What are you supposed to do when you get a speeding ticket???

[RebeccaV]

A friend got a travel award yesterday which was a bummer, but it made me wonder what I should do should the unthinkable occur and I am presented with one.

I've heard some people say to go to the nearest phone book and call a local lawyer, and I've known people who show up and try to at least get the points/fee reduced themselves. Heck, I even know people who refuse to show up OR pay if the state doesn't have reciprocity with their state...

What's the best strategy? Or do you just pay them and accept the consequences?

[GSTom]

I haven't had a ticket in years, but a couple of my co-workers have. They each hired an attorney, who got the speeding charge changed over to an offense that didn't involve points (faulty equipment or some other bogus charge). They paid a fine similar in size to what the speeding fine would be and paid the lawyer a couple of hundred. They each figured that the extra cost would be offset in the long run by not having the points which adds to their insurance, etc.
There are attorneys who tend to specialize in this type of plea bargaining.

[dancogan]

I've also seen several books on the subject of how to handle speeding tickets. They were in (Aeorstitch's) Rider Warehouse catalog. Might be worth the time to research, although each state, of course, will be different. In addition, there's a big difference between getting a ticket in your home state or a contiguous state, and a state far from where you're licensed. Personally, I just try to avoid the whole award ceremony business by not speeding.

[username]

i got one, paid it, and took defensive driving to have it/the points rubbed from my record. i was raised catholic so i am very comfortable with the sin/penance value system. :D

i think my "went too fast" to "got caught" ratio is about 20,000 to 1. im comfortable with that.

any problem money can solve isn't a problem.

[MarkF]

Were you caught doing something you knew was wrong or were you not wrong or were you ignorant of the law? The best thing to do is try to get out the ticket before it's written. Begging, joking and being nice come to mind.

MarkF

[gambrinus]

Lets see... tall, cute (sorry) redhead that will have about a 99% chance of dealing with a male LEO. You're on your bike so the short skirt thing won't work. That leaves option "B", which is to pull your helmet off and start crying. Try to look as pitifull as possible.. I'd say the odds are in your favor. Good Luck!

RW

[username]

markf triggered another thought... one thing i read, and i think i saw it posted here, is to have your license and insurance BURIED on the bike somewhere. the point is that it should take a long time to get to it, and while youre doing that, youre chatting it up with the cop, and essentially demonstrating that you are a decent person, not a squid, etc etc. also, the key mindset to have is that the cop is in charge and the cop is right. this mindset is easy to develop when youve *really* been speeding.

when i got mine, i had my license and insurance at the ready. mistake. then the cop comes back after writing it up, and i remove my helmet, we chat it up for something like 10 minutes, about all sorts of stuff. by the end, we're laughing our heads off over something, slapping each other on the back like old friends. we were there for a long time! (the whole time im thinking about all the stats of cars running into cops during stops, and worrying we're both going to get waxed.) so i finally say, 'hey man i gotta get going.' and he says, 'you know, im really sorry i wrote you that ticket. youre the kind of guy that i dont like to see get them, you seem like a good person, with a good attitude. it's too late though, it's in my book.' and i laughed and said it was no problem. (again, ive gotten away with all kinds of stuff, so i'm still way ahead of the game.) but after reading the above advice, i realize i wouldve been able to also take markf's good advice, and probably avoid it at the scene.

the other thing i thought of was that i prolly couldve counted on him to not show up for court that day, and i could have skated. but i didnt want to bend his integrity, nor mine. i sped. i got caught. i took my punishment.

oh well. im happy either way. life's too short to let a speeding ticket, a couple of felony convictions, and three self-inflicted gunshot wounds ruin it.

[BradfordBenn]

Then there is my approach.... Slow poke an proud of it. I just don't get 'em. :stick

However talking with an officer that pulled me over last year cause he thought my HyperLights were cool and wanted to know where to get some for his bike. I stopped the bike. Turned off the bike. Placed the side stand down, took off the helmet and plugs, and then let both hands dangle at myside. That way he could tell I was not going to be getting a weapon or end up on world's stupidest police chases.

He came up and said that if I had done that if I was pulled over for "reasonable" speeding he would have given me a warning as he could tell I was not a squid and was respectful of the job and risks of a LEO.

Usually the best idea is to be polite and respectful and not make excuses.

Then again there was the time I got pulled over for doing 75 in a 25 and got a warning, so as you see it does work. Might also help that it was February and 19F out. So he pulled me over more to make sure I was sober than for speeding.:clap

[Braddog]

Pay up and move on.....

UNLESS....

- You've got many tickets, and avoiding another conviction would be really beneficial. Example: you're already missing a whole bunch of points.

- It was some sort of pre-defined trap which was set up on purpose. Example: Speed limits/turn lanes/ etc. were recently changed, and there was a definite "sting" going on.

- You really WEREN'T speeding, and have some way to prove it. Example: GPS.

I agree with the part about being friendly and polite to the officer. I also agree with the post about getting a lawyer and working it. But usually, I weigh the costs of my time to fight it vs. the actual cost of the ticket, and it always works out to just pay the damn thing and move on. I average like 1 ticket every 7-8 years.

[James.A]

I haven't had a speeding ticket since I sold my R1100RS. I got one on the R75/5(dirtycycle) but the officer could have given me bunches. He chased me 6 miles and I didn't know he was back there. I was just straight up with him and he got a good chuckle out of it. I told him when I was going that fast I didn't feel the need to check my mirrors. Wrote me for 50 in a 40. He DIDN'T write me for 85 in a 55, reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, or a host of other appropriate offenses.

Most officers are reasonable and I think the courteous approach is well recieved. The best bet is like Mark F says; trying to negotiate your way out of it. After you are issued, resistance is expensive and usually futile.

[Rich]

The first thing you need to find out is if there are any points involved. I think in ND, you need to be going 10 over before points kick in. If they don't give you points, it won't show up on your driving record. It makes it pretty easy to just pay the fine and move on. I don't know if that is how it works in other states, it probably varies, but a couple of points can quickly be erased by taking a defensive driving course, as username mentioned. I always figured if the speeding wasn't serious enough to involve getting some points, then why was it so essential to pull me over in the first place, but I have had two of them in the last 3 years that went that way.

[gambrinus]

One more point (no pun intended) is that the days of getting a ticket in state "A" and not having it show up back home are over. Only TWO states are not on the national system..(bet you wish I'd tell you what two)... Others were talking about it at the rally and since neither one of them was Colorado, I didn't make a note of them. I just try to keep it within 15mph of the limit and not be the fastest thing on the road at any time/place. I figure that as long as I'm getting passed every few minutes, the odds are in my favor.

RW

[Gizmo]

Assuming there was not an error on the part of the officer and you were indeed speeding I think the best policy is to fess up. Ya gots to pay to play. Having said that, some states offer the opportunity to take a defensive driving class that will keep points off your record and not be reported to the insurance company. In Arizona where I live, I just took said course to settle my recent performance award. The class cost less than the ticket and as I said no points an my insurance company will not be notified. The down side is I cannot take the class again for two years. I would think hiring an attorney would be more costly than paying the fine or taking the class. This might be a good route for someone whose ticket is very questionable or whose got a a boat load of tickets to their record. At the time of getting a ticket the officer should provide you with a info sheet that gives all your options and how to go about it.
As far as the actual procedure at the side of the road, it is usually best to be polite, respectful and unless you were not actually speeding and you being pulled over is the result of a mistake I would if asked, agknowledge your speed and apologize for it Keep in mind most officers have probably heard every excuse in the book. I also make it a point to take off my helmet and when the officer asks for my information, explain where it is on my person and if it is ok I will reach for it. This has gotten me off with verbal and written warnings before, but did not work this last time. It all depends on the officer and the mood he/she is in.

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by gambrinus
That leaves option "B", which is to pull your helmet off and start crying. RW
:rofl
Originally posted by username
oh well. im happy either way. life's too short to let a speeding ticket, a couple of felony convictions, and three self-inflicted gunshot wounds ruin it.
:huh
I've heard of keeping your license and insurance info buried but had forgotten that - good advice. I've also thought of telling the officer that my RS is new to me and that I am not used to fuel injection (I know, I know - it's weak....). In any case I think that I'll use gambrinus' option "B" only as a last resort!

[knary]

Originally posted by boxergrrlie
:rofl

:huh
I've heard of keeping your license and insurance info buried but had forgotten that - good advice. I've also thought of telling the officer that my RS is new to me and that I am not used to fuel injection (I know, I know - it's weak....). In any case I think that I'll use gambrinus' option "B" only as a last resort!

Where have I been? You got an RS? Congrats. :thumb

As for burying your paperwork, I now keep my paperwork in my wallet so that I don't have to unstrap a week's worth of gear when the officer insists on seeing my registration. They've always insisted on seeing everything and having your crap strewn around the side of the road *sucks*.

But maybe things are different back east? :dunno

[snoone]

Having once owned a Porche 911, I have a lot of experience with being pulled over and getting the old familiar license and registration speech. I always managed to get the tickets reduced to an non point offense such as faulty speedometer etc without the benefit of a lawyer. Always check the box on the ticket that says supporting deposition requested if there is one.. 9 out of 10 times the officer is too lazy to do the paperwork to mail the proof to you.. When you get to court, just bring up the point that you requested the supporting deposition and it was never sent or received. The summons will be excused.. and you will live to speed another day... Knock on wood, I've never been stopped on the GS.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by knary
Where have I been? You got an RS? Congrats. :thumb


We had to guilt her into giving us the details, but check them out at http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3384

[dlearl476]

>A friend got a travel award yesterday...

Hey, we AIN'T falling for that one BG. I'll tell ya what YOU need to do...
Google for speeding tickets, lots of info from LEO's and Lawyers about how to beat the rap.
A lot of states will simply not report the infraction on completion of a traffic school. Only one "get out of jail free card", usually every six months to two years depending on state though.
If you're not borderline loosing your license that seems to be the easiest route.
If you are, there are lots of strategies. A lot of times the LEO simply won't show up. Once or twice and your right to a speedy trial has been violated (Judges are every bit as "understanding" of LEOs wasting their time as offenders).
If it's REALLY critical, there is lots of info regarding questioning the officers radar reading (calibration, method of use etc.) In fact, at last weeks EMO (EuroMotoOwners) breakfast, a LEO in the group said that Radar was ineffective at any angle other than 90 degrees. SO... if the LEO was pointing at your approach (most often the case) the reading was innacurrate.

Lastly, the MOST IMPORTANT point in fighting a speeding ticket is NEVER, EVER, EVER admit ANYTHING:
LEO: "Do you know why I pulled you over?" or
"Do you know how fast you were going?"
BG: "Why no officer, is m, m, my tail light out?"
;)

[lorazepam]

I have ridden with you BG, and if this is the first one, pay it and move on:bliss . I usually dont mess with fighting a speeding ticket. I was a LEO for 8 years, and if being polite and courteous doesnt work, well I deserve about 100 tickets for every one I get.
Being an RS owner, you will have to get used to being pulled over, it is just too smooth at speed to not get caught once in a while

[roadcrave]

What if you overpay your speeding ticket by 5 or 10 dollars, they then are forced to balance the books by issuing you a check back , and you never cash there check and your points dont go up for the matter stays pending till the books clear???? heard about this and do not know if it really works, but it might be worth a shot...matthew

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by dlearl
Hey, we AIN'T falling for that one BG. I'll tell ya what YOU need to do...
Honest - it wasn't me!!! I really am just doing research for what is probably inevitable. I appreciate everyone's great suggestions.

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by roadcrave
What if you overpay your speeding ticket by 5 or 10 dollars, they then are forced to balance the books by issuing you a check back , and you never cash there check and your points dont go up for the matter stays pending till the books clear???? heard about this and do not know if it really works, but it might be worth a shot...matthew

I have heard of this from someone who works in a court system. It makes sense, never tried it, but it would be worth a try. My question is why not pay $3.00 over, $10.00 over seems excessive?

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by gambrinus
Lets see... tall, cute (sorry) redhead that will have about a 99% chance of dealing with a male LEO. You're on your bike so the short skirt thing won't work. That leaves option "B", which is to pull your helmet off and start crying. Try to look as pitifull as possible.. I'd say the odds are in your favor. Good Luck!

RW

I'm with Gambri....you're way too cute to get a ticket. And add to the fact you're cute AND riding a motorcycle, that cop will be stopping you to ask you out, not give you a summons. But, if the unimaginable happens (say you're stopped by a FEMALE officer) then I say overpay the ticket by $5. That's what I did in 2000 when I got my last violation. I eventually received a $5 check in the mail, which I still have, uncashed. My $5 investment kept the summons from clearing the municipal books and ever being forwarded to the NJDMV, thus keeping any points off my license and unaffecting my insurance rates, too. I gave up my right to plead in court as well as any hope of getting the fine reduced, etc. But I figured spending a little more money in the long run would be the thing to do, especially if it kept my insurance rates from going up. BTW, I got a ticket for driving the wrong way down a one-way street while I was lost in Newark one day. Here I am tooling down the street and I stop at a red light....a car turns the corner and almost runs right into me facing the other way.....it happened to be a cop. That sucked. I got the last laugh, though!!:clap

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by Gizmo
I have heard of this from someone who works in a court system. It makes sense, never tried it, but it would be worth a try. My question is why not pay $3.00 over, $10.00 over seems excessive?

Urban Legend. If you hear these things that sound too good to be true - it's always worth looking at www.snopes.org - they keep track of them.

Best,

[Braddog]

A friend and long time BMW owner told me that....

RS = Speeding tickets

That goes for the airhead RS's as well as the oilheads. I know Boxergirlie said it WASN'T her, but I'm just sayin'....

[trmptrmrk]

Here's my favorite take on the subject (http://www.cockeyed.com/lessons/court/traffic_court.html)

It's not that expensive to have a "traffic law center" type place "fix" it. Someone mentioned hiring a lawyer for a couple hundred bucks, but I think it cost me about $60 to keep my insurance rates static.... They go in and plea bargain it down to a non-moving violation for a modest fee.

I can't even imagine telling a student "alright, if you plead guilty to something other than cheating you'll only lose ten points rather than get a zero... and I won't tell your parents."

[username]

Originally posted by Braddog
I know Boxergirlie said it WASN'T her, but I'm just sayin'....

well now she can give all this advice to her "friend."

:D

[Bob_M]

Last time I got a ticket I was toodling along I-5 at a nearly legal speed and I passed a Volvo station wagon with a 12 year old boy pressing his face against the glass to look at my bike. It struck me as appropriate to show off and I goosed it up to 95. The cop on an overpass saw the whole thing. When he inquired what the *@!? I was doing I just told the truth. I was let off with a warning.:clap

[LTOwner]

As much as I dislike ambulance chasers, I would advise getting one. Got a speeding ticket on the bike a year and a half ago. Paid a lawyer $300 and a $100 fine for a non moving violation. I have my bike insurance where my daughter in law works, and she said my premium would more than double if I had gotten the speeding ticket, and this is not for just one year either. Much cheaper to pay up front for the lawyer. Much, much cheaper in the long run.

[jgr451]

As a lawyer,I can confirm that most are not ambulance chasers.It is a shame that the power of the US media has produced the result that the American people is willing to demean this ancient and honourable profession.
I have not had a ticket for over 20 years.Lucky me!Not that I have never earned one..If I am stopped I am polite,cooperative and respectful.I produce my papers and avoid making admissions in a way that is consistent with courtesy to the LEO and my right against self incrimination.If the matter at hand were doubtful I would contest the ticket and show up in court.If I felt I would need help,I would hire a lawyer.Since I don't know any ambulance chasers,I would have to find someone who handled traffic tickets.And if he was successful in deflecting the consequences of my stupidity away from me,in whole or in part,I would say thank you,and I would refrain from making ignorant comments about lawyers.

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by foobeemer
I'm with Gambri....you're way too cute to get a ticket. And add to the fact you're cute AND riding a motorcycle, that cop will be stopping you to ask you out, not give you a summons. But, if the unimaginable happens (say you're stopped by a FEMALE officer) then I say overpay the ticket by $5. That's what I did in 2000 when I got my last violation. I eventually received a $5 check in the mail, which I still have, uncashed. My $5 investment kept the summons from clearing the municipal books and ever being forwarded to the NJDMV, thus keeping any points off my license and unaffecting my insurance rates, too. I gave up my right to plead in court as well as any hope of getting the fine reduced, etc. But I figured spending a little more money in the long run would be the thing to do, especially if it kept my insurance rates from going up. BTW, I got a ticket for driving the wrong way down a one-way street while I was lost in Newark one day. Here I am tooling down the street and I stop at a red light....a car turns the corner and almost runs right into me facing the other way.....it happened to be a cop. That sucked. I got the last laugh, though!!:clap

See: http://www.snopes.com/autos/law/ticket.asp

[Burnszilla]

Flying up I-5 near Mt. Shasta earlier this year with my radar detector on. A CHP car spotted me speeding past the CHP station on the opposite side of the freeway. I was pulled over 4 miles down the road for going 78 in a 65. I thought I had shaken him but he went down an exit and followed me north and caught up with me. As soon as I pulled over, I unplugged my detector and threw my gloves on top of it. He didn't notice it.

The CHP asked, "Why were you speeding? I came to get you and you didn't even slow down after seeing me."

I said, "I was looking at the mountain and lost track of my speed."

"All the better for you to slow down and enjoy the view. All you motorcyclists have to speed! What do I have to do, to stop you from speeding?" he replied.

I quickly responded, "You can give me a warning!?"

I was soon on my way without a ticket.
:clap

[Jim Shaw]

Hi RV,

I think I've ducked two valuable awards in the last three years by having a plausible excuse. One was in the great State of Washington. I had passed a group of cages that all speeded up when I tried to pass. I passed anyway. When a trooper came over the hill toward me, I knew I was had. I looked down and the clock said 90. That's a little over 80 in the real world. Sure enuf, flashing lights.

Trooper turns around while I find a nice level parking spot; comes up behind, radios. I pull off my hat and look innocent and not dangerous. He does the usual thing - "Do you know... ?" I didn't know. Iasked him, "Is it typical for drivers around here to speed up when you try to pass them?" He blinks and says yes. Reason for speeding is established, belive it or not.

He says "but, ya gotta slow down after you pass them." I say, "yeah, well I was just trying to get a little distance between me and them."

He buys it; gives me a warning for 82 in a 55. Not bad.

Happened again once at Branson, when I had to cage it. That time, I think it was 82, too. Maybe 55 or 65 limit. He says, where are you going in the big hurry? I told him a bunch of motorcycle friends are having lunch at the trout farm up the road, and I'm late. He writes me a warning for 82 mph - in a Buick.

When I got to the lunch place, Voni told me he'd just been there, and was chatting up all the riders - just before he pulled out and stopped me.

The moral of my story is to give the LEO a plausible excuse for your scofflaw behavior. If he buys a little of it, he may buy that you aren't a chronic offender.

Of course, if he checks your record and finds you're wanted in eight states, your tender ass is probably toast.

Jim Shaw

[ian408]

My understanding is that the cops can't search what's not
in plain site. If you have to dig through cases or bags
to find your registration, etc. You are opening yourself to a
search of your belongings.

An example would be keeping my wallet in my 'stich. If all
I have to retrieve is my wallet, then the tank bag and side
cases are off limits as far as a search goes.

Further, if you have to dig, then the officer is placed in a
more precarious position because he/she does not know
what you have stashed in there so it creates a safety
question. The more you can do to help the officer believe
you are not a threat, the better off you'll be. Not to mention
you'll spend less time on the side of the highway (which is
not exactly a safe place for either of you).

Just my opinion but I'm with Knary on this one. Wallet's the
best place.

Ian

[JetDoc]

Originally posted by Jim Shaw
I think I've ducked two valuable awards in the last three years by having a plausible excuse. One was in the great State of Washington. I had passed a group of cages that all speeded up when I tried to pass. I passed anyway. When a trooper came over the hill toward me, I knew I was had. I looked down and the clock said 90. That's a little over 80 in the real world. Sure enuf, flashing lights.

Trooper turns around while I find a nice level parking spot; comes up behind, radios. I pull off my hat and look innocent and not dangerous. He does the usual thing - "Do you know... ?" I didn't know. Iasked him, "Is it typical for drivers around here to speed up when you try to pass them?" He blinks and says yes. Reason for speeding is established, belive it or not.

He says "but, ya gotta slow down after you pass them." I say, "yeah, well I was just trying to get a little distance between me and them."

He buys it; gives me a warning for 82 in a 55. Not bad.

What the trooper didn't mention is that it is legal in the state of Washington to exceed the posted speed limit in order to pass slower traffic on two-lane highways. :wow

[The_Veg]

Her in TexSux if you are pulled over, you WILL get the ticket. I recently took one to court as I am trying to get my insurance down (I'm the unlucky speeder who'll get nailed while I'm being passed!).
The trooper DID show up, along with a State's Attorney, and the trooper was carrying a stack of evidence including a VHS cassette that I figured was probably the video from the patrol car's camera, complete with radar readout across the bottom of the screen. I was crestfallen when the trooper and judge gretted each other like old fishing buddies.
I instantly ditched my fire-and-brimstone speech and begged the court's mercy, claiming that I am trying hard to change my ways. The small-town judge thought I seemed like a decent young man and gave me deferred adjudication- pay the full fine, rounded up to the next hundred to cover court costs, and complete a driver safety course in the next thirty days. State gets what it wants (my money), I get what I want (no points), everybody goes home happy.

[jgr451]

Lucky you Veg.
Sounds like you exercised good judgement.
Which,BTW is 1.uncommon and 2.what you pay lawyers to do.