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Spreadem
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 04:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I saw today, and in the past, the need for some ticket advice for those highway Buell racers. The advice has some elements of CA law within, because that's where I lived, but many aspects of it can apply wherever you live.

I worked with the CHP as a civilian for 3 years before I joined the military, and was taught many lessons in life and how they write tickets. Secondly, my current job is to write a ton of 'em, so I've learned some tricks. There's things here I didn't even know until I had a couple of years as an officer. Here goes:

1 Officer's do not have to clock you on radar to stop you for speeding. CA state law allows for any reasonable method in determining speed. This can include timing, pacing and even the simple fact that you appeared to be speeding. This is what's called reasonable suspicion.

2 Probable Cause is the added element of proof of guilt needed to show that the reasonable suspicion was correct. This can be different depending on the method used to determine your speed (which should be annotated on your citation). But never use it against yourself!

Officer walks up and says "How fast were you going?" and you reply "80 in a 60"....you have just sealed your fate. I saw officers do it all the time; they paced or just saw someone looking like they were speeding, but they did not have the exact speed of the offender. You just gave them their probable cause! Say something like "I'm sorry, I was wrong and it is really unlike me to do this", and "Is there any chance you could give me a written warning, if not I'll definitely understand." Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

3 Certification is needed on radar or else it can not be used to write a speeding ticket. CHP officers are not all certified on radar. Almost none of the civilian population knows this, but a CHP officer attends follow-up radar cert classes AFTER graduation. This sometimes occurs months or even a year or two later.

So I'm working with an officer one day with no cert, and he uses it! You know what he did? He clocked people to see their speed, and then after he stopped them he cited them for anything else he could find wrong with the vehicle. Can you see where admitting your speed would play into his game??

ASK to see your speed. The speed is supposed to be locked into the radar when you are clocked. If the officer says no, this can help you in court. Also, radars have a metal tuning fork. When it is knocked on another object, it makes a ping which the radar picks up and translates into speed. A good officer should do this before and after a stop. Ask the officer to demonstrate this for you, and see if the speed on the radar matches the speed on the tuning fork.

4 Was it unusually hot or cold that day?? I'm working one day and clock this guy; he looks like he's doing about 40. Radar came back with 85!! Why? Heater!! Radars pick up air coming out of the car's heat or a/c vents and can sometimes inadvertently translate this into speed. Was the radar mounted in the vehicle or hand-held? Was it inside or outside the vehicle when used? Find out and add it to your arsenal if you end up in court.

5 When stopped, do everything you can to make the experience pleasant for the officer. Turn the lights on in your vehicle if it's dark. Put your hands in a natural position on the steering wheel. Inform him/her before you reach for a pocket or the glove box.

Also, an officer doesn't know if you're Joe Blo from Schmoville, or a dangerous felon. So they are fully within their rights, as well as CA and FED law, to perform a "Terry Search" or pat down before you reach into your pockets. Limitations apply to this, such as they can only pat areas within your immediate reach (belt line, pockets). A pat down in this example would not include taking off your shoes. So if this happens to you, roll with it and stay pleasant, it well might make the difference between warning and no warning.

6 OK, so ticket's written, might as well pay it off, right?? WRONG!! Go to court, always and every time, here's why:

Officer's take vacation and days off. Ex. 1; Officer takes 30 days of vacation a year, which just happens to occur every February when he takes his family skiing and camping in Tahoe. He will not be in court, and when he doesn't show, you're clear. Ex. 2; Your court date is on a Tuesday, which happens to be the officer's day off. Yes he gets paid for coming to court, but will he like it? NO. Now if he is going to be battling 15 drivers that day, he will show, because it's bad business to let that many people go. But let’s say you are the only driver who decides to fight this time around. Sometimes they won't feel one driver is worth their day off and not show up. You're now clear. Ex. 3; Ask for continuances and hope next time he doesn't show up. Also, see if there is an option with the ticket to go to driver's re-training and get the ticket off your record.
7 OK, so that doesn't work and the officer shows up. Be prepared to fight. Document the normal flow of traffic with video if others were going faster, this can show the judge that you were being more prudent than others. Get the officer's certification record from the CHP or whatever other department it is. See if he really was certified and if he had that yearly refresher training! Get the calibration documents from the radar being used. Was it calibrated recently, has it had a history of failure? Go back and see where the nearest speed limit signs were. Was it really far from your location? That can help you. Was it 70 MPH and then changed to 50 MPH two seconds before you were stopped? This is always a no-go and can help you in court. If any method besides radar was used against you, ask the officer to prove it. If you were timed, find out what your time was and how long of a distance it was for. Do the math and see if it works out.

8 All else fails, be polite and make the case that this incident was unusual for you. If you have had a stellar driving record to this point in your life, bring it with you. Most judges will cut your fine or if you're lucky dismiss it altogether.

Finally, why go through all the trouble? Pay 100 bucks and it goes away right? Not exactly. Depending on your insurance company, your past driving record and what kind of vehicles you own, it is almost ALWAYS beneficial to fight it. A single ticket on your record can affect your insurance rates for up to three years in California, and push you into having to shell out hundreds if not thousands of extra dollars in extra premiums over that long period of time. Play the percentages, and usually you can find a way to win your case or even just get lucky.

Hope this helps all Badwebbers in the future. Be aware I am not liable for what you do with this info. But please, use it to your advantage and good luck out there on the roads!
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Skyguy
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 05:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks spreadem!

Here is my additonal two cents regarding being pulled over on a bike. please tell me if I am wrong on any of these points.

1. Turn off the bike sit up straight turn to face the officer and slowly remove your helmet. I have noticed the this brings down the officers tension level.

2. Keep your paper work in a place that is easy to get to with a minimum of reaching under your clothing.

3. Never admit speed! When asked how fast you were going say something like "obviously fast enough to warrent getting pulled over. Sorry I try not to ride like an . These things are just so smooth I did not notice I had crept up over the limit.

4. Speak as little as possible and try to do nothing to make your self "memorable" to the officer as this will better your chances of a no show. him off and he may pay "extra" attention to your case.

5. Chances are the officer knows if your are going to get a ticket before he hits the lights. But attitude goes a long ways and B.S. excuses just them off.


6. Lots of good protective gear on both you and your passenger may also affect his decision to ticket or warn you. Avoid one piece raceing suits with scruffed up knee pucks!! Try to look protected but conservative. Ricky racer yellow and black ain't condusive to the opps I did not notice story..........

(Message edited by skyguy on January 30, 2006)
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Ryker77
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 08:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

IN Ga once given a ticket you have three options
1 pay the ticket
2 go to traffic court
3 request a jury trial

My cop buddy told me to request a jury trial. Its at least 1-3 years before the backlog can come around. Chance are the DA will drop the charges-- becuase he doesn't want to deal with it.
And chances are the officer might not even be a cop anymore. Or might quit that department and went to a local town or even working for the state.

IMO speeding tickets are for two reasons:
1 to generate revenue ($$$$$$$)
2 to pull over suspected drug runners

I agree with number 2. Its number 1 that gets me.
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Bomber
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 01:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

have grey hair when you remove your helmet --

keep hands visible at all time

politeness breeds politeness

go to court and ask for supervision, if ya loose and get the citation
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Djkaplan
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 02:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Chance are the DA will drop the charges-- becuase he doesn't want to deal with it."

The last moving violation I had in Gwinnett County was dropped when I pled "not guilty". $100 fine dropped to $20 and no points.

Also, when you are at the justice center, there is an escalator with glass sides and a waiting area right below it. You can see right up ladies skirts while you wait for your courtroom to open.

Don't be real obvious while you're doing it..., the place is full of cops.
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Outrider
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When all else fails, beg for traffic school!

Sure, it's a day out of your life, but at least it is somewhat entertaining and you will be amazed at the changes in the law since your last incident.

Additionally, traffic school is a great refresher course that helps you break some bad habits or attitudes you accumulated over the years.

Having attended quite a few of them during my 30 years in So Cal, I learned their value early on. I sincerely wish that other States, especially Wisconsin, would adopt the concept. Most of the drivers around here have accumulated their fair share of bad habits and both they and the folks sharing the road with them would benefit significantly.

Not to mention, the City, County, State still gets the money from the ticket as well as the Traffic School fee. So the perp is out a few more buck, but at least the ticket isn't on his record where it is visible to the insurance companies and he/she is better off in the long run with the refresher/update class.

Just my opinion. YMMV
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Buellin_ri
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 05:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

1. Drop every cop name you ever heard in your life and pray he/she knows one of them. Then proceed to tell them that you and the afore mentioned cop are best friend and are going fishing together on the weekend.

2. Show any form of offical ID (military, fire dept, ect.) and pray he feels the need to cut you a break.

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Bent_mind
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 05:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Dan, tell us you don't have mirrors on your shoes too.
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M1combat
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 05:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Dan, tell us you don't have mirrors on your shoes too."

Oooh... That's a good idea... I never thought of that one ;). J/K. Mostly.
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Mike_bolts
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 06:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If your in Houston join the 100 club. It's a non-profit that supports police officers and fire fighters should they ever be injured or killed on the job. The give you a nice sticker (different color for each year of membership) which you place on your vehicle. It's a little too big for the scooter but they also issue a membership card. I've got about five years worth on each cage.

If you get stopped, the officer will very politely ask you to slow down. I have been told by a Constable directly that he was letting me go because of my membership and thank you for the support.

The club really does great things, no one there get's a salary, it's all for the benefit of the PO and the firemen. I recently upgraded to the life membership.

http://www.the100club.org

(Message edited by mike_bolts on January 30, 2006)
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Spreadem
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 06:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Believe it or not, cops actually think the "police association" stickers are sorta funny. A lot of times the people you see with them just kinda cause you to step back with a confused look and say "huh???" Same thing as a druggie wearing a DARE shirt...lol.

If you're looking for a break from the CHP, a small customized sticker with "KA4993" on your bumper might not hurt. That's the radio callsign/freq for the agency, and most people walking by won't have any clue what it is, except for an officer. A lot of CHP officers will use that code in conjunction with a sticker or some other method to identify themselves to each other. Just be prepared with a decent story if one asks you why you have it!!
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Chasespeed
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 07:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

2. Show any form of offical ID (military, fire dept, ect.) and pray he feels the need to cut you a break.

Be carefull. In an area where there is a base, especially a large one, this can have the adverse effect.

When I am back home, there isnt a base in the area..the cop will usually keep me on the side of the road, and talk to me for a while..but, my time is free when on leave..saved my butt one day..

BUT, you pull that, say, in Norfolk area, yeah, you just garunteed yourself a ticket..for ANYTHING.

SO, in that respect, I say, know and pick you battles...

Chase}
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Buellin_ri
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 07:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Chase, Good call on that.

People who live near or around major bases see military ID's all the time. It loses its affect in these areas.
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Skyguy
Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Spredem, Next beer is on me!
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Ghostrider
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Spreadem,

Any idea what the rule is about headphones on in my helmet? I mean, cars have radios and every cager out there is on the phone, so I figure a little iPod action can't hurt. I'm paying more attention than them anyway and would observe the flashers and sirens when they occur.

Feedback is appreciated.
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Chasespeed
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have heard yes and no...I guess it would depend on where you are, and/or the mood of the officer pulling you over...

Incidently, I use one, on long rides, to break up the monotony of the D&D'd X1 going down the highway for 8 hours....

Have never had my chops busted over it...then again, I had a hard time hearing the old one anyway..mostly just background noise...the new one witht he new helmet speakers...well, we'll see

Chase
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Spreadem
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 03:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Skyguy
Sam Adams or Becks Dark...

Ghostrider

Wearing "headphones" in a manner wear both ears are plugged is a violation of CA V.C. Sec 27400. So an officer would be within his rights to issue a citation in that context.

HOWEVER

The law only specifically prohibits both ears being covered, not a single ear piece. So if you had a Bluetooth headset, two-way, or even a single I-Pod headphone, they would be OK as long as they covered only one ear.

_______________________________________________________
(27400. A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a
headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does
not apply to any of the following:
(a) A person operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined
in Section 165.
(b) A person engaged in the operation of either special
construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any
highway.
(c) A person engaged in the operation of refuse collection
equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs.
(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of
earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate
injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a
manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or
horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.
(e) A person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of
hearing.)
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Angelwild327
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here in South Florida, tickets are just a racket. You get about 30 ads in the mail when you get a citation, some for school, most from traffic ticket lawyers. I bring my ticket to the lawyers office, pay $70 and a couple months later I get a notice saying my case was dismissed. The ticket lawyers take care of just about all offenses, accidents, DUI (not quite so simple), speeding of course and whatever else will get you points. I'm not a big offender, but in 10 years, I've never once had a single point or school, or had to appear in court. I wish I could just give the cop the lawyer's fee at the time and kill two birds with one stone.
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Spreadem
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here's a few other laws MC riders in Cali might want to be aware of:

22362. States it is illegal to go above the speed limit, period, if construction or law enforcement activities are occurring within 400 feet.

22350. No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent.

22348. A person who operates a vehicle on highway at speeds greater than 100 mph may be punished as follows:

1st time: $500 fine, 30 day suspension
2nd time: $750, 6 month suspension
3rd time: $1000, 1 year suspension

And this is before they decide whether to charge you with reckless driving.

41600. Arrest and ticket quotas are illegal!

27801. Your bike can not have a seat that does not allow your feet to touch the ground.

Ferris is in trouble!!
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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 01:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

ouch, that REALLY hurts.

FB
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Spreadem
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 01:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

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Chevysolid
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 03:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mostly Good information here.
I would suggest not to ask for a warning... be polite and DON'T play dumb when you get stopped
"uh what was I stopped for" 95% you know why you were stopped..
Alot of officers know ahead of time if a citation will be issued. It is easier to talk yourself into a ticket than talk your self out of it.

Go ahead and fight the ticket and you might just make the officer's day too. and then ask for a continuance?? You just made me at least 6hrs at time and a half. = more stuff for my bike... If it is my second day off I'll get double time.

The radar (at least in Ohio) does not have to be locked in and you don't have a right to see it if it is. You can argue that in court. If you are courtious than you will probably get to see it.

my .02
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Ryker77
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 03:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

2. Show any form of offical ID (military, fire dept, ect.) and pray he feels the need to cut you a break.

that didn't stop a GSP trooper from harrasing me. Even went so far as to question my wife if I abuse her at home. lots of BS came from his mouth about my military service. The only things I said was yes or no follwed by Sir.

A phone call the next day to GSP state headquarters to request formal complaint charges. And a few weeks later that punk is on dispatch duty for 6 months at dispatch pay. There is a reason why after 14 years in uniform the punk has never gotten promoted. And why I had three stripes (sgt) in 3 years.

Had it been another Marine that had just came back from Iraq it could have gotten real ugly real fast. Most Marines (99.9%) don't allow anybody to show disrespect towards the Marines. Which is why I comlained. That punk is a danger to himself and is not with the high standards of the other troopers I know.
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Buellin_ri
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 06:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)


Even went so far as to question my wife if I abuse her at home


Thats a funny story in a not funny way. The cop sounds like a huge a-hole.



Never bad mouth thew core to a Marine. Not a Marine myself but they are the BEST troop to set foot on my airplane, they always listen and never complain.
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Voltage_vector
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 06:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Buellin_ri, hows the WX in Coventry!
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Buellin_ri
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 06:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cold, hail/rain/slush/snow-ing outside right now. Other than that OK.

How about you, way down south?

(Message edited by buellin_Ri on January 31, 2006)
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Voltage_vector
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 06:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I lied, see my email to you!
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Paint_shaker
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 06:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Use the following tatics and you will most likely talk yourself into a ticket;

1. Drop every cop name you ever heard in your life and pray he/she knows one of them. Then proceed to tell them that you and the afore mentioned cop are best friend and are going fishing together on the weekend.

or

"Is there any chance you could give me a written warning..."

If someone "name drops", the officers I know will acknowledge they know the officer or don't know him, and proceed to "please sign here". If the person stopped continues to press the issue, they have been known to hear the following "If you and officer so and so are such good friends, maybe officer so and so will pay your ticket" (man, that's cold).

Asking for a warning is basically saying you committed the violation you were stopped for, but feel you don't deserve a ticket. Remember, the place to contest the ticket is court, not the side of the road.

Attitude is everything. Be polite. If you are not told why you were stopped, or asked if you know why you were stopped, I would not admit to anything. If you TRULY don't know why you were stopped, then ask. Remember to be polite. You clould also possibly deflect the question to something like "did I forget to signal my turn?" This obviously doesn't apply to blantant violations, such as 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, wheelies, stoppies, burnouts and other squidly kinda stuff.

In Florida during the traffic stop, an officer is NOT required to show you your speed reading, how the radar unit works, or his certification.

During court, the officer is not required to bring the unit to court, but only has to provide the certification of the unit and the officer's certification.

Things to keep in mind;

An officer can pace clock you with the patrol car speedo. The officer can do one of three things,

1. Write you a ticket for the actual speed he clocked you at (speedo needs to be certified and the officer will need to show this during court).
2. Write you a ticket for violation of a traffic control device. The traffic control device being the speed limit sign (the speedo does NOT have to be certified to do this).
3. Write you a warning for the speed and a citation for any other violation he observes while you are stopped ie; no motorcycle endorsement, tag violations and/ or equipment violations.

When running radar, an officer is supposed to visually estimate the target vehicle speed, then confirm this estimation with the radar unit's audio doppler tone and visual speed read out.

Make note of where the officer was when he clocked you. The officer MAY not have been in a position to see you and visually estimate your speed before confirming this with radar.

You may be clocked from an aircraft. If this happens, the pilot would also need to appear in court to testify to the what he observed and the certification of his equipment.

As for hoping an officer is on a day off, officers are required to appear (even if only has to appear for 1 violator) in court just as the violator is, and may be held in contempt if he fails to show (don't recall that ever happening though). Court time generally means overtime or a day off some other day.

If available traffic school is the best bet AS IT should keep the ticket off your record.

If you go to court (recommended for minor violations), I have seen violators plead "Guilty with an explanation and ask the judge to withhold the points from your record. Again, this obviously doesn't work for squidly type violations.

Above all remember you are on a public road and no matter how desolate the road may be, it is still a public road and not a race track. Ride safe and ride smart and you should be able to stay out of trouble.

Disclaimer; There are always exceptions to everything. Officers are no different. Some are just jerks, some are forced to meet "unofficial" quotas and others are just plain mean. But most are just doing a job so they can earn a living and support their families.

My 3 cents....
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Buellin_ri
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 07:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The name thing seems to work better the smaller the state.
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Voltage_vector
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 07:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buellin_ri, Then your all set then!
I got bagged a couple years ago on 95 south near 4, Buellin_ri know the place...RI State cop said my plate was dirty. And wrote me up! Ok it was dirty...the bike was spotless, but the plate was adjusted with chain lube and dirt! anyway while in his cruiser, he leans over and says with a lear...I ride a Harley...I was on a 1000R. Never had much luck talking my way out of tickets.
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Cochise
Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 07:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah, usually the cop will say, yeah, I know him he is a p***k.

I had a ticket as a youngster and I asked the cop if it would do any good to tell him who I knew, he said no but you can tell me anyway. I knew the chief, former baseball coach.

Met one cop that had my grandmother as a teacher in elementary, that was actually a pleasant experience.
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Spreadem
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 02:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sometimes the best way to get outta getting a ticket is to be caught riding a Buell. I've heard countless stories of riders turning a traffic stop into a chat session/photo op because the officer liked the bike!

Keep the advice from other states coming, it's interesting to hear how the laws differ.
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Old_bird
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 01:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My story.

I was westbound on a divided 4 lane, posted limit of 70. I was not in any hurry and traffic was light so I was plugging along at 68. Saw a cage overtaking me at a good clip, checked my speedo at 68 and moved to the right side of my lane to give it plenty of room. As it passed me, I saw a red light appear on its dash and the front end of the cage dove from hard breaking. Checked my speedo, 68 again. The cage never slowed enough to drop behind me.

About five seconds later I see an LEO hauling eastbound. After he passes, the cage speeds up and is gone. Some seconds after that the LEO pulls me over. I think "Oh shit, he thinks I was the one speeding."

I pull over, turned off the bike, put the kickstand down, (I didn't take my helmet off as I wear earplugs because of wind noise and my failing hearing) and sat on the bike with my hands resting on the tank.

Sure enough the officer says he clocked me at 78.
With a shocked look, I very nicely stated that something had to be wrong as my speedo said 68. Being nice definitely helped as he expected me to be ticked. It threw him off. He explained where he was stopped and how I was behind the cage when he clocked me. I politely insisted that something had to be wrong as my speedo said 68. As he brought up the other vehicle, I decided to chance mentioning the other vehicle, stating that I checked my speedo as it overtook me. I was not accusatory at all and didn't state what I was thinking that he mistakenly guessed which of the two vehicles was going 78. I stayed very nice during the conversation. Finally he offered to show me the radar unit adding that it had recorded both vehicles, me at 78 and the other at, (pause) 68. I stayed very polite and just kept saying something couldn't be right. Finally, he exclaimed, "Look, I'm not giving you a ticket! Just ride safe!" I thanked him, told him to have a nice day and left immediately.

Unrelated to my story is that in Kansas and Missouri you can buy most moving violations down to non-moving by paying double the fine. I haven't used it, but am told some use it multiple times in a year.
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Ryker77
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 01:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

doppler rader.. picks up the larger and faster moving object. They can zero in on a bike. But in general a car will be picked over a bike.

Also a shinny surface to reflect the sound back is important.


A bike is just an engine with two wheels. At most angles the wheels that are moving at 800 rotations are about 30% of the profile on the bike.
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Spreadem
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 01:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If two vehicles are coming my way and I can't visually tell which one it is that's speeding, I won't stop either. Very rare that this happens though, because even a 5-10 mph difference is noticeable to the human eye. If the radar's constantly going back and forth between two distinct speeds, one of the vehicles should be pulling away, or gaining, on the other. It's not a perfect system, and I've had people tell me I got the wrong car before as well. If it wasn't a blatant violation, I usually try to give 'em the benefit of the doubt.
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Jackbequick
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 02:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here is how little old ladies in cages beat tickets:

An older lady gets pulled over for speeding...

Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?

Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding.

Older Woman: Oh, I see.

Officer: Can I see your license please?

Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one.

Officer: Don't have one?

Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving.

Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please.

Older Woman: I can't do that.

Officer: Why not?

Older Woman: I stole this car.

Officer: Stole it?

Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.

Officer: You what?

Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see.

The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun.

Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle please! The woman steps out of her vehicle.

Older woman: Is there a problem sir?

Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner.

Older Woman: Murdered the owner?

Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of your car, please.

The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk.

Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am?

Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers. The officer is quite stunned.

Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving license.

The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer.

The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled.

Officer 2: Thank you ma'am, one of my officers told me you didn't have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner.

Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.

MORAL:

Don't Mess With Little Old Ladies

Jack
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Old_bird
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 03:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Regarding my experience, I figure the officer was at least a quarter mile away and probably more. If he was busy with paperwork or something and looks up suddenly, he has to make a quick judgment as to which vehicle is going which speed. Given how fast the cage braked, I'm guessing that isn't an easy judgment at a quarter of a mile. I am glad the officer was a decent guy in a decent mood that morning. I don't mind being stopped. He is just doing his job. I'm sure the majority of the time he gets it right. Heck, maybe the cage knows he got lucky and drives a little slower now.

My point is being very polite and claiming my innocence instead of accusing him of an error or blaming the cage probably got me out of a ticket. He could have written me up and that would have cost me money and time.

Spreadem, good on you for being a decent guy. I'm sure you see a bunch of bad driving and a bunch of bad attitudes out there. Be careful out there and thank you for the advice.
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Spreadem
Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2006 - 04:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm actually sorta lucky Old Bird. A police officer out on the streets of L.A. has gotta deal with a lotta crackheads and gangbangers.

Right now I'm an MP, and the UCMJ (military law) gives me a ton of room for dealing with people who need it. They use provoking language or swear, it's against the law. I tell them to get back in their vehicle and they don't, failure to obey a lawful order. I see someone on the street passing by and I need them to help me make an apprehension, they better help me or it's dereliction of duty. Even a speeding ticket ends up on the desk of that soldiers commanding officer.

It's a lot better system, and it discourages people from being jackasses.
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