Ticket for Speeding in Consruction Zone Before Construction Begins

[AmirGTR]

My buddy was coming back from school and he was going down Jeffery Rd. Orange County CA, where there's a construction zone. It transitions from a 50mph limit to 35mph. Few yards before the construction begins, he sees the cop. He slows down but he got caught doing 49 down that road.

Now the cop told him that he gave him a break for not mentioning construction zone on the ticket, because that'd double the penalty (?) but would mention it in court if my friend decides to contest the ticket.

The thing is the dude's totally broke and he came to me, the car guy, to figure something out for him. Help me out guys!

[jk]

the speed zone starts where the sign is, not when your friend decides it is time to slow down.

and yes, the officer can make notice to the court that this is in a construction zone so your friend should feel grateful and pay what he is being charged with. We all know it is not as much as what he should be paying.

[That Guy]

Now the cop told him that he gave him a break for not mentioning construction zone on the ticket, because that'd double the penalty (?)

Yes, (pursuant to California Vehicle Code section 42009) it actually doubles the "base fine" but not necessarily the "penalty" assessment(s). Without getting into the details of that, I will say that the non construction zone fine for 14mph over the limit is approximately $211 versus approximately $331 in a construction zone (amounts may vary slightly by county)...

[EWYLTJ]

Did the speed limit go to 35 or was there orange construction zone limits setting the 35mph limit??

If you want help, you have to give ALL the details.

[AmirGTR]

Yeah he actually thanked the cop...was like "Well, thanks for looking out for us" that prolly made the guy's day lol. But he seriously is broke. Lost his job and everything...poor guy lol.

He was going 49 before the visible construction begins. He's not sure where the "construction zone" officially begins, but he did see the sign right next to the cop. So I'm thinking it probably was before the zone? Then again we're not sure if they have any other signs before that. I'll go look next time I come back from college, its on my way home.

What he "should be" paying is kind of a subjective thing, I mean, not everyone agrees with these laws. I personally think the laws should fine people based on their financial status. I myself wouldn't mind paying maybe a 100 bucks for a ticket, but lot of people just can't afford that. For a lot of other people it's nothing...ok anyways.

@EWYLTJ: yeah man, it was posted, but he was going 49 way before he saw any signs. The cop was standing right next to the sign.

So what can he do? He went to traffic school about a year ago, so that's not an option. He's obviously gonna go to court hoping for a discount or something, but is there anything he can ask the judge? There's gotta be something they arrange for poor people, right?

[jk]

I personally think the laws should fine people based on their financial status. I myself wouldn't mind paying maybe a 100 bucks for a ticket

, and that is the point of a fine; to attempt to persuade you breaking the law is not a good thing and hopefully get you to stop doing it. If the fine was so easily taken care of, what would the criminal learn?



.

He's obviously gonna go to court hoping for a discount or something, but is there anything he can ask the judge? There's gotta be something they arrange for poor people, right?

he already got his break but hey, let him go ahead and argue the ticket. Then when the cop let's the judge know it was in a work zone, he will look like a schmuck and then let's see him try to get a reduction of any kind.

[EWYLTJ]

Yeah he actually thanked the cop...was like "Well, thanks for looking out for us" that prolly made the guy's day lol. But he seriously is broke. Lost his job and everything...poor guy lol.

He was going 49 before the visible construction begins. He's not sure where the "construction zone" officially begins, but he did see the sign right next to the cop. So I'm thinking it probably was before the zone? Then again we're not sure if they have any other signs before that. I'll go look next time I come back from college, its on my way home.

What he "should be" paying is kind of a subjective thing, I mean, not everyone agrees with these laws. I personally think the laws should fine people based on their financial status. I myself wouldn't mind paying maybe a 100 bucks for a ticket, but lot of people just can't afford that. For a lot of other people it's nothing...ok anyways.

@EWYLTJ: yeah man, it was posted, but he was going 49 way before he saw any signs. The cop was standing right next to the sign.

So what can he do? He went to traffic school about a year ago, so that's not an option. He's obviously gonna go to court hoping for a discount or something, but is there anything he can ask the judge? There's gotta be something they arrange for poor people, right?

First of all, unless your friend has broken fingers, he should be asking these questions. Second, you didn't answer my questions. Look at what I asked and be complete with your response if you want any meaningful help.

[AmirGTR]

, and that is the point of a fine; to attempt to persuade you breaking the law is not a good thing and hopefully get you to stop doing it. If the fine was so easily taken care of, what would the criminal learn?



.

he already got his break but hey, let him go ahead and argue the ticket. Then when the cop let's the judge know it was in a work zone, he will look like a schmuck and then let's see him try to get a reduction of any kind.

Wow dude, ease up, seriously. Criminal? What, so my 50 year old mom is a criminal for not having her lights on? Happened two years ago but stuff happens to everybody.

It's just my humble opinion that a fixed amount for a fine is too big of a punishment for some and too little of a punishment for many others, depending on the person's financial status. If the point is to punish, then why not do it effectively for the rich and not turn it into torture for the poor?

First of all, unless your friend has broken fingers, he should be asking these questions. Second, you didn't answer my questions. Look at what I asked and be complete with your response if you want any meaningful help.

No dude, he's just too broke to have cable internet. He has dial up that he uses to sign up for classes and check emails.

The signs are orange, I just passed that road today. And there was a sign posted saying "construction ahead" at the intersection (which he passed). Guess he is screwed now haha.

[That Guy]

Wow dude, ease up, seriously. Criminal?

Dude... Traffic infractions in California are, in fact, CRIMINAL matters.

[jk]

=AmirGTR;393174]
It's just my humble opinion that a fixed amount for a fine is too big of a punishment for some and too little of a punishment for many others, depending on the person's financial status. If the point is to punish, then why not do it effectively for the rich and not turn it into torture for the poor?

that is one point of yours I will agree with. Actually, the biggest problem is the fine is not large enough most of the time to make the person think before committing the crime again. I have no problem with the fines being increased several fold with allowances for the indigent to seek a reduction based on their income.

No dude, he's just too broke to have cable internet. He has dial up that he uses to sign up for classes and check emails

.a lot of people have only dial up. a website with text and minimal graphics is not that big of a deal in dial up and there are settings that would allow it to ignore much of the graphics as well. He has the capability, he just doesn't want to take the time to do it, kind of like slowing down and taking the time to drive through the work zone slower. Sounds like he is just in too big of a hurry all the time.

and as to easing up; refer to That Guy's post.