Moving Violations While Driving A Friend's Car

[Finesse]

CALIFORNIA

Hello everybody,

I'm 17 years old and would be considered 'juvenile' in any traffic violation. I'll describe what happened that gave me a ticket in detail since this is my first time and quite frankly I don't know what to do. .

At the time of ticketing I am driving a friends car, so when asked for my drivers license and registration I gave him my license ID and the owner's registration/insurance. Since I'm obviously not registered to drive the car. . I don't know how thats going to impact me. .

I was cited for 2 infractions.

1) Modified Exhaust.
2) Driving without headlights in darkness.

Well I was stopped because of the 'amplified' sound my exhaust makes. Quite frankly, I had no idea that it was even loud enough to be considered loud but as police officer was adamant in stating it as illegal and so thus I take his word for it. It was about 10:30 PM, and I was backing out in a parking lot w/o my headlights on because usually I have a habit of turning them on as I enter the street, as I pause and yield to traffic and turn them on. Well unfortunate for me, the cop came out of a drive-thru corner and flashed me as I was creeping out to the street, ready to make my turn, and then pulled me over. He said he stopped me for the sound I was making in my exhaust, then added that I had no headlights on in the parking lot, which I was taken aghast by but didn't argue. .

Well in the end, he gave me the ticket for the 2 infractions. Basically what my problem is. .

My parents are unaware of this right now. . I would like it if they didn't know about what happened and that I was driving a friends car. I hear that the traffic procedures can be done by the person himself, but since I'm a juvenile I'm not sure if I can. Apparently as the ticket comes in the mail, I can just write a letter back and plead guilty and send in the fine money. Then register for traffic school by myself and then will it be clear? Not sure. Can anyone tell me the fine cost for driving w/o headlights, and having a modified exhaust?

Oh. As for the ticket I recieved, he wrote the 'wrong' model for the car, I'm not sure if that'll do me any good. My friend calls it a loophole or whatever.

Basically what I'm trying to ask is. .

What exactly is the degree of punishment on me for driving my friend's vehicle, (what'll happen to him and me), and getting 2 infractions for a moving violation.

Can this procedure to clear up my record also be done by just myself? (A juvenile). Send in the letter and plead guilty, money, traffic school, etc.

And the overall estimate of cost for this traffic ticket.

Sorry for the length of the post, I've been driving for 1 1/2 years right now, and this is my first traffic ticket. (The irony of being proud that I'm a safe driver and I'm caught in a different car, and not for my driving but for the sound of my friends exhaust). I'm really confused as to what to do now, and scarred if my parents do find out, (Sorry, I know its very cliche for me as a juvenile to be afraid of this), so thats why I'm asking if you guys can give me some advice as to what to do. .

I'll check up on this thread and my inbox if you guys can help. Thank you.

-California driver

[seniorjudge]

...My parents are unaware of this right now. . I would like it if they didn't know about what happened and that I was driving a friends car....


Tell your parents.

[Finesse]

I'm sorry this should be in the moving violation forum.
I know its wise to tell my parents. . just seeing if I can get around it if I did all the procedures by myself. Thanks seniorjudge.
Right now I'm just in a state of fear and oblivious as to what to do/expect. .

[cdwjava]

What county did this occur in? And, what are the specific code sections you are cited for violating? (These code sections would help us figure out the approximate fine amount.)

On the citation did it instruct you to appear in JUVENILE court, or in TRAFFIC court? If you have to go to Juvenile Court, you will be instructed to bring a parent with you. If traffic court, you may receive a notice asking you to bring your parents with you.

It is very likely that you will not be able to do this in complete secrecy from your parents. So you might want to 'fess up to them. I know that as a parent myself, I would rather my child tells me than I find out through some other means. Not telling me would result in a FAR GREATER penalty than his telling me.

- Carl

[Finesse]

Thanks cdwjava for the advice and parental guidance.
This is in Orange County. . I don't know the exact numbering of the offense but its..

1) No Headlights in Darkness
2) Modified Exhaust. (Illegal Vehicle Modification) etc.

Either a traffic summons or juvenile summons. If I just send in the money order with the plea of guilty that should be all right, no?

[cdwjava]

1) No Headlights in Darkness

I can think of a couple of possibilities here, but it is likely CVC 24400.

2) Modified Exhaust. (Illegal Vehicle Modification) etc.

There are at least two that this description cold cover.

The numbers are very important. Don't you have the citation with you? It SHOULD have the court information and the code sections for the violations on it.

If I just send in the money order with the plea of guilty that should be all right, no?

Maybe not. You should receive a courtesy notice with further information. If not, contact the court listed on the citation.

- Carl

[chuckycheese]

Tel your folks....if that's the worse thing you've ever done, they've got a pretty darn good kid.