GK

I spent a good amount of time reading the various threads about speeding tickets couldn't find a consistent answer since every situation is different.

This past Sunday I got my first speeding ticket in my Z06. I got LIDAR'ed doing 83 in 65. Also got cited for window tint. CHP in California.

I did the crime, now I gotta pay the fine. Here comes the but......

I am however trying to figure out what is my best recourse with the court/legal system. I want to use our legal system to the best of my ability.

- Pay the fine and take a class online?
- Show up in court and ask for a reduced sentence?
- Use one of those online ticket busters that use Trial by Written Declaration? (I looked up a lot of them and they got horrible reviews on Yelp and other review sites).

What do my fellow C5'ers and LEO's suggest?

OkieBikerDude

Pay the fine, take the online class and purchase a quality radar detector.

OBD

209TIME!!!

Go to court, get traffic school, slow down

JETninja

At least go to Court, in my experience they always reduce the Traffic School or Payment by 50%...at least her in SoCal.

But having a decent radar detector and eye scan can go a long way to not getting tickets. Mine picks up (the only Radar signal used in CA these days) Ka from well over a mile away, though instant on can get you if its a long deserted road. (if other cars you'll get warning when the cop triggers them)

Laser is what can get you though. I mount my detector up high next to the Mirror (with a power cord right there) with the idea its the best place to catch any laser light scatter over the top of a vehicle in front of me and giving me some warning...

GK

Funny you mention radar detector (I have a Beltronics RX65 Pro). I got LIDAR'ed about three years ago doing 72 in a 65. CHP again. He let me go with a warning.

My radar detector went bonkers letting me know I was being "lasered." It scared the bejesus out me as I never heard the laser tone other than during the power up cycle when it plays all the tones.

In this case, my radar detector made no notification that I was lasered.

....... If I go to court and request traffic school, am I still able to take it online or am I committing myself to a full 8 hour in-person class?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JETninja

I mount my detector up high next to the Mirror (with a power cord right there) with the idea its the best place to catch any laser light scatter over the top of a vehicle in front of me and giving me some warning...

Thanks for the tips, Jet! I have my radar detector mounted at the exact same spot. To the immediate right of the mirror and power is tapped into the mirror as well.

Xx_Black-out

What was the fine/points? Is it worth going to court over?

Camjamsdad

depends on your finances. if you're doing ok get an attorney who handles tickets in that jurisdiction. you'll always get a better deal but it will cost more in the long run. going to court without an attorney usually ends up costing more because you usually get the maximum fine along with court costs. paying the fine and taking an online course is the easy way out and slightly cheaper sometimes.

my only run in with california hipo didn't go well. i got nailed outside of calabasis and a second car arrived. i was doing 85 in a 55. thought i'd get a ticket then run back to texas and not pay squat. well the second car followed and the first car led me straight to court where after 2 hours of waiting i got to see ms. judge. end result was pay 265. now or off to jail. do you take visa? why yes we do. end of story

sorry about the no caps i posted from my phone

Silverbullet00

V1 here. I don't go faster than traffic most of the time. The V1 has saved me many times even so. Longest rural highway warning - 7 miles from the first cheep,,,,if you are running alone and they hit you with laser,,,nothing will save you,,,all the rest types of radar the V1 gives you a chance and tells you where it is coming from as well.


Deserved many,,,gotten "0"

GK

I don't know, yet. Got popped this past Sunday.
With respect to finances, I would rather pay to not have points and have my insurance premiums go up. You’re saying that an attorney will be more expensive in the long run but also going without an attorney will also cost a lot due to maximum fines.

What is your preference if finances were not an issue?

I was actually looking up attorneys that deal with speeding infractions that are based out of the same city as the court. I figured it might be more cost effective if the attorneys deal with this regularly and are nearby the court. Maybe that’s a pipe-dream, but I’m still at the Googling stage.

Vetteriffic

you speed and don't get caught but if you get caught....pay the fine and make it a learning experience...never ever speed alone...go with the bunch.....hell even a wilda beast figured that one out....be safe and save $$$$$ we all have a heavy foot.....just pick your moments...have fun...play safe.....

Tastee Twirl

Feel glad you were not going faster.

Xx_Black-out

Oh that sucks. When you get a ticket over here it will have the fine and points listed

GK

That's eerily comforting.

Vetteman Jack

This.

GK

Just checked my mail: registration is due along with a SMOG certificate.

$202 isn't that bad. Smog is only $30 bucks even out here.

JETninja

In my experience yes....you can still choose what type depending on the County. OC just starting allowing online like 5 years ago....

jrose7004

Throw yourself on the mercy of the court!

Ikester

98% of the time you dont ask, you just show up and the prosecutor will reduce the violation for you. Ive had speeding tickets downgraded to obstruction of traffic no points.

Be ready to pay, all they want is money.

Ikester

that leads to guaranteed increase in insurance!

Qwik01

I always pay mine online.