Speeding Ticket From Camera

[SS_Matt]

Was hoping some of you have some insight on how to handle this, if it's even possible.

I was in Scottsdale, AZ for a wedding last October. My wife and I were on our way to meet some friends one of the evenings, and I was hit with a flash which I knew had to have been a speed camera. Sure enough, I got a ticket in the mail a few weeks later...

The scenario was I was in an unfamiliar area, dark wide-open roads. Did not see a speed limit sign in a while... so with wide open roads and unfamiliar territory, it felt appropriate to drive around 50-55. That's my defense. In addition to this, I just happened to get flashed while accelerating to pass a truck I didn't want to be next to. Very coincidental, but real. My "approximate speed" on the ticket was 61 and the speed limit was 45.

The ticket is like $239 dollars, or I can take defensive driving for $208 and have the ticket "dropped".

Has anyone gotten out of these kinds of tickets. If I lived in Scottsdale I'd probably feel more comfortable contesting it, but living in Dallas... it's going to be difficult communicating with a judge and trying to have the fine reduced.

I've read a little bit, some people say just ignore it and usually they'll just drop the charges if you're out of state because it's too much for them to pursue you. Any insight to that? This is so frustrating.

Thanks for any feedback...

[tramtwo]

That sucks... speeding to pass has always been frowned upon by the man.

I run an escort 9500xi that notifies me of the cameras... helps to keep me vigilant.

I would take the class if you can do it from home. If not, pay the ticket and enjoy the piece of mind.

[AZCamaroFan]

i havn't got hit with one, but they are controversial out here, and they are taking most of the cameras down. actually a lot of people contest them and claim there is no way to prove who is driving the car. some may get out of them some may not

[SS_Matt]

I'd normally have a radar detector, but I was in a rental car. Only there for 3 days so didn't bother bringing mine...

The friends we were going to meet happened to be Phoenix police officers. They told me there are like 16 total speed cameras in the Phoenix metropolitan area. I'm in Phoenix area 3 days... and I get hit with one of these.

Yes, it happened in October and I haven't taken care of it. My deadline is March 5th.

[AZCamaroFan]

there's been a lot of publicity on the news here in the past about people fighting them if they're face isn't caught on camera. i think it has worked for some people, but i don't know how many it works for.

[SS_Matt]

Well they have my face, but it's kind of blurry.

I just don't like the "approximate speed" of 61... That's EXACTLY 16 miles over the posted speed, which puts me in the 16-20 over range, which comes with a higher fee.

If my speed on the ticket is approximate, but the radar was off by 1-2 mph, my fee could be much lower. Wondering if there is any way to contest it and request calibration logs or anything to where they'd just say "**** it, let's just drop it" or just maybe reduce it to the 15 and below range...

That's my objective, I just don't know how to approach that, and if it's worth going that route.

[AZCamaroFan]

you should probably do some checking around quickly if you want to fight it

[strych9]

I would pay it and move on. My buddy in AZ says that the cam tickets are hard to beat. And, after all, you were speeding. Probably the quickest means to an end is to pay it and move on, lessons learned.

[SS_Matt]

That's what I'm leaning toward. Just heard back from my insurance, and they don't give premium discounts for defensive driving. So I'm not seeing much benefit to taking a class and saving 20 dollars...

I will say this... if a cop pulled me over... I'd been given a warning. Only a total dickhole (camera) would give me a ticket given the scenario.


Any other feedback welcome, though.

[nyrfan]

Originally Posted by SS_Matt

That's what I'm leaning toward. Just heard back from my insurance, and they don't give premium discounts for defensive driving. So I'm not seeing much benefit to taking a clase and saving 20 dollars...

I will say this... if a cop pulled me over... I'd been given a warning. Only a total dickhole (camera) would give me a ticket given the scenario.


Any other feedback welcome, though.

You really have no defense, I'd pay the ticket and move on.

Also, I know in FL they will tack on a surcharge if you fight/dispiute and lose, not sure how it it in AZ, but you may want to check on this.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

contact the Ticket Clinic, or one of those traffic court lawyer specific to the area the ticket was given.

they can represent you without you being present, however it might be cheaper to just pay it.. I believe their fee is $500, so it comes down to paying and getting the points, or paying a lawyer and not getting the points. .

[SS_Matt]

What points??

[irocnroll]

Originally Posted by SS_Matt

What points??

Some states add points to your license for speeding.

[midnighter]

Big brother sucks!