How to Fight a Radar Speeding Ticket in Massachusetts, 80 MPH in a 65 MPH Zone
My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Massachusetts
I am a New Hampshire resident and I recently got a speeding ticket for 80 in a 65 mph on I-495 in MA. This was a 90/17 violation with "Clocked Radar Estimated Posted" checked on the citation. I was driving in the left most lane and was being tailgated by a sports car. I decided to move over to the middle lane, but had to cross a bunch of cars before I had enough space to move over. In the process, I was close to 75mph and a cop in SUV was behind me when I switched to the middle lane. He followed me and pulled me over.
The cop told me that I was going at 80, but I panicked and told him I was below 75mph. He gave me a citation and I am challenging it.
Few questions:
- What does all this mean - "Clocked Radar Estimated Posted"? Is this possible?
- Will I get points on my license if proven guilty?
- How can I beat this ticket?
I have a clerk magistrate hearing tomorrow. How can I defend during this hearing? Any suggestions will help greatly! This is my first time and I am not sure how it works.
Thanks in advance!
Re: How to Fight a Radar Speeding Ticket in Massachusetts, 80 MPH in a 65 MPH Zone
Your speed can be measured in a number of ways:
Clocked: That could mean measurement by pacing or by VASCAR, or could be read in conjunction with "radar" to indicate that your speed was measured by radar.
Radar: The officer used a radar-based speed measurement device to measure your speed.
Estimated: The officer applies formal training in the estimation of your speed, in order to estimate your speed.
The reference to posted would presumably indicate that there is a posted speed limit.
Massachusetts does not have a point system, but if you are convicted of speeding that conviction will appear on your driving record.
You have not indicated any facts that would suggest that you were not speeding. If you want people to discuss possible defenses to your ticket, you should share facts that might support a defense. You should investigate whether the radar was properly maintained and tested.