Speeding ticket - need advice

[Appleton]

Just received my first ticket today, Im 26.
Officer nailed me for doing 132 on Hwy 400 extension.

I did searches on here and elsewhere but I am still confused with the whole situation.

First of all, I dispute that I was going that fast. I did speed up to get by a truck - was coming over a hill and on the down slope when the officer seen me. I get really paranoid driving in their blind spots as I commute to Midland from Barrie daily and have been cut off recently a few times (nevermind the recent accidents that have happend). I don't understand how he clocked me when he was 4 cars ahead and in the right lane, while I was on the left. I asked him to prove I was doing that speed but he didn't want to discuss anything and was rather quite rude to me.

As I came over the hill and noticed the cop I let off the gas, looked down at my speedo and saw I was doing 115ish - I didnt get back on the gas at all, actually glid down the hill and when I caught up to the OPP car I came over in the right lane in front of him where he proceeded to pull me over at that time I was doing 100.

First ticket - I am obviously going to dispute it - at least the speed part. I will admit I was probably doing 120ish but nowhere near the 132 he stated.

I am not sure when I need to tell my insurance about this problem, do I do it now or after I dispute the charge and pay the fine?

Thanks for your help!

[slim_shady]

First, don't admit to the courts that you speeding (don't say you were only going 115 instead of 132, it's still speeding and you're admitting guilt).

Second, don't tell your insurance company! You are under no obligation to inform your insurance company no matter what happens (guilty/not guilty).

[Appleton]

Doesn't matter. I won't deny I was speeding over 100km's/hr. I'd have no problem paying the proper fine - I do deny I was going that fast.

I don't understand how the police officer can radar me while he is driving ahead of me alone in his car and trying to drive at the same time?

[slim_shady]

Doesn't matter. I won't deny I was speeding over 100km's/hr. I'd have no problem paying the proper fine - I do deny I was going that fast.

Unfortunately that doesn't matter. As long as you are admitting guilt to speeding (no matter what the speed you are admitting to) the JP will most likely enforce the original ticketed speed.

Your best bet would be to see the prosecutor and explain your case. You will get the ticket reduced (and avoid a trial).

[Appleton]

When do I arrange to meet with a prosecutor?

[slim_shady]

When you go in to request a trial date, ask them to make an app't with the prosecutor.

[BMNB1tchesss]

too bad you got caught. good luck!

that is all

[Appleton]

The other question I have is what can I expect my insurance rate to go up by? % wise approx??

[Whitedart]

Doesn't matter. I won't deny I was speeding over 100km's/hr. I'd have no problem paying the proper fine - I do deny I was going that fast.

I don't understand how the police officer can radar me while he is driving ahead of me alone in his car and trying to drive at the same time?

Some of their traffic cars have 2 radar units installed - one on the dash for traffice in front, and one on the rear shelf for traffic from behind - with 2 monitoring units on the dash. If you were clocked with this type of radar, he would likely have shown you.
Alternately he may have clocked your speed by watching in his mirrors, in that he was travelling at 125, and your speed was exceeding his (catching up to him). But keep in mind these officers have a lot of experience doing this day after day.

Plead not guilty, ask for a trial date, and request disclosure well in advance. His notes provided through disclosure will describe how he determined your speed.

[Appleton]

Yeah, I was thinking 132 was a direct number for just making it up.

[aznxtambOy]

Doesn't matter. I won't deny I was speeding over 100km's/hr. I'd have no problem paying the proper fine - I do deny I was going that fast.

I don't understand how the police officer can radar me while he is driving ahead of me alone in his car and trying to drive at the same time?

Possible the cop used a Laser? All he got to do is point and shoot your car to get your speed?

[Shaner]

If all you want to do is dispute the speed, plead guilty with an explanation. I believe it's Option #2 on the ticket. Just inform the JP that you are more than willing to plead guilty but you want it noted on the record that you're speed never exceeded 120 km/hr. The JP will likely give you a break on the fine, they almost always do.

As for insurance, do not tell them about the ticket, that's their responsibility, not yours. Your insurance may not go up since its your first ticket. Many insurance companies have a forgiveness policy for the first ticket.