First speeding ticket in six years... what's the damage?

SirSquid · 02-01-2009, 12:33 AM

Yeah that's right, no thanks to a linear torque curve and abysmal power I was popped doing 85 in a 65 courtesy of the California Highway Patrol. Anyone had a speeding ticket lately and care to share the financial burden? I already set aside $800 for the ticket and traffic school.

From my experience, cops do appreciate honesty. He even appreciated the fact I suggested he stop chewing tobacco for the sake of his gum line. Anyhow, I got so absorbed in the moment I forgot to look down at the little digital numbers - that was my story. What else am I going to say, he caught me proper. Where I live, 85+ means you get your bike towed and you are sighted for misdemeanor reckless driving so he cut me lose and sighted me for 84 mph... golly-gee, thanks officer. Nothing I like to brag about, but I'm definitely going to tone it down. After finally getting some serious riding experience, 85 just seems dismal, but its still illegal.

muddysteel · 02-01-2009, 3:15 AM

Well, every county in California sets a variety of fines - on top of the state fines. I don't think it'll be as bad as the $800 - probably closer to $400. I got a nice break on a speeding fine (long story - the cop didn't have cop attitude and appreciated me noticing, I guess) that resulted in a 70 mph in 55 mph zone (was easily 90+). Went to pay the fine - mine as $95 (USD). The gal ahead of me was 85 in 55 zone. Her fine was $310. (Long time ago)

You sound like you're square with your ticket. If you don't know about something called, "trial by written declaration", you should read up on it.. It can be used for most CVC violations (CVC section 40902).. It doesn't get advertised for a variety of reasons (mostly, $$$).. Anyway, suggest you check it out.

Kelbor · 02-02-2009, 2:35 PM

I got the exact same ticket in Humboldt earlier this year....she was nice and wrote me up for 84 instead of 95+ as I was doing (build a f-ing autobauhn and I will likely drive it like one....). Any how, I think I paid a total of 175 with traffic school and fine combined. Not bad. (I do have a fairly clean record and it was also my first ticket in Cali - im from Oregon) Good luck!

slinky · 02-02-2009, 7:12 PM

I just went for illegal left turn. The thing about California you will have to watch right now is what they are calling penalties and assessments. your 100 dollar fine ends up being 434 dollars after penalties are accessed. My 20 fine ended up being 100 dollars after. Traffic school is about another 50. I think the 200 dollar fine finishes at 711. so if you have a clean record you may get lucky. Best of luck

SirSquid · 02-02-2009, 10:09 PM

The base fine is $70 but I have a point on my license for having hit a deer. I don't know how they factor that into the equation, but the total with surcharges comes out to being $277. I can only hope its only $277.

slinky · 02-02-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirSquid

The base fine is $70 but I have a point on my license for having hit a deer. I don't know how they factor that into the equation, but the total with surcharges comes out to being $277. I can only hope its only $277.

sounds about right i think they said it was 411% now days on top of the base fine. If you do traffic school shouldnt affect your insurance.

jkobflys · 02-02-2009, 10:33 PM

95+ ON A 65 san fernando valley LA county.
$370.00

vamike23 · 02-05-2009, 4:08 PM

85 in a 55.....took online driver improvement class $40.00 and wrote judge a letter. he reduced it to 60 in a 55=$90..........but also i'm a L.E.O. so that helps sometimes.....

mdot1220 · 02-05-2009, 5:45 PM

I got my first ticket on 395S in Baltimore Maryland i was doing 120 in "55" 530.00 ticket and 5 points. But the cop was really cool so he never showed up for court so it was dismissed didnt pay a thing. i was just lucky

vamike23 · 02-05-2009, 7:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdot1220

I got my first ticket on 395S in Baltimore Maryland i was doing 120 in "55" 530.00 ticket and 5 points. But the cop was really cool so he never showed up for court so it was dismissed didnt pay a thing. i was just lucky

yeh, you were really lucky. normally they just continue it until the officers next court date....the judge looked out for you too. here in VA, that much over could = up to 12 months in jail.....

SirSquid · 02-05-2009, 7:56 PM

Not to veer off topic, but I have a friend in the Marines who was caught doing 130 down the I-5 in San Diego. Where do I start:
1) Loss of rank (reduced to E3 I believe)
2) Suspended license for one month
3) Two points and issued a misdemeanor citation for reckless driving
4) Traffic school exempt
5) No mercy - they arrested him and towed the bike

They knew he was with the armed services but he did not get an ounce of mercy. I'm surprised a cop issued a ticket to another cop - what ever happened to professional courtesy?