Re: Traffic law question and advise please (archive)

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Yes it is legal for CHP to gauge your speed by tailing you in some fashion. In CA, CHP only recently started to use radar on most highways. If you try and contest this method, the Officer will spew tons of info on how many tickets he has given this way and how much training he has had on this type of speed estimation. No go there...

What you can do though in order to reduce the sting is go to court and enter a plea. The CA courts are so overloaded that most judges will drastically reduce fees to get people to enter a guilty plea. I once got a ticket and had the judge announce before the hearing to everyone "plead guilty and I will give you a great deal, and we can all move on with our lives". With that he lowered things such as carpool violations to $25! These are normally $271! He will also allow you to go to traffic school. In some counties they have traffic school online. I finished a course in 15 minutes!

Some people might suggest that you try and get off on a technicality. This being that he misstated your vehicle make and/or model. This also won't work. A judge will laugh you out of court with an attempt at this. He can also deny you traffic school. Yes, if you do go to court, traffic school is offered at the discretion of the judge. Seems unfair to me that contesting a ticket in any way can jeopardize traffic school, but then driving is not considered a right so they can do what they want.

1. Watch on ramps for Cops entering the freeway
2. Learn what CHP car and bike headlights look like. Most CHP bikes are BMW's these days.
3. Be careful of cars that quickly approach you at night. Make sure it�s not a cop before you take off.
4. Check your mirrors and blind spots often. This cop was riding in your blind spot on purpose. Biker cops are without a doubt the most sneaky (and lowest form of Cop life IMO). They do nothing but give tickets.

I have finally, received my very first speeding ticket. =(
This happened back in May 22nd late Sat coming back home.
If you live in S.CA, getting caught going 82 at 65 zone is bit unfair. When there is almost no traffic at 1:40 A.M.
I have two options that I can think of at this moment.
1. Contest the ticket
2. Go to traffic school
The reason for me to consider option 1 is simple. But am not sure it will work. So any epert opionion will be MUCH appreiciated. I was pulled over my CHP's BMW!!! motorcycle.. and instead of officer using radard gun in stationary position... he was in my blind spot(which I think was very dnagerous for him and me)for quite sometime and crusing with me to read out the speed on his own. Is this legal?? Are they even allow to issue us a ticket using this kind of meathod?? Even if it is.. do I have chance to contest and perhaps win at court with say insufficient evidence of radar reading of my speed?
If this has chance then I guess my option 2 can be saved.
What do you guys think or know on this traffic law? PLease please let me know. You could email me if possible.
Thank you soo much.
Soo much for look of M coupe... I REALLY feel like I got pulled over because of that too. Yeah I know.. sounds like a sorry excuse. He even put my car down as Bodystyle: "Dinan" Since I am debaged M and only has Dinan badge on it. =) Anyways.. any of your thoughtful inputs and/or experiences will me much appreciated.
Best Regards to you all..

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