mph over the limit. I am assuming that you have to appear for this since you asked what the judge could or will do to you. I surely hope judges there can't make up there own fines for each case. Someone else on here may be able to better help you with CA traffic law. (We can't get much farther from each other in the lower 48 East Coast/West Coast) I think the 80 + is just so the officer can articulate his citation that you were in excess of that certain speed. I can't see the judge being able to use it to increase the penalty for a number above that because its not known (only by you). Here in DE we don't have mandatory appearances for speeding unless the officer sets it that way. The only reason you go to court here for speeding is if you want a trial or you want to attempt to get it reduced by talking to the officer or prosecutor. Here a 6 yr clean driving record could get you a chance at having the ticket discharged on probation you just end up paying the fine-- no points and no record to DMV, (but you have to ask the judge for this).
If the judge gives you a chance to speak for yourself just tell him that you are sorry for you actions and that now you've learned to set the speed limit warning system on your new car so you'll never end up in front of him/her again. Thats pretty scary when you said I hope the fine isn't over $500.00 holy f@#%! my usual 5 over ticket is $65.60 thats what I reduce everything to on the road if its less than 30 over (i usually don't issue tickets until you are 19-20 over 10-15 in residential).