Vancouver WA traffic ticket over 5MPH in A 60 Zone

[E90325M]

Last week, we drove X5 and passed NB I-5 on the way to Mt.Rainier National Park and I drove on the left lane and no any car in front of mine. That was a 60MPH zone. A car behind mine is very close and I just want to make more space between us, so we were on the speed of almost 70MPH and got pulled over by a policeman ( I even didn't noticed him) and he handed me a traffic ticket. The ticket showed my speed is just 65MPH and only 5MPH over the limit. The pictures were attached.

Do you guys think I can choose the 3rd option on the bottom of ticket "contested hearing" and challenge this infraction? How much chance do we win?I had never deal with this situation before and appreciate any help, thanks.

[alphaod]

Do you get points for this? If yes, I would see if you can do trial by mail. Otherwise hire an attorney.

If you don't get points, is your time worth $105 to contest the ticket?

I've gotten a ticket for going 1 mph over the speed limit... and because I didn't get points, I didn't want to waste time fighting it.

[IvanLZ]

You could do it... but for 105 do you want to go through the hassle? Next time switch to the right lane and let them pass. Here in Toronto, are less strict with the speed limit.

[Doanster]

If you're contesting the fact that you were only 5mph over, don't waste your time. No leg to stand on there. Same thing for the "I sped up to give more space to the car behind me" reason.

If you haven't had a ticket in 3yrs, you should be able to go traffic school and the ticket will be dismissed and not show up on your record.

[E90325M]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Do you get points for this? If yes, I would see if you can do trial by mail. Otherwise hire an attorney.

If you don't get points, is your time worth $105 to contest the ticket?

I've gotten a ticket for going 1 mph over the speed limit... and because I didn't get points, I didn't want to waste time fighting it.

Not sure if I got the points...will check, if not, I would pay that $105. thanks

[E90325M]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Do you get points for this? If yes, I would see if you can do trial by mail. Otherwise hire an attorney.

If you don't get points, is your time worth $105 to contest the ticket?

I've gotten a ticket for going 1 mph over the speed limit... and because I didn't get points, I didn't want to waste time fighting it.

Washington does not has point system. But I think my insurance company should able to check my traffic record and increase the next year fee, right?

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by E90325M

Washington does not has point system. But I think my insurance company should able to check my traffic record and increase the next year fee, right?

That is correct. Doesn't matter if a state uses the point system or not (here in Oregon anyway). If you can't go to driving school, you're at the mercy of how often your insurance company runs a sweep on your record for tickets/violations.

[E90325M]

Originally Posted by Doanster

That is correct. Doesn't matter if a state uses the point system or not (here in Oregon anyway). If you can't go to driving school, you're at the mercy of how often your insurance company runs a sweep on your record for tickets/violations.

So the right way is paying the fee and then later go to traffic school to dismiss all my violation records?

[iconoclast]

pay the ticket, filed it under lesson learned, go on with life.

[stewy604]

^^^ This. Did he perhaps drop the speed on the ticket to give you a lesser fine? Would the fine have been higher if he nailed you at 10 mph over?

[MotoWPK]

Investigate what happens in the middle option: Mitigation Hearing.

Here in CO you have an option of pleading guilty and paying the fine by mail (in some cases a court appearance is required; e.g. a speeding ticket in a school zone).

If you have a clean (clean, doesn't have to be pristine) driving record, they will offer you a plea deal that reduces the points and, importantly, reduces the infraction, for example, from speeding to a broken headlight. The latter is the most important since your record does not now have a speeding ticket, or even a moving violation in the example provided.

Again, you'll want to investigate what happens in a mitigation hearing and, specifically, if reduced convictions are common.

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by E90325M

So the right way is paying the fee and then later go to traffic school to dismiss all my violation records?

Just need to read the citation options carefully or call the clerk's office directly and ask them if they offer the class.
Definitely pay the fine before the due date irregardless of what you decide to do!

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by stewy604

^^^ This. Did he perhaps drop the speed on the ticket to give you a lesser fine? Would the fine have been higher if he nailed you at 10 mph over?

I don't know about WA but do you really get pulled over for 5 over? Not here. I'm thinking "9 you're fine, 10 you're mine". Sounds like he gave you a break on the miles over the limit.

[NOVA99]

OP: Let's review the facts...

1. If your speed is above the posted limit then it is speeding.
2. Never speed UP to increase the gap if someone is following you. Maintain the posted limits. Signal (a lost art), and move to the right when safe and appropriate. Rules of the Road 101. Reference any handbook in the US if you need a refresher.
3. Why were you in the left lane if not actually passing? Stay out unless overtaking someone swiftly. Biggest traffic failure/epidemic in the US today. Everyone thinks they belong in the left lane texting and drinking a Starbucks.
4. You were still speeding. Pay it and move on.

I speed everyday. Never complain when I get pinched as it is deserved.

[dubsesd]

i can jog 5mph....what a joke

[Neuera09]

Imagine you're in Judge Judy's court room.

JJ: Sir, were you doing 65 on a 60 mph zone?
You: Yes, your honor.
JJ: Okay, guilty! Pay the fine. Next case!
You: But your honor ....
JJ: Shush! Pay the fine! You are dismissed!

[E90325M]

Thanks all. Paid the fee just now and life is moving on...

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by Neuera09

Imagine you're in Judge Judy's court room.

JJ: Sir, were you doing 65 on a 60 mph zone?
You: Yes, your honor.
JJ: Okay, guilty! Pay the fine. Next case!
You: But your honor ....
JJ: Shush! Pay the fine! You are dismissed!

^ That made me giggle.

[alphaod]

If I don't earn points, insurance never goes up.

Even if you take a class on your record as having taken a class. Check if your state issues infraction points and if they give points for out-of-state violations. The last part is the most important. Doesn't matter if Washington state does or not.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by NOVA99

OP: Let's review the facts...

1. If your speed is above the posted limit then it is speeding.
2. Never speed UP to increase the gap if someone is following you. Maintain the posted limits. Signal (a lost art), and move to the right when safe and appropriate. Rules of the Road 101. Reference any handbook in the US if you need a refresher.
3. Why were you in the left lane if not actually passing? Stay out unless overtaking someone swiftly. Biggest traffic failure/epidemic in the US today. Everyone thinks they belong in the left lane texting and drinking a Starbucks.
4. You were still speeding. Pay it and move on.

I speed everyday. Never complain when I get pinched as it is deserved.

Right on every point. I don't see why some people get so stressed over a speeding ticket. I get a high speed driving award, on average, once every other year or so. I get pulled over quite a bit more often than that, but I'm polite, respectful, have insurance, a valid and current license, valid and current registration, I'm not drunk or high and I don't shoot at the officer. All in all, I think they appreciate that, so I get a warning. But not always. The way I look at it, an occasional speeding ticket is just the price of doing business, so to speak. Just another tax I pay. (btw, I don't speed in residential areas, school zones and such. Just out on the highway). And please, if you aren't actually passing someone, get out of the left lane. If you are only going the speed limit or 5 over, stay in the right. If you have to pass someone, then please look before you move into the left lane. It's not a parking spot. Just because there is room, doesn't mean you should. Faster traffic has the right of way. If there is someone behind you in the left lane, you are the problem. Anyway, just pay the ticket and move on with life. (Oregon doesn't have a point system, so no worries)

[E90325M]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

Right on every point. I don't see why some people get so stressed over a speeding ticket. I get a high speed driving award, on average, once every other year or so. I get pulled over quite a bit more often than that, but I'm polite, respectful, have insurance, a valid and current license, valid and current registration, I'm not drunk or high and I don't shoot at the officer. All in all, I think they appreciate that, so I get a warning. But not always. The way I look at it, an occasional speeding ticket is just the price of doing business, so to speak. Just another tax I pay. (btw, I don't speed in residential areas, school zones and such. Just out on the highway). And please, if you aren't actually passing someone, get out of the left lane. If you are only going the speed limit or 5 over, stay in the right. If you have to pass someone, then please look before you move into the left lane. It's not a parking spot. Just because there is room, doesn't mean you should. Faster traffic has the right of way. If there is someone behind you in the left lane, you are the problem. Anyway, just pay the ticket and move on with life. (Oregon doesn't have a point system, so no worries)

Couldn't agree any more. Thanks.