Speeding ticket question

[BaneTheBrawler]

wait, some states DON'T do the registration sticker thing? I've only lived in WI and MN, and both have it on the plates. I just assumed that was standard everywhere. The stickers are even color-coded so that the officer can easily tell if yours is up-to-date. I've gotten pulled over for having out-dated stickers, but I just told him they were in the mail and he let me off with a verbal warning. It helped that they were actually in the mail, and that it was my parents' car, so I wasn't on the spot for anything.

But yeah, they still say "License and registration, please." but none have ever actually asked for the paperwork for the registration when I failed to produce it (having already given them my license and insurance info).

[Tyrath]

First off, it's HIGHLY unlikely that you will be fined for the registration if you can prove that you were registered the day you were pulled over.

DON'T JUST PAY THE FINE! Laws vary based on your state, but you're much better off hiring a traffic lawyer for about $200-300 to have them drop your ticket. 20 over in many states is reckless driving, and just about every state it is 6 points on your driving record. The hike in your insurance when you renew it will far exceed the price you will pay for lawyer + fees. If your driving record is clean, a lawyer can get that ticket dropped to a simple moving violation (or get it dropped completely if the judge is empathetic) which will save you tons of money.

Proof~ in WA state 20 over is reckless driving and they can impound your car and revoke your license as a maximum punishment (also possible jail time). NY state the ticket price is up to around $300 and NY state penailzes you with a $100/year fee which goes up if you get more tickets. So just using NY as an example, you will fork over $600 alone over 3 years not taking into account insurance (insurance records follow you for 3 years also, generally). I would personally hire a lawyer.

Not so sure about that. I didn't get a reckless driving charge from it. Just a normal speeding violation. I live in Massachusetts

[Tyche]

Did you check on a deferral? You can avoid court, lawyers, et al by simply signing a piece of paper. I'm about 99% sure you'll qualify. If you don't know who to contact, call around. It's worth 10 minutes of your time.

[Tyrath]

I haven't yet. I can't seem to find anything about it in MA on the internet. I'll try calling around when I get the chance. I know the traffic school dismissal is not an option in this state, not sure about deferrals.

Also, according to the point system for my state:

"You get a free pass on the first non-criminal minor traffic violation, which will not be subject to a surcharge. After that, the points start to rack up."

So I think I'm safe as far as the insurance goes even if I end up paying the ticket. But I'll still look into the deferral if I can.

[jmc]

I haven't yet. I can't seem to find anything about it in MA on the internet. I'll try calling around when I get the chance. I know the traffic school dismissal is not an option in this state, not sure about deferrals.

Also, according to the point system for my state:

"You get a free pass on the first non-criminal minor traffic violation, which will not be subject to a surcharge. After that, the points start to rack up."

So I think I'm safe as far as the insurance goes even if I end up paying the ticket. But I'll still look into the deferral if I can.

You can not defer a ticket in MA when it comes to speeding.

what was put on the ticket when it comes to calculating speed? Lidar......radar.....visual estimate (troopers love visual estimates here in MA)

[Tyche]

That's kind of fucked up MA doesn't to Ddeferral adjudication for first time offenders. Then again, they do have a health system to pay for. No point penalty is a sufficient compromise I suppose.

[Tyrath]

You can not defer a ticket in MA when it comes to speeding.

what was put on the ticket when it comes to calculating speed? Lidar......radar.....visual estimate (troopers love visual estimates here in MA)

He checked off Posted, LIDAR, and estimated. Wasn't really sure what was up with that lol

[WahiGuard]

It depends on the state honestly. I know in Delaware you're pretty much fucked no matter what you try to do, but in Pennsylvania you could probably get it taken off.

Hey I`m from Delaware too, let's be friends!

[jmc]

He checked off Posted, LIDAR, and estimated. Wasn't really sure what was up with that lol

Checked Lidar, and estimated because Lidar is a estimate of your speed, not exact.

[shaddix]

Checked Lidar, and estimated because Lidar is a estimate of your speed, not exact.

Is this really so?

[jmc]

Is this really so?

Its more of a cover your ass when in court..... So many variables when it comes to Lidar to be exact

[seppuku-gb]

I didn't say 20 over is always reckless. Many states do consider it reckless driving though (WA and PA do). You should never just pay the ticket though. There is always some other option. At the minimum you can say you're guilty and plead extenuating circumstances to get the judge to drop the price of the ticket. I forgot to mention that violations in work zones are usually double, just like school zones.

You should also call your insurance and get a quote on renewing your premium w/ that ticket on your record, you'll probably be surprised.

[jmc]

Forgot to say, you get 2 chances to plead your case in MA.

First hearing is in front of a court magistrate, and a representative from the state police.

If you lose that hearing, you can go in front of a judge after paying a fee (either $30 or $50). If you go before the judge, the trooper that wrote the citation needs to appear.

[Ikith]

Get an attorney. Plain and simple