Virginia People Please Help me

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Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
35,461
4
76
Va cops, like most cops, get boners when they see out of state plates. It's like seeing greenbacks floating down the interstate, since they know 99% will not show up or hire a lawyer to contest the trumped up charges.

Ohh yeah FYI, in Virginia they can make up pretty much whatever speed they want and say they clocked you doing it and then can refuse to show you or give you any proof.
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,090
136
I don't think the OP is arguing that he wasn't speeding, or that he shouldn't have been busted for speeding, he's just merely upset about the penalties he could face. Personally, I don't do more than 70 (in a 65) anymore in PA because I got 2 tickets both doing about 80 in a 65 and just the two fines and 7 points total was enough that I just can't afford it anymore. Having said that, 83 is not a record breaking or ludicrously fast speed on an interstate highway, it's pretty common to have cars moving that quickly. $2,500, possible jail time, and losing one's license is pretty steep for speeding. All the people in the thread touting that the law be followed to the letter need to take a step back. Yes, laws are made to be followed, but never made not to be questioned (in relation to both the offense, and the punishment). I would agree that speeding is indeed wrong, and that the OPs speed is indeed in offense - but that the penalty is also excessive. Hopefully the OP can get this plead down to just a fine. It's a shame that in order to do this he'll end up paying legal fees in addition to the fine itself. Seems like a money making gig to me.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
5
0
Originally posted by: Chiropteran
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Most of I81 is two lanes.
He was going fast, sped up to get around the truck and also did not pay attention to his surroundings.

There are signs indicating how far an exit is (mandated by Federal law on interstates) at least 1/2 mile before the exit.

How could you possibly know he didn't pay attention to his surroundings?

1/2 mile is nothing. At 70 mph, which is the legal sped limit on some VA roadways, that gives you less than 30 seconds to get over and exit. The way people drive around here, tailgating so nobody can get in front of them, 30 seconds often isn't enough to change lanes. And slowing down in the left lane to *slower* than the right lane traffic is just plain stupid. You are supposed to pass in the left lane, by slowing down you force people to pass you on the right which creates a dangerous driving condition for everyone.

30 seconds is a long time. And that does no take into account the line of sight to the exit notification sign nor the 50-100 yards of exit lane.

And he stated that he sped up to pass a truck - therefore he was behind the truck.

It would not take 30 seconds to pass the truck, given that he was traveling at least 10mph faster.

His view was only blocked for a short period of time that he would not have seen the exit sign. In that time, he would have cleared the truck enough to see the exit coming up.

Either he was not aware of what he was doing before starting the pass or did not pay attention once he could see in front of the truck to see the exit coming up.

Or the exit story is an excuse a justification of speeding.



 
Feb 19, 2001
20,155
23
81
Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Originally posted by: Srfrbum
omg that shit is excessive.
I got caught in NJ going 102 in a 65 and only got 4 points and driving school.
wtf... I hope you learned your lesson.

unfortunately we don't know what 4 points is because in CA that means you're fvcked when all our offenses are pretty much 1 point.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Originally posted by: Chiropteran
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Most of I81 is two lanes.
He was going fast, sped up to get around the truck and also did not pay attention to his surroundings.

There are signs indicating how far an exit is (mandated by Federal law on interstates) at least 1/2 mile before the exit.

How could you possibly know he didn't pay attention to his surroundings?

1/2 mile is nothing. At 70 mph, which is the legal sped limit on some VA roadways, that gives you less than 30 seconds to get over and exit. The way people drive around here, tailgating so nobody can get in front of them, 30 seconds often isn't enough to change lanes. And slowing down in the left lane to *slower* than the right lane traffic is just plain stupid. You are supposed to pass in the left lane, by slowing down you force people to pass you on the right which creates a dangerous driving condition for everyone.

30 seconds is a long time. And that does no take into account the line of sight to the exit notification sign nor the 50-100 yards of exit lane.

And he stated that he sped up to pass a truck - therefore he was behind the truck.

It would not take 30 seconds to pass the truck, given that he was traveling at least 10mph faster.

His view was only blocked for a short period of time that he would not have seen the exit sign. In that time, he would have cleared the truck enough to see the exit coming up.

Either he was not aware of what he was doing before starting the pass or did not pay attention once he could see in front of the truck to see the exit coming up.

Or the exit story is an excuse a justification of speeding.

QFT, plus one that doesn't prepare should pass their exit and turn around at the next one rather than risk causing others to have an accident.
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Originally posted by: Chiropteran
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Most of I81 is two lanes.
He was going fast, sped up to get around the truck and also did not pay attention to his surroundings.

There are signs indicating how far an exit is (mandated by Federal law on interstates) at least 1/2 mile before the exit.

How could you possibly know he didn't pay attention to his surroundings?

1/2 mile is nothing. At 70 mph, which is the legal sped limit on some VA roadways, that gives you less than 30 seconds to get over and exit. The way people drive around here, tailgating so nobody can get in front of them, 30 seconds often isn't enough to change lanes. And slowing down in the left lane to *slower* than the right lane traffic is just plain stupid. You are supposed to pass in the left lane, by slowing down you force people to pass you on the right which creates a dangerous driving condition for everyone.

30 seconds is a long time. And that does no take into account the line of sight to the exit notification sign nor the 50-100 yards of exit lane.

And he stated that he sped up to pass a truck - therefore he was behind the truck.

It would not take 30 seconds to pass the truck, given that he was traveling at least 10mph faster.

His view was only blocked for a short period of time that he would not have seen the exit sign. In that time, he would have cleared the truck enough to see the exit coming up.

Either he was not aware of what he was doing before starting the pass or did not pay attention once he could see in front of the truck to see the exit coming up.

Or the exit story is an excuse a justification of speeding.

QFT, plus one that doesn't prepare should pass their exit and turn around at the next one rather than risk causing others to have an accident.


I suppose I should clear this up.

I was using one of those GPS Navigation devices. Earlier It was trying to get me to take a few side roads, when it looked easier to just follow the interstate a few more miles. We turned it off to shut it up.

My girlfriend turned it back on and we were following along down the road with everything fine. Even though I knew I had to travel more than an hour or so away on a different road, it was telling me that I should be arriving at my final destination in approx. 15 minutes.

It was trafficy out. There was a couple cars in the right lane traveling. I was in the passing lane following the truck. Once it was in front of the cars on the right lane it moved over. I was stuck still behind the truck but in the other lane. I couldn't see the the right side of the road. An exit was coming up. We were both traveling about 75 mph or so. I couldnt get behind the truck in the right lane, I decided to get ahead of the truck and figure out what was going on.

On my left coming around a slight curve hidden in a emergency access was the cop. I look down and I am traveling a little over the 80 mph mark. I see him pull out. I get into the right lane. He bolts up to me and throws on the lights. I get to the side of the road.
 

ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,446
126
Originally posted by: TuxDave
Looks like you should be in luck since you're not a Virginia resident.

"The tax applies only to Virginia residents, so that out-of-state motorists only need to pay the regular ticket amount." (tax referring to the 3x$350 crap)

I wish that New York was like that! They also send out of state residents the three years of fines :|
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Better be careful with that GPS, it might direct you to drive into a lake or park on train tracks when a train is coming.
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
Originally posted by: mugs
Better be careful with that GPS, it might direct you to drive into a lake or park on train tracks when a train is coming.

This was my first trip using it. Was more of a bother than anything. I am pretty good with directions and never felt a need for it. Figured I would give it a try for this trip, but probably will never use it again.
 

TheVrolok

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
24,254
4,090
136
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Originally posted by: Chiropteran
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
Most of I81 is two lanes.
He was going fast, sped up to get around the truck and also did not pay attention to his surroundings.

There are signs indicating how far an exit is (mandated by Federal law on interstates) at least 1/2 mile before the exit.

How could you possibly know he didn't pay attention to his surroundings?

1/2 mile is nothing. At 70 mph, which is the legal sped limit on some VA roadways, that gives you less than 30 seconds to get over and exit. The way people drive around here, tailgating so nobody can get in front of them, 30 seconds often isn't enough to change lanes. And slowing down in the left lane to *slower* than the right lane traffic is just plain stupid. You are supposed to pass in the left lane, by slowing down you force people to pass you on the right which creates a dangerous driving condition for everyone.

30 seconds is a long time. And that does no take into account the line of sight to the exit notification sign nor the 50-100 yards of exit lane.

And he stated that he sped up to pass a truck - therefore he was behind the truck.

It would not take 30 seconds to pass the truck, given that he was traveling at least 10mph faster.

His view was only blocked for a short period of time that he would not have seen the exit sign. In that time, he would have cleared the truck enough to see the exit coming up.

Either he was not aware of what he was doing before starting the pass or did not pay attention once he could see in front of the truck to see the exit coming up.

Or the exit story is an excuse a justification of speeding.

QFT, plus one that doesn't prepare should pass their exit and turn around at the next one rather than risk causing others to have an accident.

I would really love to know how much his speed increase from 75 to 83 increased the risk of causing an accident. I'm going to go with little to none at all. Are some of you serious? If a car near you speeds up to above the speed limit do you freak out and start driving erratically? Speed doesn't kill, bad drivers do. (and no, I don't think they necessarily correlate)
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
17,978
861
126
A co worker was just telling me his story of woe yesterday. He just came back from VA court.

He got no jail time, but it cost him almost 3k if you include the lawyer. Those of you saying he won't do time are nuts!! My friend said he was scared to death, because the judge was locking up so many people. His lawyer said it's because VA has had a rise in traffic fatalities involving out of state drivers.

You can't beat this!!! Get a lawyer, or risk getting incarcerated.

 

Turkish

Lifer
May 26, 2003
15,547
1
81
As a foreigner who has spent 8 years in the U.S., I can assure you; Virginia has the most retarded traffic laws not just in the U.S. but all over the world as well.

My advice: Be there on the assigned court date. Judge will reduce it to 75 at 65 and you'll attend a one day traffic improvement class SO you won't have a criminal record.
 

Turkish

Lifer
May 26, 2003
15,547
1
81
Originally posted by: XZeroII
You want help?

QUIT BREAKING THE FREAKING LAW, LOSER! It's bad enough that you're dumb enough to break the law, but then you're dumb enough to whine about it on the internet looking for a way to weasel out of it.

Do you know what the difference is between the average person and a criminal is? A criminal is dumb enough to get caught. You, sir, are a criminal.

I hope you learn something from this.

Do you know the difference between a dumb person and a normal person on the internet? The dumb ones type their opinion in caps thinking it makes them look smarter. You sir, typed your opinion in caps.

I hope you learn something from this.

Originally posted by: randomlinh
Originally posted by: videogames101
Originally posted by: GagHalfrunt
Originally posted by: blinky8225

When a fine is created for the purpose of raising revenue, I'd argue that it is excessive. These fines extend far further than protecting the public's safety.

Really? Just how stupid would a person have to be to get nailed on it? Just how stupid would a person have to be to be nailed on it a 2nd time after learning how strict it was the first time? Doesn't a person that's learned not to be a dumbass protect the public safety? OP was a dumbass and will hopefully learn to at least not be a dumbass in Virginia even if he's a dumbass everywhere else.

uh, going over the speed limit is not being a dumb-ass, actually, I'd say at LEAST 90% of all drivers do it. So GTFO.

you're on ATOT. everyone here is an angel and follows the law to a T and makes 6 figures.

You forgot to mention how they avoid banging chicks like Jessica Alba because she's not hot enough.
 

Turkish

Lifer
May 26, 2003
15,547
1
81
By the way, I got clocked driving 94 mph at 55mph zone and just general chitchat with the officer got him to reduce it to 76/55 and no reckless driving. This was near Dulles Int, in Loudoun County. I just paid around $180 or so and never attended court.
 

Mursilis

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
7,756
11
81
Originally posted by: Muadib
A co worker was just telling me his story of woe yesterday. He just came back from VA court.

He got no jail time, but it cost him almost 3k if you include the lawyer. Those of you saying he won't do time are nuts!! My friend said he was scared to death, because the judge was locking up so many people. His lawyer said it's because VA has had a rise in traffic fatalities involving out of state drivers.

You can't beat this!!! Get a lawyer, or risk getting incarcerated.

People getting jail time for simple speeding and/or reckless driving?!? Please! I'll believe it when I see it. Please find one story proving that! And I'm not talking about DUI, speeding to elude, repeat offenders, driving without a valid license, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Show me one story of someone getting jail time in VA for a single offense of speeding or reckless driving - otherwise, BS.
 

Chiropteran

Diamond Member
Nov 14, 2003
9,811
110
106
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper


30 seconds is a long time.

Not in heavy VA traffic it isn't. With cars driving down the highway less than a car length apart so you can't merge between them 30 seconds isn't always enough. If you see an opening, you have to go for it, even if it means speeding a few mph over the limit. Safer that than slamming on the breaks in the left lane and slowing to dangerously below the speed limit just to let all the traffic pass you on the right. Driving drastically below the limit can be just as dangerous as speeding.


And he stated that he sped up to pass a truck - therefore he was behind the truck.

Uh, no. He could have been driving side by-side with the truck. He could have been slightly ahead of the truck but not fully past it. He also could have been behind the truck, as you suggest, but there could have been a long series of cars behind the truck speeding along with no room to merge between them.


It would not take 30 seconds to pass the truck, given that he was traveling at least 10mph faster.

Why are you making stupid assumptions? The truck is driving the speed limit on a VA highway. That is a good one, next time you see a truck driving the speed limit please video it and post it on youtube- because otherwise I won't believe it. The only time anyone drives the speed limit in NoVA is when traffic conditions force it, and in those cases you are going to be driving a lot slower than the limit.

The vastly more likely possibility is that the truck was also speeding, and the only way to pass it was to speed a little more.

His view was only blocked for a short period of time that he would not have seen the exit sign. In that time, he would have cleared the truck enough to see the exit coming up.

Sure, based on your false assumptions above that would be true. It's also true that if the OP had a magic lamp he could rub it and the genie tat pops out could magically teleport him to the exit. Neither of those possibilities are based on reality, though.

Either he was not aware of what he was doing before starting the pass or did not pay attention once he could see in front of the truck to see the exit coming up.

Either that, or you have no clue what VA drivers are like and how hard it can be to change lanes with cars driving bumper to bumper at 10 mph above the limit.
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
5
0
When was the last time you drove I81

Traffic on I81 is not the same as 95/295/495/66 or the associated roads that link to it in the NOVA area.

I put 10 years in NOVA/MD - and was there 6 months ago, so I have an idea on what the area is like.

Do you really see (what I feel is an 18 wheeler) commercail rigs going well above the speed limit in that area.
The drivers know it is not safe to do so. Usually the speed limits for trucks are less than that of cars by 10 mph.
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
17,978
861
126
Originally posted by: Mursilis
Originally posted by: Muadib
A co worker was just telling me his story of woe yesterday. He just came back from VA court.

He got no jail time, but it cost him almost 3k if you include the lawyer. Those of you saying he won't do time are nuts!! My friend said he was scared to death, because the judge was locking up so many people. His lawyer said it's because VA has had a rise in traffic fatalities involving out of state drivers.

You can't beat this!!! Get a lawyer, or risk getting incarcerated.

People getting jail time for simple speeding and/or reckless driving?!? Please! I'll believe it when I see it. Please find one story proving that! And I'm not talking about DUI, speeding to elude, repeat offenders, driving without a valid license, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Show me one story of someone getting jail time in VA for a single offense of speeding or reckless driving - otherwise, BS.

I see you live in VA, so go spend a day in traffic court. Sadly, I don't recall the town he had to go to court in, but I'll ask him when I see him Monday.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: Mursilis

People getting jail time for simple speeding and/or reckless driving?!? Please! I'll believe it when I see it. Please find one story proving that! And I'm not talking about DUI, speeding to elude, repeat offenders, driving without a valid license, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Show me one story of someone getting jail time in VA for a single offense of speeding or reckless driving - otherwise, BS.

are you even old enough to drive yet?
 

slsmnaz

Diamond Member
Mar 13, 2005
4,016
0
0
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: Mursilis

People getting jail time for simple speeding and/or reckless driving?!? Please! I'll believe it when I see it. Please find one story proving that! And I'm not talking about DUI, speeding to elude, repeat offenders, driving without a valid license, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Show me one story of someone getting jail time in VA for a single offense of speeding or reckless driving - otherwise, BS.

are you even old enough to drive yet?

I am, live in VA and haven't heard of it either. If it happens it's definitely not a common occurrence.
 

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
83,769
19
81
Originally posted by: slsmnaz
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: Mursilis

People getting jail time for simple speeding and/or reckless driving?!? Please! I'll believe it when I see it. Please find one story proving that! And I'm not talking about DUI, speeding to elude, repeat offenders, driving without a valid license, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Show me one story of someone getting jail time in VA for a single offense of speeding or reckless driving - otherwise, BS.

are you even old enough to drive yet?

I am, live in VA and haven't heard of it either. If it happens it's definitely not a common occurrence.

most crimes with jail time are not common occurrences.
 

SirStev0

Lifer
Nov 13, 2003
10,449
6
81
Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
When was the last time you drove I81

Traffic on I81 is not the same as 95/295/495/66 or the associated roads that link to it in the NOVA area.

I put 10 years in NOVA/MD - and was there 6 months ago, so I have an idea on what the area is like.

Do you really see (what I feel is an 18 wheeler) commercail rigs going well above the speed limit in that area.
The drivers know it is not safe to do so. Usually the speed limits for trucks are less than that of cars by 10 mph.

I was in Southern Virginia, north of Lexington.
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
17,978
861
126
Originally posted by: slsmnaz
Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: Mursilis

People getting jail time for simple speeding and/or reckless driving?!? Please! I'll believe it when I see it. Please find one story proving that! And I'm not talking about DUI, speeding to elude, repeat offenders, driving without a valid license, vehicular manslaughter, etc. Show me one story of someone getting jail time in VA for a single offense of speeding or reckless driving - otherwise, BS.

are you even old enough to drive yet?

I am, live in VA and haven't heard of it either. If it happens it's definitely not a common occurrence.

Maybe you aren't aware of it, because it doesn't affect you? My co worker went to court in Prince William. The court had mostly people from out of state, and plenty of them got jail time. Stop by one day & see for yourself.

I plan to change my driving habit when I go through VA. I usually unplug my radar detector when I get to VA. That ain't happening now.