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namllitsdad
05-08-2009, 01:59 PM
Minding my own business, cruising' in the MM and BAM, I see the Speed Enforcement Van. I was actually "in the flow of traffic"...Kickin' back!!

I was allegedly doing 60 in a 45....But was it really me behind the wheel? Will see what I can do in court, as it's a mandatory appearance....

These may very well be expensive, suitable for framing, pictures of me and my Marauder, unless the Van was unmanned and they can't produce the calibration maintenance records in court!

Any and all advice would be appreciated (Other than "Don't exceed the speed limit") !!

Stranger in the Black Sedan
05-08-2009, 02:02 PM
You were definitely on the brakes in that pic! LOL that is not a good argument for I was not speeding

Joe Walsh
05-08-2009, 02:08 PM
Driver can CLEARLY be seen going: 'DOH'

I got popped for a $50.00 fine by a Washington DC speed enforcement van about 3 months ago...
I just paid the fine and wrote 'FAWQ' on the memo section of my check!

offroadkarter
05-08-2009, 02:13 PM
Look on the bright side, at least you got 2 good photos...

NOMARQUIS
05-08-2009, 02:16 PM
How does that work? Isn't that some sort of violation of rights? Even if you were speeding, that's a crap way to ticket people!

MM2004
05-08-2009, 02:21 PM
How does that work? Isn't that some sort of violation of rights? Even if you were speeding, that's a crap way to ticket people!

This technology has been around for years.

Play. We pay.

We've all driven past the limit, and we know the consequences of breaking the law.

Not to come off harsh.

Just speaking the truth.

Hard to fight it.

Mike.

Joe Walsh
05-08-2009, 02:23 PM
How does that work? Isn't that some sort of violation of rights? Even if you were speeding, that's a crap way to ticket people!

Its called "Revenue enhancement"...not "traffic speed control".

namllitsdad
05-08-2009, 02:28 PM
This technology has been around for years.

Play. We pay.

We've all driven past the limit, and we know the consequences of breaking the law.

Not to come off harsh.

Just speaking the truth.

Hard to fight it.

Mike.


Thanks, Dad

Did not know you had joined the web site?!! :D

RR|Suki
05-08-2009, 02:33 PM
How does that work? Isn't that some sort of violation of rights? Even if you were speeding, that's a crap way to ticket people!

Michigan Supreme Court agrees, thankfully :lol:

W4LTD
05-08-2009, 02:50 PM
Do you always drive around wearing a black ski mask?

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=15 680&d=1241815926

MERCMAN
05-08-2009, 03:06 PM
Thanks, Dad

Did not know you had joined the web site?!! :D



LOL You owe me a keyboard !!!

Blackened300a
05-08-2009, 03:22 PM
Its not looking good with that safety cone in the pic. They could argue speeding in a work zone to really ruin your day.
I never heard of some van cruising around taking pics. Thats a new one.

Bluerauder
05-08-2009, 03:54 PM
The guy in the 2nd pic looks exactly like the Gingerbread man. ;) Nice happy face .... blame him or one of the M&M guys ... the yellow M&M is a trouble maker anyway. :D

BTW -- pay the fine and frame the pics.

You may have allegedly been doing 50 in a 45. Or allegedly 55 in a 45. But at 60 in a 45 ..... think this may be a tad hard to fight even on speed calibration terms.

Stranger in the Black Sedan
05-08-2009, 03:55 PM
lol now that you say that, it is the gingerbread man. Son uf a B

JohnPPD
05-08-2009, 05:27 PM
Luckily, we don't have those here. We do have red light cameras though. I bring them up because since they only take pics from the rear, and can't identify the driver, they just assess a fine to the owner and there are no points to any driver. Not sure if that applies with the nice front shot that they have. At least you had your seat belt on, jk.

The way it works here is, they'll offer you a plea before you even see the judge to try and expedite matters. If you plead guilty (often to a lesser charge), they'll wave the points and you just eat the fine. If you try to fight it, the judge may look at you, and then look at the photo, and then jam you up real good. Work zone, court costs, points, etc.

Here's to the calibration records not being up to snuff. :beer:

Starman
05-08-2009, 05:36 PM
How does that work? Isn't that some sort of violation of rights? Even if you were speeding, that's a crap way to ticket people!

As a L.E.O. for 29 years, I have never agreed with unmanned photo radar or red light cameras. Now if the pics were taken by an Officer to back up his other evidence, then fine. Thats what in car cameras are for. And the red light cameras to me are crap. I was always taught that you have to see the violation, not lose sight of the vehicle and then identify the driver. Red light cameras and such don't allow for that and you are forced to either turn in someone driving your vehicle, take the hit yourself or self-incriminate yourself with no L.E.O. to provide evidence that they witnessed who did it. Now if they happen to get a good pic with your happy mug clearly seen, then maybe I could see that, but I still do not like it. Yes lots of accidents occur in intersections, worked many over the years, but I do not like this type of revenue enforcement.

Do red light cameras work, not always. I read recently of a City her in Florida where accidents actually went up even thought they had the cameras. That City is taking them out. Marked cars with pretty lights and Uniformed Cops are what works and is visible. People need visual clues to get a clue.

When we run what some would call speed traps, speeds go down and when checked at a later date by unmarked cars doing surveying with radar, speeds may have gone up, but not to where they were.

A lot of the time when we get a complaint of speeding in an area, the folks doing the speeding are the ones living in the area. I have even stopped the person who did the complaining for speeding when doing the enforcement in the area and then they complain about getting the ticket. Go figure.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Off my :soapbox:

FormulaMarauder
05-08-2009, 05:46 PM
I'm a Major Crimes Detective now, but when I was in patrol some four years ago, it literally took a call to the Pentagon for me to pull you over. That, or a REAL blatant REAL reckless behavior behind the wheel. I'm no angel behind the wheel, I'm not going to be a hypocrite and nail someone for something that I do. I probably wrote a dozen tickets my last year in a cruiser. But then again, big city policing gives you more important things to do then address traffic violations. 15 calls in a night back-to-back-to-back doesn't give you enough time.

DEFYANT
05-08-2009, 07:01 PM
Hmmmm, those look like nice pics of your car standing still. Show me a video please.

Sniper Rick
05-08-2009, 07:28 PM
I drove past that van in December, on my way up to New Jersey from Orlando. It was at night, it made a big flash when I passed it, but I never received a ticket in the mail, and I was HAULIN A$$. It was a white Chevy Astro van, it looked broken down on the side of the road. When I saw the bright flash, then I passed the van, I saw the tripod setup next to the van, I then knew exactly what is was, I said "SON OF A Bit&@". But no ticket came in the mail, I was doing about 85 mph, and it was on the north side of D.C, some where on the beltway.

namllitsdad
05-08-2009, 07:39 PM
Luckily, we don't have those here. We do have red light cameras though. I bring them up because since they only take pics from the rear, and can't identify the driver, they just assess a fine to the owner and there are no points to any driver. Not sure if that applies with the nice front shot that they have. At least you had your seat belt on, jk.

The way it works here is, they'll offer you a plea before you even see the judge to try and expedite matters. If you plead guilty (often to a lesser charge), they'll wave the points and you just eat the fine. If you try to fight it, the judge may look at you, and then look at the photo, and then jam you up real good. Work zone, court costs, points, etc.

Here's to the calibration records not being up to snuff. :beer:

I've been doing some research and backed into the Illinois Law that was passed to support Photo Enforcement in Construction Zones.

Several discrepancies with the law and the citation I received in the mail.

3 Key discrepancies (among some lesser ones):

1.) The law stipulates the citation must be mailed within 14 days of the alleged violation. I received mine 22 days after the alleged violation with a post mark 19 days after the alleged violation.
2.) Citation did not SPECIFICALLY state that a photo or image is the basis of the citation. It only reference a "Photo Enforcement Van in Work Zone".
3.) The State has to PROVE there were workers in the area.

Based on your observation ( which I believe is the most likely course of action the state will take) , I'm now wondering if I should push my luck if I get offered a lesser charge and only a fine....:confused:

W4LTD
05-08-2009, 07:50 PM
I've been doing some research and backed into the Illinois Law that was passed to support Photo Enforcement in Construction Zones.

Several discrepancies with the law and the citation I received in the mail.

3 Key discrepancies (among some lesser ones):

1.) The law stipulates the citation must be mailed within 14 days of the alleged violation. I received mine 22 days after the alleged violation with a post mark 19 days after the alleged violation.
2.) Citation did not SPECIFICALLY state that a photo or image is the basis of the citation. It only reference a "Photo Enforcement Van in Work Zone".
3.) The State has to PROVE there were workers in the area.

Based on your observation ( which I believe is the most likely course of action the state will take) , I'm now wondering if I should push my luck if I get offered a lesser charge and only a fine....:confused:

Were you not speeding?

If you were obeying the speed limit and there was simply an equipment error, then definitely fight it.

If you were speeding then you broke the law, so why not pay the fine?

namllitsdad
05-08-2009, 08:08 PM
Were you not speeding?

If you were obeying the speed limit and there was simply an equipment error, then definitely fight it.

If you were speeding then you broke the law, so why not pay the fine?

Ummmm...Cause I don't wanna???

For starters, it's $375.00 and not to get all "woe is me" but everyone and I mean everyone was going at similar speeds. If you actually drove the speed limit on the interstate, you'd back up traffic to the Wisconsin border and that would only be if you did not get ran over first! (and yes, If everyone was jumping off a cliff, I might be tempted to follow suit!)

If I really believed the 100's of cars that were traveling in the same direction as me, during that commute, received tickets also, I guess I would accept the responsibility for the alleged violation. I believe I represented a "clear" shot that met the systems criteria for getting the appropriate photos.

Also, for everyone's clarification, this photo enforcement operation is sub-contracted to a company that SELLS this service to municipalities and manages the distribution of the tickets etc.

Egon Spengler
05-08-2009, 10:13 PM
That is awesome! I would frame that!!!!!

Bluerauder
05-09-2009, 01:04 AM
Also, for everyone's clarification, this photo enforcement operation is sub-contracted to a company that SELLS this service to municipalities and manages the distribution of the tickets etc.
The "everyone else was doing it" defense will carry no weight at all.

However, if you have some knowledge of the subcontracted company's agreement with the municipality, it may be of some help.

Washington, DC had a similar flap over Red Light cameras about a year or two ago. Seems the contract stipulated that the company would be paid based on the number of tickets generated. Therefore, it was to the company's benefit to produce more tickets and several "questionable" speed violations were discovered that the speed equipment was "dialed down" to bump up the number of violations. Court said "No Go" and a different payment scheme was developed. Check out what the city agreement is with the company that ticketed you. Should be available under FOIA.

If it was me and I was exceeding the limit as noted .... I would probably just pay the fine and be done with it.

Mike Poore
05-09-2009, 04:12 AM
It doesn't appear to me that the brake lights were on, since someone suggested that you were on the brakes; although it seems unlikely that would make a difference. Most likely you're gonna pay the fine; but the big thing is possible points, depending upon your record, and resultant change in insurance rates. If, as one poster says there are no points accessed, or you were out of state, meaning no points, the fine is just one of the costs of doing business. Look at it this way, even though it's little consolation, there have many times you could have gotten a citation, for whatever. That still doesn't change the fact that the whole system stinks, especially if there's a requirement for mandatory court appearances.

burt ragio
05-09-2009, 05:12 AM
We have all done it broke the law traveled over the posted speed limits & rolled through stop signs. The sign did't say 50mph or faster. The stop signs don't say stop or slow roll pass. Your luck just ran out you got nabbed. Yes, you can pay the ticket yes, you can also beat the ticket. Your choice. No matter how you slice it it stinks. Yes we've all been there.

chapel1
05-09-2009, 06:22 AM
Illinois has a big push to make the public aware of construction area work zone speed limits. And I think you better be very thoughtful about contesting your ticket. I'm sorry but I would be prepared to pay the fine. I have been very lucky with my Marauder so far...I will be double villagent now driving around Chicago .

Vortex
05-09-2009, 07:13 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRa9uhiAPBs

justbob
05-09-2009, 07:22 AM
I really need to slow down!!! I just get to being bored on the highway and normally run around 85, or construction zones 65-70, or if there is actually people working about 55. I have noticed more and more of those flashing message board (the small trailers) are setting off my radar det.

guspech750
05-09-2009, 07:29 AM
I dont think you have a good chance. You know how strict these photo vans and state patrol officers are. and for a good reason. I for one really do not have a problem with it as I have done a lot of work on highways and roadways. and have seen many close calls and have been very close to being hit and possibly killed. people ***** about the conditions of the roads but when we try to fix them. people get pissed. so anything to slow drivers down and help protect me so I can see my family is always welcomed. just pay up shut up and slow down because us workers have families to see. so i do not feel sorry for you though. some advice. leave your house earlier if you know you are driving into a construction zone and you we be able to slow down and not be late to where you may be going. on the positive side. they are cool pictures to hang on the wall.:D

namllitsdad
05-09-2009, 09:33 AM
I dont think you have a good chance. You know how strict these photo vans and state patrol officers are. and for a good reason. I for one really do not have a problem with it as I have done a lot of work on highways and roadways. and have seen many close calls and have been very close to being hit and possibly killed. people ***** about the conditions of the roads but when we try to fix them. people get pissed. so anything to slow drivers down and help protect me so I can see my family is always welcomed. just pay up shut up and slow down because us workers have families to see. so i do not feel sorry for you though. some advice. leave your house earlier if you know you are driving into a construction zone and you we be able to slow down and not be late to where you may be going. on the positive side. they are cool pictures to hang on the wall.:D


It was just a matter of time.....

For all that relate this situation to me putting peoples lives in danger, you clearly are not familiar with the specifics around the construction that has been ongoing for years on the interstate system in and around Chicago and Northern Illinois (yes, I am aware of the speed limit specific)

This area has been flagged a Construction Zone for 12- 18 months and the reduced speed limit is universally ignored. ( please refer to earlier "if people were jumping off a cliff" reference.)

Before you pass "judgment" on me, Please confirm that you have NEVER, EVER exceed the speed limit at any time, regardless of surroundings or road conditions. There is a reason why there are speed limits on all roads!

For you too , my judgmental, hypocritical friend, put peoples lives in danger that have children that they too want to get home to.

I posted some dam* Pics of me getting pinched speeding... I was not looking for, nor need lectures from forum troll hypocrites, like yourself....

Now I am really glad I had just taken the " I speed to kill Construction workers to keep them from ever seeing their families again" bumper sticker off just a few days earlier....I could only imagine the grief I would get...

W4LTD
05-09-2009, 09:40 AM
Would it be fair to say you brought these replies upon yourself?

Considering you seem to be so nonchalant about your responsibilities as an adult (paying your fines when you know you're guilty), of course you're gonna get some flack about it. :rolleyes:

MM2004
05-09-2009, 10:27 AM
It was just a matter of time.....

For all that relate this situation to me putting peoples lives in danger, you clearly are not familiar with the specifics around the construction that has been ongoing for years on the interstate system in and around Chicago and Northern Illinois (yes, I am aware of the speed limit specific)

This area has been flagged a Construction Zone for 12- 18 months and the reduced speed limit is universally ignored. ( please refer to earlier "if people were jumping off a cliff" reference.)

Before you pass "judgment" on me, Please confirm that you have NEVER, EVER exceed the speed limit at any time, regardless of surroundings or road conditions. There is a reason why there are speed limits on all roads!

For you too , my judgmental, hypocritical friend, put peoples lives in danger that have children that they too want to get home to.

I posted some dam* Pics of me getting pinched speeding... I was not looking for, nor need lectures from forum troll hypocrites, like yourself....

Now I am really glad I had just taken the " I speed to kill Construction workers to keep them from ever seeing their families again" bumper sticker off just a few days earlier....I could only imagine the grief I would get...

Dude,

You need to relax.

You started a discussion, and you received thoughts and comments.

I see no sense in you lashing out at others.

Before the reference of me being your 'Dad', I added my comments.

Chill out.

Mike.

namllitsdad
05-09-2009, 10:34 AM
Would it be fair to say you brought these replies upon yourself?

Considering you seem to be so nonchalant about your responsibilities as an adult (paying your fines when you know you're guilty), of course you're gonna get some flack about it. :rolleyes:


Guilty is such a strong, unfriendly term....and for now, I was "allegedly" speeding:rolleyes:.... If the Pic don't fit, you must acquit!

Not nonchalant about my responsibilities as an adult...Mortgage Paid, Kids in College, 401K in good shape (under the circumstances), pay my taxes and when faced with a situation that I deem potentially unfair, given the circumstances, I explore legitimate alternatives and resolution.:flag::flag:.. (can I get an AMEN!)

I'll pay my fine as a result of a image from an unmanned photo reconnaissance, revenue generating machine, if that is indeed the final outcome, I'm simply exploring my options and venting to MM owners, like yourself.....

I'm looking at the bright side...Nice Pic's of my beloved MM !!!

W4LTD
05-09-2009, 10:37 AM
Guilty is such a strong, unfriendly term....and for now, I was "allegedly" speeding:rolleyes:.... If the Pic don't fit, you must acquit!

Not nonchalant about my responsibilities as an adult...Mortgage Paid, Kids in College, 401K in good shape (under the circumstances), pay my taxes and when faced with a situation that I deem potentially unfair, given the circumstances, I explore legitimate alternatives and resolution.:flag::flag:.. (can I get an AMEN!)

I'll pay my fine as a result of a image from an unmanned photo reconnaissance, revenue generating machine, if that is indeed the final outcome, I'm simply exploring my options and venting to MM owners, like yourself.....

I'm looking at the bright side...Nice Pic's of my beloved MM !!!

I agree, the photo's are definitely nice... They could have at least framed them for you!

guspech750
05-09-2009, 04:55 PM
i am not passing judgement. as much as i work on roadways and such i personally think the speed limit should be 55 and not 45 in a construction zone. but i have personally seen a lot of close calls near my coworker and i and i have seen accidents because people just dont want to be "inconvenienced" and its the my world and your just visiting attitude. heres what i do. i go anywhere from 45 to 55 in a construction zone. i put the cruise control on. if it backs people up behind me. it backs people up FCK THEM!! they are not going to pay my ticket or go to a mandatory court hearing. besides it might being a revenue making thing or not. do the construction workers a favor and just slow down for them and me too. i can think of a 100 other sites id rather work than on the roadway.

W4LTD
05-09-2009, 05:04 PM
http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww275/ColoRich/GiveemBrake.png

whd507
05-09-2009, 05:50 PM
I agree that speeding through work zones is inconsiderate at best, reckless at worst. however we have all driven stretches of road "under construction" for months, and never see a worker, or work being done. not slamming workers, just observing that the signs stay up even if there is no work going on, purely for "revenue enhancement". I have been ticketed justly and unjustly, and deserve more than I got, but if they are not observing the photo enforcement laws as written, then I would fight it, even if guilty, if just to keep the system honest.

TAKEDOWN
05-09-2009, 11:07 PM
Could you elaborate or give a detailed description of the what this Enforcement Van looks like. Any special markings, plates, etc. I've never seen it before, I'm curious, and I'll know what to look for.

03mara300b
05-10-2009, 06:45 AM
First I DO NOT run red lights. I did get nailed for 10 over before I purchased a Photoblocker plate cover. I use a Photoblocker plate cover and I also sprayed the plate with the reflective spray. When the license plate is viewed from any angle other than straight on the plate is distorted. I think they do work, although some feel they do not work. I have not had a photo speeding since installing the plate cover. I also have not been pulled over for the plate cover in over a year of use. Seems that most LEOs hate the cameras also depending on where you live. One local sheriff was busted by the media for using one on his marked unit !

Bluerauder
05-10-2009, 07:13 AM
First I DO NOT run red lights. I did get nailed for 10 over before I purshased a Photoblocker plate cover. I use a Photoblocker plate cover and I also sprayed the plate with the reflective spray.
JMHO but I have always viewed folks that use plate blockers (and the questionable spray) as people who have something to hide .... or who are about to do something that they need to hide. These techniques are illegal in most states. Good luck on your continued success in avoiding a traffic stop for the plates ..... it can't last forever.

Vortex
05-10-2009, 07:53 AM
My advice is dont start these threads if you dont want to get responses. Quit your sniveling and pay your ticket.

jfclancy
05-10-2009, 07:56 AM
Minding my own business, cruising' in the MM and BAM, I see the Speed Enforcement Van. I was actually "in the flow of traffic"...Kickin' back!!

I was allegedly doing 60 in a 45....But was it really me behind the wheel? Will see what I can do in court, as it's a mandatory appearance....

These may very well be expensive, suitable for framing, pictures of me and my Marauder, unless the Van was unmanned and they can't produce the calibration maintenance records in court!

Any and all advice would be appreciated (Other than "Don't exceed the speed limit") !!

AS the officer who stopped me in a pack of Maryland plated cars in Maryland said You were speeding. end of story. VERY hard to beat those for calibration reasons when your 15 over . here in texas you can plead non differred adjudacation or something like it still have to pay fine but you get probation and if no repeat tickets your record is cleared.
JMHO if you going to do the crime .... pay the fine.

best of luck:beer::beer:

03mara300b
05-10-2009, 08:40 AM
Nothing to hide. I just think the speed cameras are BS. I am actually in favor of red light cameras. The last time I was pulled over was in 1986 for 65 in a 55. Now the speed limit is 75 in the same spot. Im sure no one with a MM would violate the posted seed limit if road and traffic conditions were suitable.

JohnPPD
05-10-2009, 02:20 PM
Wow, I didn't know the ticket was that much! I hope that's the doubled amount for being in a work zone. You may have something on the mailing technicality, but there is that saying about representing yourself and having a fool for a client. I've seen alot of jailhouse lawyers in court, they're hilarious. "Yeah, I was speeding, but you didn't mail my ticket soon enough"??? Not sure how well that would go over, even if it's right. The judge/DA may pull out some other obscure statute that you never saw on google. But I'm not familiar with Illinois Vehicle Code.

Local cops can't use radar in PA, only State Troopers, so this isn't my cup of tea. I have been in the surrounding counties and seen people plea to 10-15mph less then they were timed at and therefore pay a lesser fine. It's your call.

cvpiftw
05-10-2009, 02:46 PM
Could you elaborate or give a detailed description of the what this Enforcement Van looks like. Any special markings, plates, etc. I've never seen it before, I'm curious, and I'll know what to look for.

http://www.illinoistollway.com/pls/portal/docs/1/686176.JPG

cvpiftw
05-10-2009, 02:47 PM
EEEK


Under enhanced penalties passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich last year, first-time work zone speeders, including those caught on camera, will be hit with a fine of $375, with $125 of that sum going to pay off-duty State Troopers to provide added enforcement in construction or maintenance zones. Two-time offenders are subject to a $1,000 fine, including a $250 surcharge to hire Troopers, and the loss of their license for 90 days.

more pics near the bottom of the page

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/rules_of_the_road/rr_chap09.html

Mike Poore
05-10-2009, 03:48 PM
I never noticed a STOP sign with a BAR at the bottom, meaning a 4 way stop. Thanks for posting them, and I'll start looking for those ones. Not sure if we have 'em in PA. :)

namllitsdad
05-10-2009, 04:16 PM
My advice is don't start these threads if you don't want to get responses. Quit your sniveling and pay your ticket.


Thread started to elicit lively debate / discussion among Mercury Marauder owners.....

Snivel, snivel, snivel :D

Was not expecting men , that own performance sedans, that they routinely speed in themselves, to start preaching to me.....

You'd think this was SMARTCAR.NET by the way some have responded...

Bluerauder
05-10-2009, 04:56 PM
Any and all advice would be appreciated (Other than "Don't exceed the speed limit") !!


Was not expecting men , that own performance sedans, that they routinely speed in themselves, to start preaching to me.....

You asked for any and all advice ^^^^^ in your first post. I went back and reread all of the posts and saw none that I would consider as "lecturing". Seems you may be just a tad sensitive on this. If you were looking for sympathy ... you have received lots of advice. Take it or leave it at your discretion. Pay up or Fight the ticket ... your call. My quick tally of the replies from other "spirited drivers" says that most would just Pay Up. They might not do it with a smile ... but unless there was a clear unjustice or inaccuracy, fighting it will probably not have the desired result. JMHO.

TAKEDOWN
05-10-2009, 08:01 PM
I'll definitely look out for them now!

Mac-MerC
05-10-2009, 08:20 PM
You'd think this was SMARTCAR.NET by the way some have responded...

Ha Ha Ha Ha

Man fight the ticket... even if u know u were in the wrong
No one likes to give their money to "The Man"

every ticket i ever got i contested them, with some success.... Hell u never know what might happen

ChiTownMaraud3r
05-10-2009, 08:25 PM
$375? Wow I got knabbed well into triple digits last Nov, and I only had to go to an 8 hr aggressive drivers' course that was only $200, and no fines. But it was in the middle of the night, and not a const. zone.

namllitsdad
05-10-2009, 09:41 PM
You asked for any and all advice ^^^^^ in your first post. I went back and reread all of the posts and saw none that I would consider as "lecturing". Seems you may be just a tad sensitive on this. If you were looking for sympathy ... you have received lots of advice. Take it or leave it at your discretion. Pay up or Fight the ticket ... your call. My quick tally of the replies from other "spirited drivers" says that most would just Pay Up. They might not do it with a smile ... but unless there was a clear unjustice or inaccuracy, fighting it will probably not have the desired result. JMHO.

I was somewhat surprised by the various "shut up and pay your fine" responses. In retrospect, I probably should have been clearer with my concern. What motivated me to ask for input was based on the premise that I believed the photo speeding ticket to be similar to a speed trap.

For those that are remotely interested, there are a lot of very interesting facts, concerns and issues around the Photo Speed Enforcement "industry" and it's use a revenue generating device.

Although 1 death is too many, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, you have as high a likelihood of fatal injury by vehicle, working in the "Waste Management and Remediation Services" industry as that of individuals in the "Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction" industry (Highway Construction worker).

Highway Construction Deaths in Illinois:

2004 = 2
2005 = 1
2006 = 1
2007 = 2
2008 = 2

Photo Enforcement in work zones started in 2006:

Total Revenue Generated = $2,700,000 of which $540,000 went to ACS State and Local Solutions, the States contractor.

I'll let you derive your own conclusions as to initial need and subsequent results in the reduction of Work Zone fatalities.

Now, I'll pay my fine and quietly go away....

xopher
05-10-2009, 10:19 PM
EEEK


Under enhanced penalties passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich last year, first-time work zone speeders, including those caught on camera, will be hit with a fine of $375, with $125 of that sum going to pay off-duty State Troopers to provide added enforcement in construction or maintenance zones. Two-time offenders are subject to a $1,000 fine, including a $250 surcharge to hire Troopers, and the loss of their license for 90 days.

more pics near the bottom of the page

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/rules_of_the_road/rr_chap09.html

Thanks for posting this. Do any IL natives know if these are only in work zones? Or should these be expected anywhere in IL? I can't imagine all of Chi-town going less than 10 over. Speeding is one of the perks of going to IL :banana:


$375? Wow I got knabbed well into triple digits last Nov, and I only had to go to an 8 hr aggressive drivers' course that was only $200, and no fines. But it was in the middle of the night, and not a const. zone.
Good to know. Some of my best speeding has been done on the north side of your fair town :D I hope this punishment applies to out-of-staters..

Sgt.Taz
05-10-2009, 10:23 PM
I hate being replaced by a camera! Takes all the fun out of catching people.
My main question would be "were there worker's present?" I think the zones are BS when not a soul can be found working in the area. to me it should be like a school zone...when children are present. I'd argue on that point if no one was there like most sites in Illinois
Like you said 12-18 months of lane closed for no reason other than to collect revenue.
I'm all for slowing down if actual work is in progress. I don't enforce the expressways so to me it's the autobahn and anyone who has lived in the Chicago area can tell you drive the limit and be run over. I think investing in more troopers and running the wolf packs is more sporting and fair. Those camera trucks sit on unmanned sites all the time
and the construction workers/ families never see a penny of the funds so I think they should be banned.
BTW the ski masked bandit was at fault! I think we had a B.O.L.O. on that awhile back.... Great pics for framing though! good luck with court.
If you can try and talk with the prosecutor and see where they are at with it, might get a plea for school and reduced fine. Illinois doesn't use a point system so if you've been bad in the last 12 months it's 3 tickets = suspension.
Supervision is an option if you haven't posted any in the last 12.

Badger
05-12-2009, 06:03 AM
If it were me I'd be truthfull if I saw actual workers at the zone. If there were...pay the fine. If not...ask for proof about the workers present and bring enough data about just how long this section has been "under construction", ask for a reduction in fine without points.

Heck my job is more dangerous then the highway workers. I just don't see a bunch of private contractors or local governments trying to make money over my "safety".

Aren Jay
05-12-2009, 09:50 AM
..........

Motorhead350
05-12-2009, 12:55 PM
Speeding tickets ok...

It's the parking tickets I wanna start a riot over. All they do are write tickets because you aren't paying them enough money in the first place. Most of us are hurting right now and now the authorities just want more... wait no. They are told to ticket more. To me police are scapegoats, it's the people in office we should go after, not the police.... when it comes to tickets.

AzMarauder
05-12-2009, 02:17 PM
Guilty is such a strong, unfriendly term....and for now, I was "allegedly" speeding:rolleyes:.... If the Pic don't fit, you must acquit!

Not nonchalant about my responsibilities as an adult...Mortgage Paid, Kids in College, 401K in good shape (under the circumstances), pay my taxes and when faced with a situation that I deem potentially unfair, given the circumstances, I explore legitimate alternatives and resolution.:flag::flag:.. (can I get an AMEN!)

I'll pay my fine as a result of a image from an unmanned photo reconnaissance, revenue generating machine, if that is indeed the final outcome, I'm simply exploring my options and venting to MM owners, like yourself.....

I'm looking at the bright side...Nice Pic's of my beloved MM !!!

Then go to court, explain to the Judge that flow of traffic would have made it dangerous for you to observe the required speed limit. The rate you were traveling was prudent given the circumstance...

cvpiftw
05-13-2009, 12:01 AM
I hate being replaced by a camera! Takes all the fun out of catching people.
My main question would be "were there worker's present?" I think the zones are BS when not a soul can be found working in the area. to me it should be like a school zone...when children are present. I'd argue on that point if no one was there like most sites in Illinois
Like you said 12-18 months of lane closed for no reason other than to collect revenue.
I'm all for slowing down if actual work is in progress. I don't enforce the expressways so to me it's the autobahn and anyone who has lived in the Chicago area can tell you drive the limit and be run over. I think investing in more troopers and running the wolf packs is more sporting and fair. Those camera trucks sit on unmanned sites all the time
and the construction workers/ families never see a penny of the funds so I think they should be banned.
BTW the ski masked bandit was at fault! I think we had a B.O.L.O. on that awhile back.... Great pics for framing though! good luck with court.
If you can try and talk with the prosecutor and see where they are at with it, might get a plea for school and reduced fine. Illinois doesn't use a point system so if you've been bad in the last 12 months it's 3 tickets = suspension.
Supervision is an option if you haven't posted any in the last 12.

Yeah. Thanks to the state of IL im ass***** for the next 20 months because i got one ticket going 5 over in MI that i was not even allowed to get a court date on because i was under 18. One more ticket in 20 months, minimum 1 month suspension.