Speed Traps
 

Guys/Gals

I would like to inquire from the great minds of Pelican again. I recently received a speeding ticket. I really do not like the idea of a speed trap whereby an officer sits with a radar gun in a desginated area and proceeds to to target motorists traveling at an increased rate of speed or higher than a posted limit. So you know I received the ticket going down a hill, ticket states 51 mph in a 35 mph zone (school area). I have driven this area on and off for the past 9 years and the speed limit is not proper for the area.

Please someone explain to me the goal behind a speed trap besides monetary? I don't think that it causes people to slow down. Please also explain to me what rights I have to do something about this. I know I can fight the ticket or I can pay and then go to traffic school but the past day this thing has been bothering me and I would like to hear from you guys.

Why is 35 in a school area not proper? Seems a bit fast to me.

Yep! In a previous session, the Oregon legislature screwed up...writing a 20 mph school zone law in such a manner that it applied 24-7...even at 3:00 AM on a Sunday. It became a HUGE revenue enhancer to many small towns. Hopefully, the current session is correcting that little problem. Nevertheless, don't screw off in school zones...any time gained isn't worth it.

Fight the ticket. Ask for a hearing and explain your side to the judge.
If the officer doesn't show, you win. Check out a thread by Craig911. It has tons of info. Obviously, the laws in your state may vary.
Unfortunately, that is what some officers get paid to do.

I think this book is the ultimate guide on fighting California tickets. Lots you can do; a whole section on speed traps. Obviously you should verify if the trap is legal (it probably is), but you can get out of the ticket if the local authorities don't respond to your requests for information, such as the traffic survey. Also, you can get two shots at fighting it; Trial by Written Declaration, and if you lose, Trial De Novo (court trial).


http://www.nolo.com/graphics/covers/FYT_cvr.gif

My problem is that it was around 4pm. No kids, no traffic, the area was pretty much abandoned and my ticket is for unsafe speed. I was not looking at the speedometer, I was traveling what I deemed safe for road conditions on a decline hill about to downshift to 3rd gear from 4th. I was not driving reckless and it was certaintly not a residental area. The 2 school zone signs are remarkably high and out of direct driver line of sight so I feel this is a trap. I have no problem admitting when I am wrong but this kind of bothers me.

I live on a street with a school zone where kids play in the middle of the street and I would like speed limits to be no more than 30 mph in this area. My dog was hit by a speeding car and nothing is done to protect my area during and not during school hours yet an officer who is supposed to be protecting is sitting writing tickets. Is something wrong with this picture or is this just me?

it seems there are speed traps for $ gain and traps that have a reason to scare the locals into behaving. The locals all know it's a delicate area and are re-docturinated when they see a tourist getting tagged.

fwiw.. as far as I'm concerned the 911 is a target if alone on the road.. and the Palos Verdes peninsular is another fun area.

I'd fight the dam ticket somehow/anyway possible. In the NYC & metro areas it's at least a 50 50 no matter how guilty you are. At least get the message across that it's a bigger pain for them to deal with you than reduce it to a seat belt ticket. Read Steve's book, at least, then contact the Nat'l Motorist Ass for one of their recommended ticket lawyers. You just need the right mechanic.

old story.. I'm hanging with a station wagon filled with returning and redeploying 'Nam vets commuting to Fort Lejune sic. The HP pulls us over 'cause we were moving at big speeds, which we were doing full time anyway. Before the HP gets a chance to say anything to the driver words come from all over.. "I'll take a double cheese and a chocolate shake.".. "Hey, do you have those Woppers or just that Mexican stuff?".. "How old is the coffee before I order?" "That gun's barrel is to long for tunnel work bud." etc etc.. The HP was pissed, the ranting kept coming, laughing was wild, and the ticket was paid within an hr at the local judge's used vacuum tube shop.