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  1. #1

    Lightbulb Can You Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Based Upon a Video You Post Online

    Let's say you post a video on social media which was shot from your car - perhaps with a GoPro - and it shows you clearly violating a traffic law (e.g. making a right turn on red without stopping; failing to yield, speeding; unsafe lane change, illegal passing, etc. Can you be cited and convicted based on the video alone? Or would the officer actually have to see the incident live?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Can One Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Which is Shown in a Video They Post

    COULD you be convicted? Sure. With enough information, anything is possible. I have heard of such things happening.

    WILL you? Probably wouldn't even be charged ... unless the offense was so egregious that they were compelled to act by public outcry. The police do not make a habit of trolling Youtube and Facebook, etc., looking for idiots driving like morons. Usually all they do when they see something like that is do what most the public does, shake their head and mutter, "Friggin' moron," and move on.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Can One Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Which is Shown in a Video They Post

    Quote Quoting Lizard
    View Post
    Let's say you post a video on social media which was shot from your car - perhaps with a GoPro - and it shows you clearly violating a traffic law (e.g. making a right turn on red without stopping; failing to yield, speeding; unsafe lane change, illegal passing, etc. Can you be cited and convicted based on the video alone? Or would the officer actually have to see the incident live?
    In most states, the motorist could be prosecuted and convicted. All the state needs is sufficient evidence to prove the crime occurred; it is not a requirement that an officer personally witness the violation. Whether the prosecutor would bother to do it depends on the prosecutor.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Can One Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Which is Shown in a Video They Post

    I expect the video or other supporting information would also have to firmly identify the driver to be considered for prosecution. Just being posted to your social media account would likely not be sufficient ID since you could be posting for a friend. As others have said, possible but not likely.

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    Default Re: Can One Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Which is Shown in a Video They Post

    It can be difficult to prosecute convicted felons, parolees and probationers when they post pictures of them with firearms, cavorting with prohibited parties, etc., for a host of reasons - and those are easier to identify than the driver in a video of a traffic offense where the driver is not even shown.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Can One Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Which is Shown in a Video They Post

    In the cases I have heard about, prosecutions triggered upon what is depicted in an online video usually follow when the conduct depicted is particularly egregious, or when the outcome of the stunt or behavior depicted in the video is particularly tragic.

    People making the videos don't necessarily think things through in their quests to become Internet stars. Books, for example, aren't bulletproof.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Can One Be Convicted of a Traffic Violation Which is Shown in a Video They Post

    Here's a case where you just might find out the answer to your question:

    http://abc7chicago.com/news/youtube-...rrest/2190842/

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