Speeding Ticket From Patrol Car

lordra on 13/12/2015 - 18:18
Last edited 16/12/2015 - 00:24

Hello Ozbargainers!

As an ozbargainer, every $5 is counted and really thought about. This morning, I was going places at 0730hrs, moving from a 80kmph zone to a 60kmph when a police car went past in the opposite direction. A couple of minutes later I was pulled up and handed a ticket for going at 70kmph.

Site description.

0725 - Currently in 80 km zone.

0725 – approaching 60kmph zone & traffic lights that are on green. It’s a double lane at the traffic lights. When one proceeds forwards, there is a steep decline & the double lane joins to form a single lane. Ute in the left right, me in the right lane. The left lane merges with the right lane to form a single lane at the base of the decline. This is about 100meters.

0726 – enter 60kmph zone, slow down, not watching the speedo. The ute and I are going head to head as we go thru the lights & start the decline. I’m not sure if there was someone behind me, there could have been, I don’t remember. He speeds up & decides he wants to get ahead of me & at the same time, focusing on my lane, I’ve already sped up as I don’t want him to be next to be when the lane forms a single lane. Plus, There’s the danger of the car behind me. And the decline makes it easier to accelerate rather than to brake. The cop car is in the opposite lane & takes the liberty to use his rail gun & has a go, clocks me & I’m totally unaware of any of this.

0727 – The ute follows in behind me, we are now in the single lane, I’ve caught up with the traffic in front of me, & I glance at my speedo & I’m a little under 60kmph.

0730 – I see the flashing lights, get pulled over, handed the ticket & I leave. He told me that since this was a first, I could ask for the 10-year caution pardon. Which I cannot as I am from England & have converted my license.

As a driver, I know I am obligated to follow the speed limit. This is the first time I’ve been handed a speeding ticket. Would it help to ask the officer for his calibration records? Can I ask for all the evidence held against me? Can I contest this in court? Are there any grounds on which I can say I was not speeding intentionally?
I have had a look at all the sdro sites. I am quite keen on the section 10. I don’t want this on my history. As a Pom in Oz, I need to keep a squeaky clean record & something as silly as this is very shameful for me, personally, as I am quite proud to say that I’m the only moron doing 100kmph in a 100kmph zone while everyone else is zooming past at about 110-120. Fuel efficiency you see. :)

My financial situation isn’t the best & I’ve only just got me a part time job, haven’t received a paycheck since April, been living off savings & other people’s kindness. This fine would be detrimental to my financial status as well; is that something that can be considered if all fails? I’m willing to borrow to fight it off & make sure I go squeaky clean; this whole thing is just a farce!

I am looking for either of these two outcomes:

Caution or Cancellation

Edit : thank you to everyone for the feedback. I have decided to write in and ask for a caution. If that doesn't work, I'll pay it.

Poll Options expired

  • 3
    Reduce it to 5 years
  • 6
    Reduce the once in 10 year caution period to follow Vic's of 2 years
  • 8
    Keep the once in 10 year caution period
Automotive

closed Comments

    • iridiumstem on 14/12/2015 - 01:23
      +5

      Some of your words I think are tailgating the words in front too closely :P They should keep safe distance.

      Sorry, I had to be that guy who makes a lame comment.

    • lordra on 14/12/2015 - 11:19

      Agreed, I;m always that bloke going 5kmph below the limit, haha! Seconds, forget minutes, plus I save on so much fuel!

    • jackary on 15/12/2015 - 21:05

      So you're the guy in the right lane doing 95 in the 100 zone? Hand in your licence now, as I hate you.

      • Hirolol on 15/12/2015 - 21:55

        No.
        But during peak times im not doing what every car does and slam the accelerator down to get upto the speed limit only to have to slow right back down again.

        • jackary on 16/12/2015 - 00:10

          Cool

  • Finde on 14/12/2015 - 04:07
    +8

    Speaking as a police officer and having had experience in these kinds of things, you don't really have a case. I'm not sure which state you're in so it may be different to where I work. In Victoria you essentially you have three choices.
    Option 1: send a letter to civic compliance requesting a warning (only works for a fine under 10km/h over and if your haven't received a fine for the past three years.
    Option 2: pay the fine. It is not counted as a conviction and really means nothing except for having a demerit point.
    Option 3: go to court (you will only be given the evidence if you choose this option) and fight it. Chances are you will be given a conviction as you are essentially wasting court time with no real case and are likely to receive an even larger fine and that's not including layer fees.

  • viperxz on 14/12/2015 - 06:26
    +2

    I'm not 100% sure if this applies, but if your that strapped for cash you can opt to pay your fine in installments http://online.fines.vic.gov.au/fines/content.aspx?page=40

  • sd4f on 14/12/2015 - 08:04

    Read up the rules regarding how much distance you have to adjust your speed from posted change. It may vary from state to state, but if the police officer was checking you fairly soon after the sign, the rules may afford you some leniency from it

    • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2015 - 11:01
      -1

      how much distance you have to adjust your speed from posted change

      In most legal realms, your right would be a distance of 0m after the speed sign. After all, speed signs indicate the maximum speed from that sign onwards, not 100/200/300m after the sign.

      • sd4f on 14/12/2015 - 22:30
        +3

        That's why I'm suggesting for the person to read it up at the source, rather than take some guys word for it on the internet, because in Queensland, it's 300m where the police shouldn't be checking speed, after a posted speed reduction.

        https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/enforcement/

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/12/2015 - 08:20
    +5

    Flip the ticket over. Like seriously all the answers to your questions posted are there and even includes a convenient website and phone number for more information.

    For the lolz go to court, produce an expert in power line science, a professor in meteorology, an expert in rail gun engineering and report back with the outcome.

  • grasstown on 14/12/2015 - 08:38
    +1

    " I don’t want this on my history. As a Pom in Oz, I need to keep a squeaky clean record "

    Do not court elect . Do not go to court. Paying a penalty notice will not give you a conviction or go on your history. I'm confused if you understand your options and the effect of simply paying the penalty notice and moving on.

    • lordra on 14/12/2015 - 11:20

      Oh, I understand the options, I just wanted some clarification that you have so kindly provided, so ta for that!

  • lolmao on 14/12/2015 - 08:50
    +1

    rail gun

    I lol'd

  • DrStinge on 14/12/2015 - 09:41
    +2

    Speeding threads - one way to instigate the masses.

  • rickxs on 14/12/2015 - 09:49
    +1

    where's the picture of graffiti on the speed sign ?

  • Goober1 on 14/12/2015 - 09:50
    +1

    and I bet you would squeal like a pig if you got busted using your phone while driving and gathering this 'evidence'

    • lordra on 14/12/2015 - 11:21

      point and shoot, don't have a smart phone.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2015 - 11:02

    why drive when you are broke? makes no sense

    • lordra on 14/12/2015 - 11:22
      +1

      to get to dick smith's to buy something I didn't need :)

    • jackary on 15/12/2015 - 12:12

      Joe hockey is that you?

  • KevinFine on 14/12/2015 - 11:09

    Is there a TLDR version?

  • doctordv8 on 14/12/2015 - 12:25
    +2

    If you are mature and educated enough to jump the smart hoops and be issued a licence, then you are deemed smart enough to understand the rules and slow down before the sign.

    1st Rule of the road. Do everything in your power to avoid an accident or situation, no matter who is right or wrong.

    Errr, you goofed there, so pay the fine and learn the lesson.

    Now sympathetic reply, write a letter and cry poor foreigner etc blah, maybe, just maybe, you will get a warning.

    I have a few speeding tickets over 40 yrs, my fault, no one else was holding my go fast pedal down, or not watching the speedo, or not using the brakes. Man up sunshine.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/12/2015 - 13:27

      This guy,

      Responsibility and accountability, even kids have to do that sometimes. All the resources (spedo and brakes) you need to prevent that fine is available to you. Some people get away with it, some don't.

    • lordra on 14/12/2015 - 14:34

      Agreed!

    • shmahoo on 15/12/2015 - 21:33
      -1

      Now sympathetic reply, write a letter and cry poor foreigner etc blah, maybe, just maybe, you will get a warning.

      Will probably work better if you write in your accent

  • TurkishDelight on 14/12/2015 - 12:47
    +5

    Well if I was in the same situation, it would look like this-

    Me doing overspeeding in zone of 60 (maybe going at the speed of 70/80/90)
    Cop's Shows up and pulls me over.

    Cop- Do you know why you got pulled over?
    Me- Because you are willing to compliment my car?
    Cop- No you Idiot, may I have your License pls.
    Me- Here.
    Cops- You have been speeding as its the zone of 60 and you have been driving at 75.
    Me-So?
    Cops- So its Ilegal.
    Me- But I was under speed, Its the zone of 60 miles/hr and I am going at 75km/hr, Whats wrong with it? I am just being Slow and safe.
    Cops- Your Sir are a Legend, Have a nice day.

    Yes its a joke…

    • TurkishDelight on 14/12/2015 - 12:50
      +1

      It doesn't say on the sign of speed limit whether if its 60miles/hr or 60km/hr. Would be a +1 if you are from UK and have a UK license.

      • lordra on 14/12/2015 - 14:35
        +2

        HAHHAA, I am from the uk but have an nsw licence. LOl… good point!

        • TurkishDelight on 15/12/2015 - 04:14
          +2

          Well then now you know what to say next time.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2015 - 05:14
      +4

      Cop: Didn't you see the sign said '60'?
      me: Yes, but 60 seconds isn't enough time to get to the next sign. Luckily I banked some major time through that school zone back there.
      Cop: I too play all the driving games. High five.

  • lint on 14/12/2015 - 12:52

    Given that this is your first ticket, you're either a safe driver or you've been lucky not to be ticketed before. In either case, you can ask for the caution instead of the fine.

    Your description is overly long, but it does appear you were at fault for speeding. If you don't believe that's the case, you can alternatively challenge the fine in court.

    Otherwise, just have the fine paid. I believe they allow you to pay in instalments if you're short on cash. Pay up, son.

  • p1 ama on 14/12/2015 - 13:13

    I have had a look at all the sdro sites. I am quite keen on the section 10. I don’t want this on my history. As a Pom in Oz, I need to keep a squeaky clean record & something as silly as this is very shameful for me, personally, as I am quite proud to say that I’m the only moron doing 100kmph in a 100kmph zone while everyone else is zooming past at about 110-120. Fuel efficiency you see. :)

    I might come across as an ass, but believe me, saying things like this won't help your case (either here or in the courts).

    • snook on 14/12/2015 - 15:34

      and the best fuel efficiency is to be had at no more than 80kmph.

  • EmCKay on 14/12/2015 - 16:43
    +2

    How much is your time worth?
    You will sit in a courtroom for half a day as will the police prosecutor and the police officer involved. He will say his thing, you will say yours. You will lose, I guarantee it. Fast forward ten minutes and you have had a lecture from the magistrate about wasting court time and the time of the copper who could be out chasing criminals but is instead stuck listening to your whinging. Fast forward another minute and you will be slapped with the original fine plus any other costs the court deems appropriate. Furthermore you've just embarrassed yourself in front of three dozen people who are in court for legitimate reasons and are desperate for their case to be heard.
    Maybe you want to live up the stereotype of a whinging Pom?

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 14/12/2015 - 17:59
      +2

      Shots fired

      • OzJD on 14/12/2015 - 23:46
        +1

        Man down!

    • lordra on 15/12/2015 - 11:10
      +1

      Direct hit! Lol
      Tango down

  • immortalbjr on 14/12/2015 - 19:17
    +1

    I made it till about the 3rd paragraph and looked at the giant wall of text before I realised what a mental patient you must be the way you are trying to describe what happened and justify to yourself you did nothing wrong.

    You were speeding, you got caught. Suck it up and move on, find something more constructive with your time.

  • syousef on 14/12/2015 - 22:31
    +3

    Opinion: You're wasting way too much time and effort on this. Pay the fine if you were speeding and move on. Life's too short.

  • BartholemewH on 15/12/2015 - 07:34
    +1

    Obvious troll is obvious.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2015 - 09:04
    +2

    suck it up princess and pay the fine just like everybody else would

  • Turd on 15/12/2015 - 11:14

    Why did you take a photo with your point and shoot camera whilst at the lights?? Show the picture you took to the police and judge.

    Good luck getting out of that one!

  • shroomish on 15/12/2015 - 12:16

    what do you recommend? Nonya malay take away or Pizza?

    • TurkishDelight on 15/12/2015 - 12:47

      Pizza. I would have Mexican with No salami and you?

      • shroomish on 15/12/2015 - 13:17

        im hungry, id go both.

  • fruit on 15/12/2015 - 13:00
    +1

    The speed limit was not obfuscated by the graffiti in the slightest.

    As a Pom in Oz, I need to keep a squeaky clean record & something as silly as this is very shameful for me,
    My dad's a pom.. I don't under stand how it's shameful? Which part are you from?

    Write a letter requesting a warning and then pay the fine if they deny it.

    • lordra on 16/12/2015 - 00:03

      This is what I have now decided to do. Ta

  • infinite on 15/12/2015 - 13:47

    OP was speeding. There is ZERO defense, legal or otherwise.

    Best way to avoid stuff like this is just drive sensibly & don't break the speed limit.

  • zman09 on 15/12/2015 - 14:28
    +1

    Being a selfish donkey doesnt pay….

  • denuto on 15/12/2015 - 14:30

    Anyone who comes to Ozbargain seeking advice about traffic fines has obviously never looked to see if it has been done before! It is an invitation to the self righteous to come out of the woodwork. Ask someone how to save $5 on a widget and everyone is your friend. Tell 'em you've been booked for speeding and they think you're Charlie Manson!

    • infinite on 15/12/2015 - 14:44
      +1

      That's because unlike speeding, you wont end up killing a kid by saving $5 on widget. Plus, who doesn't like a bargain?

      • jackary on 15/12/2015 - 21:14

        Okay let's be real here for a moment, he was doing 10 over the limit, not killing a kid. I see what you're getting at, but it's BS. I might kill a kid hanging up my Christmas lights on the weekend, who knows?

        People who haven't received a speeding fine either don't have a licence, don't drive, or are heinously lucky - take your pick.

        • lordra on 16/12/2015 - 00:04

          Not too many of us on this side matey. Oh well.

  • tohara on 15/12/2015 - 15:47
    +1

    The irony in illegally taking pics while driving of where your discretion took place in a post where you're trying to escape a fine….

    I'm almost certain the fine for using your phone is a lot worse than ~10km/ph over in any case (in QLD for sure anyway). Did you not think that through before taking photos while driving lol?

  • anglais on 15/12/2015 - 19:28

    Unfortunately nothing to be done here. Everyone will be on the receiving end of an unlucky one like this in their lifetime. Cop it and move on.

    The best you can hope is that the driver that was trying to accelerate past on the inside lane gets his comeuppance one day. People overtaking on my inside lane will never cease to grind my gears. This practice should be illegal as it is in most civilized countries.

    • lordra on 16/12/2015 - 00:05

      Thank you

  • diiilpickle on 15/12/2015 - 22:46
    +1

    Nothing to contribute, however that Nonya joint isn't too bad ;D

  • johnno07 on 15/12/2015 - 23:21
    +1

    Where's the poll option for

    "Admit I was wrong. Suck it up. Pay the fine"?

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