PA speeding ticket - police car without lights?

10-17-2007

Sat night my husband was driving the PA turnpike, following group of cars (ours being last of the group) when I saw a cop car parked on the shoulder WITHOUT LIGHTS. We passed, there was another group of cars coming behind us & I saw her turn on her headlights and moving into the group of traffic behind us. I told my husband to just slide in between other cars on the right lane but he didn't think it was for us since everyone on the road was doing 80 at 65mph zone.

She pulled up right behind us and turned on the sirens. I told him to just move over to the right lane and follow since it seems like she's just fishing for cars to pull over. But he pulled over to the shoulder (don't know why!!). So she tickets us for doing 82 on 65. i asked her if she can give us fine and not points, she says she's never heard of such thing.

*do I have a chance fighting this ticket in court?
*can I request a copy of the radar reading at 82?
Thank you!!

10-17-2007

What is there to contest? Maybe I am missing something, but it does not sound like she did naything wrong or out of the ordinary, sorry. Also, it is not up to the officer to decide what the fine or points will be, that is already set.

10-17-2007

First, having or not having roof mounted lights is not required for traffic enforcement.

Second, with the officer behind you and your husband, pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping is required by law.

Asking for just a fine and not points....it doesn't work that way. If it is aggravated speeding (in my state) that's five points in addition to the fine. Less than 25mph above the limit is two points and a fine. An accumulation of 12 points in 1-2 years is a suspension action.

As for the radar reading...the radar equipment assists the officers first observance and then verifys that officers estimate of your speed. The radar gun does not testify in court...the officer does. As such, most jurisdictions and courts to not require an officer to provide a violator the opportunity to read the radar.

Just because other people are speeding doesn't mean we all should speed. You know the old saying about jumping off a bridge just because others do it!

My suggestion...go to court...see if there is an opportunity for traffic school and get a reduction or dismisal of the ticket!

In the meantime....respect the fact that we all share the roadways and should drive safely with not just ours but everybodies safety on the roads.

Best wishes.

10-17-2007	#1 (permalink)
solee1201 Guest Posts: n/a	PA speeding ticket - police car without lights? Sat night my husband was driving the PA turnpike, following group of cars (ours being last of the group) when I saw a cop car parked on the shoulder WITHOUT LIGHTS. We passed, there was another group of cars coming behind us & I saw her turn on her headlights and moving into the group of traffic behind us. I told my husband to just slide in between other cars on the right lane but he didn't think it was for us since everyone on the road was doing 80 at 65mph zone. She pulled up right behind us and turned on the sirens. I told him to just move over to the right lane and follow since it seems like she's just fishing for cars to pull over. But he pulled over to the shoulder (don't know why!!). So she tickets us for doing 82 on 65. i asked her if she can give us fine and not points, she says she's never heard of such thing. do I have a chance fighting this ticket in court? can I request a copy of the radar reading at 82? Thank you!!

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10-17-2007	#2 (permalink)
Scott B Guest Posts: n/a	What is there to contest? Maybe I am missing something, but it does not sound like she did naything wrong or out of the ordinary, sorry. Also, it is not up to the officer to decide what the fine or points will be, that is already set.

10-17-2007	#3 (permalink)
KC V â„¢ Guest Posts: n/a	First, having or not having roof mounted lights is not required for traffic enforcement. Second, with the officer behind you and your husband, pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping is required by law. Asking for just a fine and not points....it doesn't work that way. If it is aggravated speeding (in my state) that's five points in addition to the fine. Less than 25mph above the limit is two points and a fine. An accumulation of 12 points in 1-2 years is a suspension action. As for the radar reading...the radar equipment assists the officers first observance and then verifys that officers estimate of your speed. The radar gun does not testify in court...the officer does. As such, most jurisdictions and courts to not require an officer to provide a violator the opportunity to read the radar. Just because other people are speeding doesn't mean we all should speed. You know the old saying about jumping off a bridge just because others do it! My suggestion...go to court...see if there is an opportunity for traffic school and get a reduction or dismisal of the ticket! In the meantime....respect the fact that we all share the roadways and should drive safely with not just ours but everybodies safety on the roads. Best wishes.