Is this a valid ticket?

ScottF · #1 (**permalink**) 2008-10-16

About a month ago, I was pulled over for speeding, 70 in a 45. I was passing a truck who had pulled in front of me. I got two miles down the road when I saw the lights, at this point I was 500 yards from my house. I did not notice until later that the way he had estimated my speed was from the truck. He did not use VASCAR which is what the local cops are supposed to use in my state. I live in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania.

Just another reason I don't like the police.

Veil Guy · #2 (**permalink**) 2008-10-16

Scott,

Welcome to the forum.

My domicile is Pennsylvania and am all too familiar with the tools of traffic enforcement throughout this state.

My questions:

Was this a state trooper or a local yocal?
Does the citation indicate any details of the violation (checked boxes, commentary, etc.)?

I recently got pulled by a NJ State Trooper in the evening who allegedly merely used his speedometer/odometer and a pace.

If such a tactic was used in this case, two miles is an awfully long track. But ensuring that his speedo/odometer wouldn't hurt.

In the end, though, my recommendation would be to simply plea bargain the ticket to a PA-3111A. It carries no points and runs a little more than $100. If you were cordial with the officer at the time of the traffic stop, this may be the easiest and most painless route to ultimately take...

Veil Guy

ScottF · #3 (**permalink**) 2008-10-16

Actually, it WAS a 3111-A, it's just the fact that he did not use an approved speed measuring device, and yes, it was a local cop.

Veil Guy · #4 (**permalink**) 2008-10-17

Scott,

I suppose one of two things happened, either he gave you a break at the window or his assessment of your speed was perhaps visual (which is why the 3111A would be cited as it's not a specific speeding ticket and carries no points).

I was once pulled over by a local who estimated that I was traveling faster than the posted limit (truth be told, I was) and we settled on this citation.

If you want to fight the ticket on principle then these may be of help:

Veil Guy