Asking the officer to denote which subsection that HE has charged you with is nonsensical? I guess I could consult with my magic 8-ball.Your question tot he officer is nonsensical, so you can't really be surprised he couldn't answer.
The differing penalties were listed for your reading pleasure.The various penalties have nothing to do with the level of offense as it pertains to subsections.
Violating the basic speed law requires a combination of several elements and these combinations can be found within the statutes 3 subsections. There are a multitude of ways to violate the statute with only a couple of ways to apply a penalty. But, you must pick (1), (2).(a).(b) or .(c) or (3). or a possible "jackpot" combination as conditions from all 3 may actually exist at the same time, but if none exist, then the statute does not apply, so in that case, no subsection denoted would be appropriate.
RCW 46.61.400
Basic rule and maximum limits.
(1) No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
(2) Except when a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with subsection (1) of this section, the limits specified in this section or established as hereinafter authorized shall be maximum lawful speeds, and no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of such maximum limits.
(a) Twenty-five miles per hour on city and town streets;
(b) Fifty miles per hour on county roads;
(c) Sixty miles per hour on state highways.
The maximum speed limits set forth in this section may be altered as authorized in RCW 46.61.405, 46.61.410, and 46.61.415.
(3) The driver of every vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.
is it just me or do the subsections vary greatly?
If the subsection is not denoted, then an essential element is missing, so... Penalty for what?Not quoting a subsection doesn't change the penalty.
In a non- "Boss Hog" world with a Judge who has 2 brain cells to rub together... Statutory elements not stated on the charging document should equal no penalty.

