Maybe you guys can help me. Today I got my first ticket....ever. I am 19 and have allstate insurance. I was doing 82 in a 65. I was going along with a few other cars. In a straight line no swerving or racing, just speeding. He was hidden around a corner behind an off ramp. I am covered on my parents insurance still. Ugh what is going to happen?? The ticket for 175.00 is no big deal, just the reprucusions (SP) I have a court date on 5-15 at 9:30. This was a stater too. Any advice will greatly be appreciated.

 

Go to court, admit your guilt and beg for traffic school. This will keep it off your record. ( Make sure you bring your wallet and a lot of green stuff with dead presidents on front!!!)

[This message has been edited by PD Lightning (edited 04-17-2000).]

 

I'm not sure how it works in Oregon, but here in TX we get to take defensive driving once a year to get a ticket dismissed. You pay the fine, court costs, and cost of course, but no insurance increase. We can even go to a video store, rent the tape, watch it, and take the course over the internet. If that is an option for you, DO IT! I got a ticket for 91 in a 70 a few years ago (I was 19), and it NEVER went on my insurance...would have killed me if it did! $$$$$!

If that is not an option, check out: www.motorists.org/issues/tickets/index.html
There is a big section on how to fight tickets.

DUCK

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Build the Hell outta Bonfire 2000!

 

usually the first ticket will not go on your record, or have I heard wrong? You insurance will not go up very much, or at all.

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thank you guys for the quick response, I think I will be able to sleep tonight. I will do whatever it takes to keep my baby. I was planning on admiting guilt, as well I am. I figure honesty will get me further than pointing fingers at the state trooper, who I might add was a hell of a nice guy. Well life goes on....or does it, still need to let my parents in on this

 

Here in California, it only cost between 30-50 dollars for traffic school. You have to pay the original fine and attend an eight hour course. Some of the classes here in So. Cal. are comic based and make the time pass easier. Also, you will probably learn something, which is the intent. And no, it wont go on your record for insurance purposes.... Good Luck

 

Floyd,

I'm real glad I didn't have something like this Lightning when I was your age, or I'd still be paying off the tickets.

Depending on the judge and court, you may wind up with a reduced fine for admitting guilt and beinbg nice about it. I'm surpised the fine is so stiff for 17 mph over.

I'd suggest cueing in the parents ASAP, though. When they ask to see the ticket, they'll see the date anyway, so don't put it off too much. One or both of them have probably collected a couple of tickets along the way.

I would suggest you get a radar detector as a bit of insurance against this kind of ticket in the future. It isn't foolproof, but it gives you a heads up when the bears are sitting there scanning traffic.



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Regards,
Gordon

99.5 Red Lightning
Only driven on Sundays (1/4 mile at a time)

 

The funny thing is I almost bought a radar detector saturday, but thought nah I don't really speed so what good is it. hehe Oh well thats life. Thanks again for the help guys.

 

Hey Floyd-

What stretch of highway were you running? I have to admit I was running the I-205 stretch from Oregon City down to I-5 at about that speed with traffic, not passing it! Guess I will p/u that V1 radar detector after all...

Unfortunately, I don't have any advice on your ticket, just because I haven't gotten one in Oregon yet (knock on wood). Basically all I've ever done in the past is be respectful of the judge, answer their questions honestly, and just be nice... it won't bring you miracles, but it can't hurt either, right? Good Luck!

~rick

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lightning_svt@hotmail.com
2000 Ford F-150 Lightning (red, no mods... yet)
1999 Ford Contour Sport (white, for the wife)

 

Do what ever you can to keep it away from your insurance company. My last ticket (40 MPH in a 25 zone last May, the week BEFORE I got my Lightning) cost me a $110 fine, but my insurance went up ~$400/year for two years! Ouch!

 

I was running just south of albany. Headed back from the blazers/kings game with my girlfriend. We had court side seats so Not even the ticket could ruin my day.

 

Go to traffic court (way before your date)and look for the attorneys (usually 2 or 3) that are handling all the tickets for the people who have attorneys. Talk to one of them. (usual charge here in Houston is $100-125) for speeding only. State tickets are usually very hard to fix if not impossible. The best bet is the driver training course if you are allowed to take it. You can usually find this out by talking to the baliff or court secretary before you go to trial. Buy a radar detector. Know the road your on before speeding. Speeding on unfamilar roads in not a good idea because you don't know where the cops sit.......
Cigar

 

Here in Michigan, 15 over gets you the same as 'Careless Driving' and 20 over is 'Reckless' -- the ticket is not the issue -- the points (and losing your 'Good Driver 10% discount) are.

Lose that when you have a couple of cars, bikes, trailer, etc -- and it really adds up.

I have a commercial driver license -- and if/when I get a ticket, I have to tell my boss within a couple of days -- and the state sends the info right up the flag pole.


Go to court -- if the officer doesn't make it, you merely plead not guilty -- and with no complaintant, you're off.

If he shows up, merely prostrate yourself to the fullest.



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Y2K™

XLT SC SB 5.4L 3.73LS

 

Would it be wise just to mail them the money and a letter, with the ticket saying I plead guilty. It is an option on the ticket?

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Floyd91
Why do I do the things that I do? Because, The chicks dig it!
99.5 White lightning
#2349 Born on 6/14/99

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Well,
Whatever you decide to do I hope that it works out for you. How many of us are members of the *I get busted in my L* Club. Numbers are getting up there huh gang?
CA