Speeding Ticket....

[EJBasile]

Today on my way home from work I was driving down the highway going maybe 75mph, in the center lane, keeping up with the rest of the traffic. This state policeman is behind me and is riding my tail, so I move over to the right lane, slow down to 65, and the policeman goes with me and is still riding my bumper. Since he is litterally 2 feet away from me, I speed up and he goes with me. I go back into the middle lane and he comes with me again and pushes me to go faster, so I go up to 85. Then the jerk pulls me over for speeding.

I felt like saying "What the h*** is the matter with you, you jerk, you were following and were almost touching my bumper" but instead I calmy as possible explained that he was pushing me. $1xx dollar fine. I'm going to fight it though. Is this some sort of scam so that the government can make some MORE money?

UPDATE: I won! Apparently this isn't the first time the cop has pulled this

[Sun Baked]

Much easier to slow down and let them pass you, especially when they are a cop.

Sometimes you will even have to slow down quite a bit to get some cushion in front of you to account for a tailgater.

[dmw007]

Today on my way home from work I was driving down the highway going maybe 75mph, in the center lane, keeping up with the rest of the traffic. This state policeman is behind me and is riding my tail, so I move over to the right lane, slow down to 65, and the policeman goes with me and is still riding my bumper. Since he is litterally 2 feet away from me, I speed up and he goes with me. I go back into the middle lane and he comes with me again and pushes me to go faster, so I go up to 85. Then the jerk pulls me over for speeding.

I felt like saying "What the h*** is the matter with you, you jerk, you were following and were almost touching my bumper" but instead I calmy as possible explained that he was pushing me. $1xx dollar fine. I'm going to fight it though. Is this some sort of scam so that the government can make some MORE money?

I can't believe that you got a ticket for this - there is no way that you deserved it!

Maybe you should be allowed to give him a ticket! ;)

Guess that your state just needs some more $$$ :rolleyes:

[puckhead193]

you should have slamed on your brakes and then he can't sue you because all you ahve to say is that he was following to close but you could sue him because he was following you do close. ;) :p
But that does suck...

why is everyone in trouble with the law tonight... bad members.. bad ;) :p
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=141987

[tech4all]

but instead I calmy as possible explained that he was pushing me.

What did the officer say about that? Did they give a reason?

you should have slamed on your brakes

My exact thoughts ;) :D

[EJBasile]

you should have slamed on your brakes and then he can't sue you because all you ahve to say is that he was following to close but you could sue him because he was following you do close. ;) :p
But that does suck...

I would have but my car costs enough to fix and I don't want my insurance to go up, its already quite expensive.

[CanadaRAM]

the policeman goes with me and is still riding my bumper. Since he is literally 2 feet away from me,

Cell phone, call the detachment

"I'm on the 95, there's this driver driving dangerously - he's tailgaiting me. Yeah, 2 feet off my bumper. Yeah, a male, driving a Chevy Caprice, about 2002, white with some decals on it. License? I gotta pull ahead so I can see it. You're right he's that close. OK, got it now. 467-HDV. Can you get a patrol car out here to pull this guy over before he causes an accident?"

[EJBasile]

Much easier to slow down and let them pass you, especially when they are a cop.

Sometimes you will even have to slow down quite a bit to get some cushion in front of you to account for a tailgater.

Did you understand the story. I went to the slow lane to let him pass me but he went into the slow lane with me.

[mpw]

...I'm going to fight it though. Is this some sort of scam so that the government can make some MORE money?


I've been stopped plenty of times and accused of speeding, often I have been above the posted limit, but all but once I've talked my way out of it at the road side or at the station and avoided court (there's no simple ticketing here).

I've never relied on charm just pointed out errors made by the Police or asked to see the calibration log for the equipment they've been using or their certificate of competence for that piece of equipment etc.

The one time I got to court I'd argued that the officer was corrupt as my sister and I were both stopped on the way to the same party about 10mins. apart and while she was actually faster than me by around 25% she was a pretty young thing and was asked not to do it again and I got stuck with a £50 fine. The senior officer I took this up with, and who sent me to court, said when I suggested his officer was corrupt "yeah but what are you going to do?"

But then our Police here are crap.

[PlaceofDis]

Did you understand the story. I went to the slow lane to let him pass me but he went into the slow lane with me.

he was a jerk, but you shouldn't have let him get to you and should have stayed at your slower speed so nothing could have happened

[vniow]

I ****ing hate the power-trip that some cops go through when they're following you, I was driving home late the other night and was speeding (although I wasn't realising it) and this cop pulls up behind me and gets almost right on my bumper for more than a few blocks. THEN he finally turns on his lights and I pull over. Thankfully I didn't get a ticket, just a warning for my busted headlight. It certainly didn't help matters when I had to wait in my car for about 20-30 minutes while he checks my almost non-existent record.

Geez.

[Sun Baked]

Did you understand the story. I went to the slow lane to let him pass me but he went into the slow lane with me.Yes, I understood... but he was probably already running your plate at that point.

Speeding up, usually isn't a good choice at this point.

[dmw007]

Cell phone, call the detachment

"I'm on the 95, there's this driver driving dangerously - he's tailgaiting me. Yeah, 2 feet off my bumper. Yeah, a male, driving a Chevy Caprice, about 2002, white with some decals on it. License? I gotta pull ahead so I can see it. You're right he's that close. OK, got it now. 467-HDV. Can you get a patrol car out here to pull this guy over before he causes an accident?"

The proper response indeed CanadaRAM. :D

[EJBasile]

Cell phone, call the detachment

"I'm on the 95, there's this driver driving dangerously - he's tailgaiting me. Yeah, 2 feet off my bumper. Yeah, a male, driving a Chevy Caprice, about 2002, white with some decals on it. License? I gotta pull ahead so I can see it. You're right he's that close. OK, got it now. 467-HDV. Can you get a patrol car out here to pull this guy over before he causes an accident?"

Haha that reminds of that part in SuperTroopers when the state policemen have the dispatcher run the plates on local police car because its speeding or whatever happened.
----
I think the police gets enough money. The police in my town has only 2 or 3 officers on duty at a time yet they have 5 crown victorias (with leather), 1 Chevy Tahoe, and new 3 Ford Explorers. They have this new fancy police station yet 10 people get arrested a year. Oh wait, there was a police chase, they better be like a town a couple towns over that has a few Acura TLs for chases.

[mpw]

you should have slamed on your brakes and then he can't sue you because all you ahve to say is that he was following to close but you could sue him because he was following you do close....

Don't brake, that'll show up on his in-car camera. Change down a couple of gears or use the hand brake without locking the wheels.

Maybe you should be allowed to give him a ticket.

I tried to pull a speeding Police car over once but they wouldn't stop. I think they got real nervous though 'cause I was behind them flashing my lights and they were looking over their shoulders. I followed them back to their HQ and made a complaint but was told there was nothing they could do 'cause I had no witness.

[mpw]

....my almost non-existent record.
Intriguing ;)

[dmw007]

I tried to pull a speeding Police car over once but they wouldn't stop. I think they got real nervous though 'cause I was behind them flashing my lights and they were looking over their shoulders. I followed them back to their HQ and made a complaint but was told there was nothing they could do 'cause I had no witness.

Good try. :)
Hopefully you will have better luck next time. ;)

[dmw007]

Intriguing ;)

My thoughts exactly.

Care to go into any detail vniow..... ;)

[EJBasile]

Oh yea, he also wanted to search my car.

I said "Do you have probable cause" and he said "uhhh..no"

I'm a 36 year old clean shaved white male brown hair with a little blonde in it with blue eyes. I'm wearing a shirt and tie with a labcoat, I still have a stethoscope around my neck, I'm driving a mercedes.

[dmw007]

Oh yea, he also wanted to search my car.

I said "Do you have probable cause" and he said "uhhh..no"

I'm a 36 year old clean shaved white male brown hair with a little blonde in it with blue eyes. I'm wearing a shirt and tie with a labcoat, I still have a stethoscope around my neck, I'm driving a mercedes.

Perhaps he just wanted to drive your mercedes (since he can't afford one). :rolleyes:

[G5orbust]

You should have slowed down and let the cop hit you. I mean, if he was a close as you say, even a small, but sudden, slow down could do the trick.
Get the cop in a knot, have the ploice pay for your car and feel satisfied.

[iBlue]

he was a jerk, but you shouldn't have let him get to you and should have stayed at your slower speed so nothing could have happened

exactly what i was going to say. i've had cops tail me, usually they are running my plates (i assume) i just go on about my business, no harm no foul. i'm from los angeles, i don't put much concern into being tailgated. [shrugs]

that sucks and all but you are the one who chose to speed knowing a cop was on your tail.

edit: removed what i really wanted to say

[dmw007]

You should have slowed down and let the cop hit you.

In his Mercedes-Benz!? :eek:

[CanadaRAM]

I'm a 36 year old clean shaved white male brown hair with a little blonde in it with blue eyes. I'm wearing a shirt and tie with a labcoat, I still have a stethoscope around my neck, I'm driving a mercedes.

Gotta admit though, the lab coat and stethoscope would be good cover for a drug smuggler. None of them drive Mercs or Range Rovers either... ;)

[EJBasile]

exactly what i was going to say. i've had cops tail me, usually they are running my plates (i assume) i just go on about my business, no harm no foul. i'm from los angeles, i don't put much concern into being tailgated. [shrugs]

that sucks and all but you are the one who chose to speed knowing a cop was on your tail.

edit: removed what i really wanted to say

What was it that you wanted to say...

There is no excuse for a policeman to be followin me for 10 minutes on a highway.

[PlaceofDis]

What was it that you wanted to say...

There is no excuse for a policeman to be followin me for 10 minutes on a highway.

here in IL i believe a cop can follow any particular car for up to seven miles or some such before taking action....... but then again the rules vary state-to-state

[EJBasile]

Gotta admit though, the lab coat and stethoscope would be good cover for a drug smuggler. None of them drive Mercs or Range Rovers either... ;)

Maybe if I was driving an old POS mercedes, had my car smelling like pot, and had a some scales and syringes in my back seat, and if around my eyes everything was red they won't ask to search my car.

[iBlue]

What was it that you wanted to say...

There is no excuse for a policeman to be followin me for 10 minutes on a highway.

10 minutes? crickey! no, he was being a total jerk, no doubt about that, i'd just resist the urge to speed up regardless; it's a cop! not to be a jerk myself here but cops are not always known for being the most reasonable people out there, so i give them no reason to pull me over, if i can help it.

and i'll resist what i really wanted to say, it was simply in reference to your braggartly ways :rolleyes:

[aussie_geek]

Sounds like you were done in by Rosco P Coltrane...


aussie_geek

[dmw007]

and i'll resist what i really wanted to say, it was simply in reference to your braggartly ways :rolleyes:

Yes, please keep it "G" rated. ;)

[dmw007]

Sounds like you were done in by Rosco P Coltrane...


aussie_geek

Oh God, say that it ain't so.... :eek:

[EJBasile]

He had a strange resemblance to farva. (the officer was skiny though)
http://www.progressiveboink.com/b/images/100film/69.jpg
and drove his snazzy crown vic.
http://www.vernonfire.com/fireprevention/2000safetyday/SafetyDay57.jpg

[zyuzin4]

wonder if you can get his dash cam footage in court

[dmw007]

He had a strange resemblance to farva. (the officer was skiny though)
http://www.progressiveboink.com/b/images/100film/69.jpg
and drove his snazzy crown vic.
http://www.vernonfire.com/fireprevention/2000safetyday/SafetyDay57.jpg

Wow, that is such a snazzy car! :eek: ;)

[dmw007]

wonder if you can get his dash cam footage in court

Ooh, that could prove to be interesting.

[Poeben]

Assuming the prosecution will use it as evidence. If you go through the discovery process correctly, you should be able to. However, this kinda stuff is best left to the lawyers unless you know what you are doing.

[EJBasile]

Wow, that is such a snazzy car! :eek: ;)

It actually wasn't silver, it was purple. Haha.

I can go to traffic court and fight it.

[CompUser]

and drove his snazzy crown vic.
http://www.vernonfire.com/fireprevention/2000safetyday/SafetyDay57.jpg

Nice Hubcaps.

[mad jew]

I can go to traffic court and fight it.


Do it. It's easy and therapeutic...


...or so I'm told. :o

[iJon]

Maybe you shouldn't speed when a cop was behind you. He can't write you a ticket for the speed limit.

jon

[garybUK]

I was in the car with my mate driving back over snake pass in the high peak a few months ago and my mate got pulled over in Sheffield just before the pass for his headlight bulb had gone. The police were about to ticket him when I politely pointed out that the police car had a broken headlight as well..... my mate got off with a stern warning :P

[Chip NoVaMac]

Better yet do no more than 5 to 10 mph over the limit and you might not have been "tagged" by the officer. Keeping up with traffic is no excuse for breaking the law. Just because everyone else is jumping off the Tappen Zee Bridge, do you do the same?

[Abstract]

and i'll resist what i really wanted to say, it was simply in reference to your braggartly ways :rolleyes:

Apple's Dictionary doesn't list braggertly as a word, although I will agree with you anyway. ;)

[mpw]

Better yet do no more than 5 to 10 mph over the limit and you might not have been "tagged" by the officer. Keeping up with traffic is no excuse for breaking the law. Just because everyone else is jumping off the Tappen Zee Bridge, do you do the same?

So what are you saying is I should find a slightly smaller bridge to jump off?

Either you're speeding or you're not 5mph, 10mph or 100mph where do you draw the line?

[devilot]

you should have slamed on your brakes...
I think the DMV handbook says to very lightly tap your brake once.

[devilot]

There is no excuse for a policeman to be followin me for 10 minutes on a highway. Maybe he was headed the same direction? ;) Or maybe he was just trying to run your plates and when you changed lanes/speed he kept following?

10 minutes? crickey! no, he was being a total jerk, no doubt about that, i'd just resist the urge to speed up regardless; it's a cop! not to be a jerk myself here but cops are not always known for being the most reasonable people out there, so i give them no reason to pull me over, if i can help it.
I agree. Once, at 1:30 am, a cop was following my bf and me for a good 5 minutes on a local street (lawrence expressway for anyone from around where I am)... turned out he was trying to get a good look at the licesne plate (which I imagine is a great deal harder at the speeds on a freeway) when he finally pulled us over, he told us to put on the new registration sticker (which was in the glove compartment anyway, lameo bf :rolleyes: ) but let it go at that.

And I do feel for you, EJB, I'd imagine it really sucks to get a ticket.

[iBlue]

Apple's Dictionary doesn't list braggertly as a word, although I will agree with you anyway. ;)

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=braggartly

you kind of freaked me out for a minute, i was gonna be a wee bit embarrassed but good old dictionary.com had it in there. [whew] it's the thought that counts right? ;) it was the nicest word i could think of :D

[Alone2Gether]

well, definitley keep us updated and do tell how it went in court.

[skunk]

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=braggartly

you kind of freaked me out for a minute, i was gonna be a wee bit embarrassed but good old dictionary.com had it in there. [whew] it's the thought that counts right? ;) it was the nicest word i could think of :DBraggardly would have cleared the fence...

[gwuMACaddict]

i don't think 'speed up to lose the cop' would have crossed my mind... sounds like that was just asking for trouble...

[mac-er]

you should have slamed on your brakes and then he can't sue you because all you ahve to say is that he was following to close but you could sue him because he was following you do close. ;) :p
But that does suck...


Actually, if you slam on your brakes for no reason and cause someone else to wreck (ie they run off the road, etc) (no matter how close they are), you would be at fault (or both would).

For example, if I am driving down the road and you tailgate me. I slam on the brakes for no reason other than to get you stop tailgating. You hit me.

I could be charged with unsafe movements or even reckless driving for slamming on my brakes for no reason. (and if you were killed, I could be charged with manslaughter)

You would be charged with following too closely.

[masterapple04]

Just Monday I was on the Mass Pike (for those who don't know, the average speed is anywhere between 70 and 80), and was passing an 18-wheeler. All of a sudden this state cop pulls up and does the same thing. He rode my @$$, and I was doing about 72, and had to speed up to finish my pass, or slow down to let the cop go, either of which would have ticked him off. I settled for passing the truck, and the cop went on his way. You have no idea how scary that was for me (I'm 17)!

Anyway, point is, I feel for you dude, that sucks. :cool:

[mac-er]

Today on my way home from work I was driving down the highway going maybe 75mph, in the center lane, keeping up with the rest of the traffic. This state policeman is behind me and is riding my tail, so I move over to the right lane, slow down to 65, and the policeman goes with me and is still riding my bumper. Since he is litterally 2 feet away from me, I speed up and he goes with me. I go back into the middle lane and he comes with me again and pushes me to go faster, so I go up to 85. Then the jerk pulls me over for speeding.


You really have no case.

1. You say you were going 75MPH. In most states, that is over the speed limit by about 5 MPH.

2. He was probably following you closely to read your tag and he was running the tag.

3. You admit to speeding up to over 85 MPH.

Someone following you closely doesn't give you the right to exceed the speed limit. So, how are you going to "fight it"? You got a speeding ticket for speeding, and you admit to speeding.

Pretty dumb on your part to go that much over the speed limit with a police officer following you.

[apple2991]

Remind me why you're mad, again...

Was it because you were speeding or because you got busted for it?

Either you're speeding or you're not. 5mph, 10mph or 100mph where do you draw the line?

Many states have laws prohibiting speeding tickets for exceeding the limit by 5 miles per hour or less, outside of school zones. And it's just plain good sense that the faster you are speeding, the more likely you are to be stopped. Legally, yes, you're going the speed limit or aren't, but that doesn't mean that if everyone is going 8 over, it's probably a good idea to go 20. I mean, since you're all technically speeding, what difference does it make? (Un)fortunately, police forces don't consist of black-and-white judging robots.

Who willingly speeds in front of a cop? Sure, they use intimidation tactics that are generally not cool, but you are the one with your foot on the gas pedal.

[EJBasile]

You really have no case.

1. You say you were going 75MPH. In most states, that is over the speed limit by about 5 MPH.

2. He was probably following you closely to read your tag and he was running the tag.

3. You admit to speeding up to over 85 MPH.

Someone following you closely doesn't give you the right to exceed the speed limit. So, how are you going to "fight it"? You got a speeding ticket for speeding, and you admit to speeding.

Pretty dumb on your part to go that much over the speed limit with a police officer following you.

In CT at least, the speed limit is 65, but everyone always drives much faster, 80 is not uncommon.

[mac-er]

What was it that you wanted to say...

There is no excuse for a policeman to be followin me for 10 minutes on a highway.

Umm, if you were going 75 MPH there is.

Or, your car might match the description of a stolen car or car involved in a crime.

Or, you might match the description of someone they are looking for.

Or, your tailight might have been out.

Or, he might have just been tailgating you for no reason. (then you sped up over the speed limit, which makes you look really suspicious.)

There are plenty of reasons for a police officer to following you for 10 minutes.

[mac-er]

In CT at least, the speed limit is 65, but everyone always drives much faster, 80 is not uncommon.

Well, then you admit you were speeding by going 75 MPH in the first place.

So, everyone does it...does that not make it breaking the law by speeding?
You were the one picked out.

I really cannot stand when people cannot take responsibility for their actions. You were speeding (and then you went even faster). You got caught. Deal with it.

[iBlue]

it was the snazzy car and because you were playing doctor... everyone has it out for you man. [sobs] :rolleyes:

[mac-er]

I tried to pull a speeding Police car over once but they wouldn't stop. I think they got real nervous though 'cause I was behind them flashing my lights and they were looking over their shoulders. I followed them back to their HQ and made a complaint but was told there was nothing they could do 'cause I had no witness.

That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.

How do you know they were not responding to some type of emergency where they don't use their blue lights and siren (ie a armed robbery, where they don't want the suspect to know they are close).

[mac-er]

I'm a 36 year old clean shaved white male brown hair with a little blonde in it with blue eyes. I'm wearing a shirt and tie with a labcoat, I still have a stethoscope around my neck, I'm driving a mercedes.

So white male doctors don't commit crimes?

[EJBasile]

Well, then you admit you were speeding by going 75 MPH in the first place.

So, everyone does it...does that not make it breaking the law by speeding?
You were the one picked out.

I really cannot stand when people cannot take responsibility for their actions. You were speeding (and then you went even faster). You got caught. Deal with it.

75 is how fast everyone goes on the highway, its just the way it is.

[iGary]

I'd go to court -

Did he tell you what he used to catch you?

Unless he was using VASCAR or something similar, his speedometer reading will not hold up in court...

[mpw]

That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.

How do you know they were not responding to some type of emergency where they don't use their blue lights and siren (ie a armed robbery, where they don't want the suspect to know they are close).

It's a fact that the local Police force here are crap. I could offer story after story by way of example to prove this. The fact is that the standard of Policeing especially driving here is appaling, just this week a Police driver killed a member of the public through careless driving, and the superior officers consistantly close ranks.
The occurance of situactions where a covert approach is required in this manner are virtually non-existant here, I've never heard of this tatic every being used.

[xsedrinam]

I think wealthy appearing, white males with professional looking attire who drive Mercedes should be pulled over and cited every once in a while just to keep it honest. Maybe even given a drug test, or better yet, stripped searched. Ya never know :cool:
X

[latergator116]

Actually, if you slam on your brakes for no reason and cause someone else to wreck (ie they run off the road, etc) (no matter how close they are), you would be at fault (or both would).

For example, if I am driving down the road and you tailgate me. I slam on the brakes for no reason other than to get you stop tailgating. You hit me.

I could be charged with unsafe movements or even reckless driving for slamming on my brakes for no reason. (and if you were killed, I could be charged with manslaughter)

You would be charged with following too closely.

If you slam on your brakes, the car behind is supposed to be far enough behind in order to avoid hitting you (I think two car spaces is the legal distance, though I'm not sure). How would you prove that I slammed on my brakes for no reason? I could say I though I saw a dog run into the street or something.

[MarkCollette]

Oh yea, he also wanted to search my car.

I said "Do you have probable cause" and he said "uhhh..no"

I'm a 36 year old clean shaved white male brown hair with a little blonde in it with blue eyes. I'm wearing a shirt and tie with a labcoat, I still have a stethoscope around my neck, I'm driving a mercedes.

I watched a documentary about how some states have drug forfeiture laws where they can seize your assets if they believe you're suspicious and think that it's drug related. For example, if you're a tourist and keep a bunch of cash in a money belt, then they can just take it, and claim that they think you're a drug mule or something.

In the documentary, they would converse nicely with the people, and then, as they were pretending to leave, they'd off-hand ask if they could search the car. The people, who are obviously not criminals, would say yes, because they had nothing to hide. Then the cops would take their money or car after they found anything that was remotely odd.

So, the moral is, always politely cooperate with police, but never let them search your stuff unless they already have a legal right to do so.

Maybe they really liked your car, and just wanted to seize it?

[MarkCollette]

So white male doctors don't commit crimes?

Police typically profile by race and age. He's surprised that they were messing with him because it's atypical. It's not racist to aknowledge that others are racist.

[floyde]

lol :D , you should come drive where I live. If a cop had done that to me here, I would've thought he was really polite since he at least took the time to fabricate a situation in which there would be reason to pull me over. Around here, if a cop tells you why he pulled you over, you can consider yourself lucky :rolleyes:

[Sun Baked]

If you slam on your brakes, the car behind is supposed to be far enough behind in order to avoid hitting you (I think two car spaces is the legal distance, though I'm not sure). How would you prove that I slammed on my brakes for no reason? I could say I though I saw a dog run into the street or something.Cool ... and be ticketed for Road Rage which would probably nail you about as bad as a DUI or reckless driving ticket.

Road rage sort of negates the tailgating defense ... since this is a typical tactic to get back at people who piss you off on the highway.

[EJBasile]

I should have put I sign a car that says "Keep Back 300ft" like on firetrucks.

I think the police departments are getting WAY to much money. Or at least in my town.

Lets see what they have....
3 New Crown Victorias
2 Police Interceptors (crown vics)
1 Tahoe, old style (I saw it up close and it has high preformance tires LOL)
1 Police Ford Explorer
2 Undercover Police Explorers

All of these police vehicles have more flashing lights on them than the "Who Wants To Be A Million Millionaire", tablet PCs, signs in the bottom part of the rear window that can display messages (i.e. Construction Zone...Slow Down or make moving arows), and I just read all police cars in my town also are equipped with defibrillators.

They just had a new Police Station built featuring featuring 4 jail cells, a garage thing where police cars can drive in and lead criminals into cells, a cop lounge, sleeping area, security cameras on every corner of the building, etc.

Way to much stuff considering they only have 3 cops on duty at a time and the town is pretty small 13,000 people.

[gwuMACaddict]

75 is how fast everyone goes on the highway, its just the way it is.

i broke the law because everyone else was doing it isn't going to get you very far in court...
:confused:

[CompUser]

that really sucks man.

Good luck in court

[mac-er]

If I was your patient, I'd tell you I wasn't following your directions because they were too complicated...

that is your whole mentality with your speeding ticket. (that its not your fault your irresponsible)

[latergator116]

Cool ... and be ticketed for Road Rage which would probably nail you about as bad as a DUI or reckless driving ticket.

Road rage sort of negates the tailgating defense ... since this is a typical tactic to get back at people who piss you off on the highway.

Cool what? I don't think it's the right thing to do, but I think they would have a hard time proving otherwise.

[watcher2001]

75 is how fast everyone goes on the highway, its just the way it is.

and since the police cannot ticket everyone they have to choose. Usually the targets are

A: sporty red cars (you never mentioned the make and model of your benz) or

B: appearance of the driver.

In this case I figure he had tagged you for a ticket or at least a look see and when you sped up to 85 the cop thought "What an effin Moron" and gave you a ticket for spite.

[wrxguy]

about 3 months ago my sister took my car while i was sleeping and wrecked it. I had just bought it it is a 99 subaru legacy outback limited, and i love this car...also she has no license...SO she wrecks it, then about a week later im taking it to the shop, the whole right side from half of the passenger door in front to the back is all wrecked in, the left rear tire is a donut, so im on the freeway driving to the repair shop when all of a sudden i see lights in the rear mirror, this ******* undercover cop pulls me over and gives me a ticket for going, get this, 70 mph on the freeway now my speedometer said i was goin 70 but they are usually a little fast, i had a donut on so i was barely over 65, and he gives me no chance to argue it, I work all across the nation so i had to call and pay the $150 over the phone instead of going to court to fight it...GOD I HATE COPS

[rogerw]

you should be in the uk, where revenue raising by speed cameras (scameras) is something to believe. we have speed cameras where they were first introduced to stop maniacs doing 100 in a 60 zone and now they nick grannies doing 32 in a 30 zone. WTF

however, they havnt thought the law through proper and if you stand up to them (in a certain way) like I did , they often bottle it and dont prosecute (in my case). BTY for doing 47 mph in a 40 mph area at the start of a motorway FFS.

[skunk]

you should be in the uk, where revenue raising by speed cameras (scameras) is something to believe. we have speed cameras where they were first introduced to stop maniacs doing 100 in a 60 zone and now they nick grannies doing 32 in a 30 zone. WTFTechnically, you can't be done for doing 10% over the limit, since speedos only have to be accurate to +/-10%.

[rogerw]

Technically, you can't be done for doing 10% over the limit, since speedos only have to be accurate to +/-10%.

thats only a ACPO guidline and doesnt havnt to be adhered to by the SCP
btw thats 10% + 2mph

[mpw]

...he gives me no chance to argue it...

What eveidence did he claim to have, video, speedgun?
How did he give you no chance to argue?
If you weren't speeding he can't have anything more than his opinion which wouldn't fly in most courts. You should've fought it.

[wdlove]

about 3 months ago my sister took my car while i was sleeping and wrecked it. I had just bought it it is a 99 subaru legacy outback limited, and i love this car...also she has no license...SO she wrecks it, then about a week later im taking it to the shop, the whole right side from half of the passenger door in front to the back is all wrecked in, the left rear tire is a donut, so im on the freeway driving to the repair shop when all of a sudden i see lights in the rear mirror, this ******* undercover cop pulls me over and gives me a ticket for going, get this, 70 mph on the freeway now my speedometer said i was goin 70 but they are usually a little fast, i had a donut on so i was barely over 65, and he gives me no chance to argue it, I work all across the nation so i had to call and pay the $150 over the phone instead of going to court to fight it...GOD I HATE COPS

I'm surprised that you would receive a ticket for going 70. When my wife travels on the Interstate she tries to stay in a pack. That seems to be the safest. Having all going the same speed which is about 70.

[Chip NoVaMac]

So what are you saying is I should find a slightly smaller bridge to jump off?

Either you're speeding or you're not 5mph, 10mph or 100mph where do you draw the line?

Following what others are doing is no excuse under the law in most cases.

As stated by others, depending on local custom a grace of 5 to 10 mph is granted. In some small town in the south of the US, that standard is even higher. If the sign says 25, you better be doing 25.

Then there are those of us readily remember not being able to sneeze without a cop seeing us doing it. The climate is such today that people, like our good Doctor, feel that since everyone else is speeding, I should too.

And when they get caught they cry bloody hell, and complain about what the police department owns. Some 20 to 30 years ago we were give just about 5mph leeway. The good Doctor and his fellow drivers now want that leeway to be 15mph.

I have driven in CT. extensively and there are few areas that I know of that it is truly safe to being doing more than 10mph over the limit - regardless of what the other idiots are doing. Add to that, whether the actions of the police officer were right or wrong - that does not excuse our good Doctor speeding up to 85mph. Whether he moved over to allow the officer or is not really material.

(A few years back I was doing 65mph+ (55mph is the posted, and traffic was very heavy) in the left lane of I-66 in Arlington, VA. I was readily passing those on my right. The traffic in front of me was in pace with what I was doing with a comfort margin ahead of me. The idiot behind me flashed his high beams at me and rode my tail by inches by my opinion. When it was safe to do so I moved to the right, and he blasted ahead for the few hundred feet that he would gain. Sweet justice in that there was unmarked cruiser behind him that then gave him a well deserved ticket. :D )

We also have to accept that the good Doctors description of the events and distances are in fact truly correct. Hopefully for him the police department that ticket him will have a camera to indicate who truly acted in good faith - either him or the officer.

BTW - I wish I could give something special to those that speed or weave in and out of traffic in front of me - only to be side by side at the next ramp or traffic light. idiot drivers seldom seem to in accidents, but cause accidents for others, since they are so much more important than the others they share the road with.

I am sure that our good Doctor could share with us studies that shows the stress levels of those that try and exceed the speed limits of our highways. I have seen these in the past. And know in trying to follow some crazy co-wokers on our way to Carolina - that speeding is a stress inducer.

[Chip NoVaMac]

about 3 months ago my sister took my car while i was sleeping and wrecked it. I had just bought it it is a 99 subaru legacy outback limited, and i love this car...also she has no license...SO she wrecks it, then about a week later im taking it to the shop, the whole right side from half of the passenger door in front to the back is all wrecked in, the left rear tire is a donut, so im on the freeway driving to the repair shop when all of a sudden i see lights in the rear mirror, this ******* undercover cop pulls me over and gives me a ticket for going, get this, 70 mph on the freeway now my speedometer said i was goin 70 but they are usually a little fast, i had a donut on so i was barely over 65, and he gives me no chance to argue it, I work all across the nation so i had to call and pay the $150 over the phone instead of going to court to fight it...GOD I HATE COPS

Never mind that unless things have changed you aren't advised to do over 50mph on the "donut" tire.
:rolleyes:

[EJBasile]

Following what others are doing is no excuse under the law in most cases.

As stated by others, depending on local custom a grace of 5 to 10 mph is granted. In some small town in the south of the US, that standard is even higher. If the sign says 25, you better be doing 25.

Then there are those of us readily remember not being able to sneeze without a cop seeing us doing it. The climate is such today that people, like our good Doctor, feel that since everyone else is speeding, I should too.

And when they get caught they cry bloody hell, and complain about what the police department owns. Some 20 to 30 years ago we were give just about 5mph leeway. The good Doctor and his fellow drivers now want that leeway to be 15mph.

I have driven in CT. extensively and there are few areas that I know of that it is truly safe to being doing more than 10mph over the limit - regardless of what the other idiots are doing. Add to that, whether the actions of the police officer were right or wrong - that does not excuse our good Doctor speeding up to 85mph. Whether he moved over to allow the officer or is not really material.

(A few years back I was doing 65mph+ (55mph is the posted, and traffic was very heavy) in the left lane of I-66 in Arlington, VA. I was readily passing those on my right. The traffic in front of me was in pace with what I was doing with a comfort margin ahead of me. The idiot behind me flashed his high beams at me and rode my tail by inches by my opinion. When it was safe to do so I moved to the right, and he blasted ahead for the few hundred feet that he would gain. Sweet justice in that there was unmarked cruiser behind him that then gave him a well deserved ticket. :D )

We also have to accept that the good Doctors description of the events and distances are in fact truly correct. Hopefully for him the police department that ticket him will have a camera to indicate who truly acted in good faith - either him or the officer.

BTW - I wish I could give something special to those that speed or weave in and out of traffic in front of me - only to be side by side at the next ramp or traffic light. idiot drivers seldom seem to in accidents, but cause accidents for others, since they are so much more important than the others they share the road with.

I am sure that our good Doctor could share with us studies that shows the stress levels of those that try and exceed the speed limits of our highways. I have seen these in the past. And know in trying to follow some crazy co-wokers on our way to Carolina - that speeding is a stress inducer.

Why am I called "our good doctor"? Is sarcastic and is that an insult...?

Yes there are studies that say driving faster causes more stress, but I perosnally think people drive faster and more agressively when they are stressed. Stress can be caused by work or social issues, but stress can be caused also the feel and sound of driving for a long time and by other drivers.

In my opinion, I'm not a wreckless driver that drives significantly faster than everyone faster on the highway, usually I'm in the center lane and there are people in the left lane going at least 10mph faster than me. I don't think I have the right to speed just because everyone else is, but you'll interupt traffic if you don't (its like a 45mph road with one person driving 30mph and disrupting the flow of traffic).

[mpw]

....The climate is such today that people, like our good Doctor, feel that since everyone else is speeding, I should too....I am sure that our good Doctor could share with us studies that shows the stress levels of those that try and exceed the speed limits of our highways....that speeding is a stress inducer.

I regularly exceed the posted speed limit, but never because it's what others are doing, because the speed limits are outdated in my opinion. I am not alone in the belief.
Exceeding the posted speed limit is not a stress inducer. Stress is induced either by the fact that the speeding driver is exceeding their own level of skill for safety and their aware of that or because their stressing out that they're going to be caught and therefore not concentrating on controlling their vehicle enough. However stress can also be induced by sticking to posted speed limits when you know it is safe to exceed them.
I and others who have been driven by me consider me to be a good driver and I speed all the time. My sister never exceeds the posted limits because she doesn't want to get caught but people have commented how bad a driver she is. The major difference is our attitude when driving. She'll do 40mph on an area of clear straight road with a 40mph limit where I'll be doing 60mph but a the next bend I'll slow to 25mph where she'll go round it white knuckled still at 40mph. When I tell her she's going too fast all she can do is look puzzled and say 'but I wasn't speeding'.

[iBlue]

Why am I called "our good doctor"? Is sarcastic and is that an insult...?

Yes there are studies that say driving faster causes more stress, but I perosnally think people drive faster and more agressively when they are stressed. Stress can be caused by work or social issues, but stress can be caused also the feel and sound of driving for a long time and by other drivers.

In my opinion, I'm not a wreckless driver that drives significantly faster than everyone faster on the highway, usually I'm in the center lane and there are people in the left lane going at least 10mph faster than me. I don't think I have the right to speed just because everyone else is, but you'll interupt traffic if you don't (its like a 45mph road with one person driving 30mph and disrupting the flow of traffic).

in your opinion you did nothing wrong, and perhaps you aren't a wreckless driver... but you did knowingly drive 85 mph in front of a cop! perhaps it wasn't dangerous but it was stupid. you did it, quit acting like a victim; no one forced you and "everyone else is doing it" is a pituful excuse, m'kay? cops are often total jerks, and i think this one was a bit jerkish indeed, but you were the one who chose to speed, now just be a grown up and accpet it man. crickey!

no comment on the "good doctor" thing - ;) you just keep on keepin' on "doc" :rolleyes:

[mpw]

...crickey!...

Whoa! The insults are just flying today. :)

Nice word usage, like a blast from the past.

[EJBasile]

;) you just keep on keepin' on "doc" :rolleyes:

Is that directed towards me because I have no idea what that means....

I don't think that because I'm a doctor I should be exempt from every law broken. Thats like saying because I'm a McDonalds person I can rob a bank.

[iBlue]

Whoa! The insults are just flying today. :)

Nice word usage, like a blast from the past.


naaaaah... but i call 'em like i see 'em - i am nothing if not honest ;) - i just don't like when people can't just own up to a mistake, so after much *back - forth* discussion i just spit it out: cop was a jerk but there was acknowledged speeding. period. kwim?

and thanks, crickey is a great word :D

[iBlue]

Is that directed towards me because I have no idea what that means....

I don't think that because I'm a doctor I should be exempt from every law broken. Thats like saying because I'm a McDonalds person I can rob a bank.

oh dude, nevermind. i have a sneaking suspicion that you know precisely what i mean though, but i don't think i'll go there.

it meant nothing by the way, nothing at all, which was partially my point.

carry on... i'm just being cheeky.

[EJBasile]

crickey is a great word :D

http://www.tourbookings.com.au/images/stevecroc.jpg
Crickey huh?



Steve Irwin...

[iBlue]

http://www.tourbookings.com.au/images/stevecroc.jpg
Crickey huh?



Steve Irwin...

haha... yeah, exactly!

(that cracked me up, i wasn't expecting that)


but like i said, i was just being cheeky and i'll quit that; i don't want to start an argument or anything. don't mind me... nothing to see here, move along... :)

[EJBasile]

Another Joke

and Policeman Says:
nothing to see here, move along... :)
http://www.irishchannelpub.com/images/police%20week%20017.jpg

Seems like something a cop would say.

[iBlue]

Another Joke

and Policeman Says:

<snip image>

Seems like something a cop would say.


:D yeah, i thought so too. ("nothing to see here, move along") glad you caught that little wise crack of mine.

and did that cop puke in his helmet in that picture?! gross!

[devilot]

I regularly exceed the posted speed limit, but never because it's what others are doing, because the speed limits are outdated in my opinion.But do you work as an engineer for the road/transport industry? I sort of doubt it. Those figures were calculated for our safety, every driver, as well as passsenger that uses the roads. If anything, I agree w/ you-- those speed signs are outdated- they should be further reduced! There are way too many drivers who think that they are much better than they really are. Not to mention, car manufacturers seem to cut as many corners as they can... not-so-great-drivers + not-so-great-cars + speeding = not a fantastic combination.
The major difference is our attitude when driving. She'll do 40mph on an area of clear straight road with a 40mph limit where I'll be doing 60mph but a the next bend I'll slow to 25mph where she'll go round it white knuckled still at 40mph. When I tell her she's going too fast all she can do is look puzzled and say 'but I wasn't speeding'. Actually, a cop can still give her a citation-- unsafe speed for the situation or something like that (including if there is poor weather/visibility). Also, at least around here, a lot of turns will have posted signs that show a reduced speed limit for each specific turn.

[mpw]

But do you work as an engineer for the road/transport industry? I sort of doubt it. Those figures were calculated for our safety....

The majority of roads I drive on had their speed limits 'calculated' over 40years ago. Since then they've added road markings, lighting, improved the road surface, introduced better driver testing, improved tires, brakes suspension etc. etc.

I agree they need to be lowered in places but they also need to be raised in others.

I'm not talking about wild 250mph supercars charging down country lanes and I've stated before in these forums that I'd happily support legislation to limit top speeds of newly designed and built cars to something like 100mph as there are very few situations where faster speeds are necessary. Maybe in futue when you stop at a toll entry to a motorway they'll be able to activate a chip in you car's CPU to raise it's potential speed to 150mph and then deactivate it when you leave the motorway etc.

And yes I know my sister could still be cited for dangerous speed but my point was peoples attitudes remain fixated on the legal limits and not good practice.

[EJBasile]

I live on a road off of this long narrow windy hilly road and the speed limit is 35mph. Most people drive 45mph. I've cought a full size school bus full of children going 56mph. I noticed how the bus was going very fast so I checked out how fast it was going by fallowing it and I didn't know how that bus driver could handle such a big vehicle going around turns and up and down hills going that fast.

[xsedrinam]

Which other States besides Colorado and Nevada allow 75 mph speed on Federal Hwy? http://www.fightthe55.com/basicspeedrule.htm
X

[EJBasile]

UPDATE: I won! Apparently this isn't the first time the cop has pulled this

[latergator116]

UPDATE: I won! Apparently this isn't the first time the cop has pulled this

Congratulations! That cop sounds like a real jerk.

[watcher2001]

Congratulations! That cop sounds like a real jerk.

Jerk or not, entrapment or not.. EJBasile broke the law and should be forced to pay. Now more people are going to think they can get away with it by fighting it in court. This is going to bog down our already flooded judicial system. How would you feel if you were innocent, incarcerated, waiting for your day in court and had to wait while 50 morons fighting speeding tickets went first. I know this is not really the case (Two different courts) but you can see my point. Oh well this is just my two cents worth.

[latergator116]

Jerk or not, entrapment or not.. EJBasile broke the law and should be forced to pay. Now more people are going to think they can get away with it by fighting it in court. This is going to bog down our already flooded judicial system. How would you feel if you were innocent, incarcerated, waiting for your day in court and had to wait while 50 morons fighting speeding tickets went first. I know this is not really the case (Two different courts) but you can see my point. Oh well this is just my two cents worth.

Normally I would agree with you, but the cop forced him to speed (maybe it wasn't the best choice) by tailgating him, so I don't think Eric should be responsible.

[watcher2001]

Normally I would agree with you, but the cop forced him to speed (maybe it wasn't the best choice) by tailgating him, so I don't think Eric should be responsible.
Sorry to disagree, but I have to call Baloney. The only way the cop could have FORCED him to speed was if he was in the car with him and holding his foot to the accelartor. Someone tailgaiting is not, repeat not, an excuse to speed up (Especially if it is a cop). For me if someone tailgates me I slow down. If he keeps tailgateing I just get slower, eventually they will take the hint and go around me. If they F up and hit me then guess what.. Thats right.. The accident is their fault, not mine. Sorry but if you are speeding already, have a cop come in behind you, and are still stupid enough to go faster then you need not only to get a speeding ticket, but you also need to get a "Heres your Sign" Sign.

[Sun Baked]

Sorry to disagree, but I have to call Baloney. The only way the cop could have FORCED him to speed was if he was in the car with him and holding his foot to the accelartor. Someone tailgaiting is not, repeat not, an excuse to speed up (Especially if it is a cop). For me if someone tailgates me I slow down. If he keeps tailgateing I just get slower, eventually they will take the hint and go around me. If they F up and hit me then guess what.. Thats right.. The accident is their fault, not mine. Sorry but if you are speeding already, have a cop come in behind you, and are still stupid enough to go faster then you need not only to get a speeding ticket, but you also need to get a "Heres your Sign" Sign.At least I'm not the only one... :p

[latergator116]

Sorry to disagree, but I have to call Baloney. The only way the cop could have FORCED him to speed was if he was in the car with him and holding his foot to the accelartor. Someone tailgaiting is not, repeat not, an excuse to speed up (Especially if it is a cop). For me if someone tailgates me I slow down. If he keeps tailgateing I just get slower, eventually they will take the hint and go around me. If they F up and hit me then guess what.. Thats right.. The accident is their fault, not mine. Sorry but if you are speeding already, have a cop come in behind you, and are still stupid enough to go faster then you need not only to get a speeding ticket, but you also need to get a "Heres your Sign" Sign.

Do you think the cop should get a ticket for tailgating?

[watcher2001]

Do you think the cop should get a ticket for tailgating?

That is falling into the "He hit me first" line of thinking.
Should the cop get a ticket? Not being there and actually seeing the offense I could not say. I kind of question what the law is on tailgaiting? For some people half a car length is an acceptable distance to follow someone while some see it as much as 2 car lengths. Is there a written law? Does it vary by state? Is this law posted on the highway as prominently as the speed limit? At any rate the law would probably be up to the judgement of the police officer. In this instance I could see the officer possibly getting reprimanded. (and this is only because Eric got off the hook) Bottom line it, had a citizen been tailgaiting and Eric sped up to get away the cop could have pulled them both over and given tickets to both of them. No matter how you slice it Eric broke the law and should have been held accountable.

[latergator116]

That is falling into the "He hit me first" line of thinking.
Should the cop get a ticket? Not being there and actually seeing the offense I could not say. I kind of question what the law is on tailgaiting? For some people half a car length is an acceptable distance to follow someone while some see it as much as 2 car lengths. Is there a written law? Does it vary by state? Is this law posted on the highway as prominently as the speed limit? At any rate the law would probably be up to the judgement of the police officer. In this instance I could see the officer possibly getting reprimanded. (and this is only because Eric got off the hook) Bottom line it, had a citizen been tailgaiting and Eric sped up to get away the cop could have pulled them both over and given tickets to both of them. No matter how you slice it Eric broke the law and should have been held accountable.

The law is pretty vague on tailgaing. It says something like "a reasonable distance". Eric said the the cop was two feet behind his bumper, which is pretty damn close when you're doing 65 on the highway. I realize that he broke the law, but I feel like he has a valid excuse. If someone is following 2 FEET behind you on the highway I think it would be pretty reasonable to speed up and avoid an accident.

[Sun Baked]

Without reading all the posts again...

I though we all agreed he should have been yanked out of the car and beaten like a drum for speeding and causing the cop all the problems.

Edit: Or was that one of the other I got caught speeding threads. :confused:

[watcher2001]

The law is pretty vague on tailgaing. It says something like "a reasonable distance". Eric said the the cop was two feet behind his bumper, which is pretty damn close when you're doing 65 on the highway. I realize that he broke the law, but I feel like he has a valid excuse. If someone is following 2 FEET behind you on the highway I think it would be pretty reasonable to speed up and avoid an accident.

I find it hard to believe that the cop was literally two feet behind him. I have done precision driving training during my stint working for Uncle Sam and to driver 2 feet of someones bumper is quite a feat. I am sure it seemed like two feet but it was probably closer to 6-8 feet. No matter, he had a couple of different options in this case. He could
1: Let off the gas and force the officer to back off.
2: Remain at the posted speed limit until he could get to a safe exit.

Speeding up to "Get Away" was not the right choice.