Pulled over.

[rich1kim]

Hey guys, I was pulled over by an officer for riding between the cars. The fact of the matter is that I really wasn't. If it's my word versus the officer's what chance do I have at court? By the way there were 3 other bikes that passed me who were weaving between the cars who also got pulled over. Any advice?

Rich

[NoRRmad]

Every guy in that pack (yourself included,) is gonna use the same defense,"Yes, Your Honor, those squids were weaving all over the place, but not me!"

If everybody has to appear in court, you should be the one in a suit.

[MikeCam]

It really depends on the jurisdiction, the judge, and the officer's prior record before the court. Your best effort will be done by a lawyer on your behalf. He knows the court, the judge and the police and can work before the hearing date for a change in your favor. At the hearing he knows better than you how to proceed with questions, challenges and any other matters that could result in dismissal.

Best of luck.

[TicTac50]

My riding buddy got a ticket while sitting at the red light.
He lifted his Sun Glasses just a half an inch above his eyebrows.
I was really surprised to see local cops giving tickets to the guys just for lifting UP the helmet screen
Maybe our founders were right about the Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Good Luck.

[Airman]

My riding buddy got a ticket while sitting at the red light.
He lifted his Sun Glasses just a half an inch above his eyebrows.
I was really surprised to see local cops giving tickets to the guys just for lifting UP the helmet screen
Maybe our founders were right about the Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Good Luck.

TicTac50,

What state was that in ? In WA state where I live there's a law requiring eye protection of some sort for motorcyclists, but only if you have no windshield. If I were cited here for lifting the helmet shield or sunglasses at the red light I would strongly contest the citation. I may lift either at a stoplight to prevent fogging. Unless the law says the shield must be down and locked at all times it's probably unenforceable. As well,there are degrees of "open" to the helmet shield. I ride with mine partially open a lot.

[TicTac50]

TicTac50,

What state was that in ? In WA state where I live there's a law requiring eye protection of some sort for motorcyclists, but only if you have no windshield. If I were cited here for lifting the helmet shield or sunglasses at the red light I would strongly contest the citation. I may lift either at a stoplight to prevent fogging. Unless the law says the shield must be down and locked at all times it's probably unenforceable. As well,there are degrees of "open" to the helmet shield. I ride with mine partially open a lot.

In all of the cases that I've mentioned, Police Officers were in the right.
But where is the common sense and decency
In South Florida during the summer time, the temperature reaches 90 degree and above.
On South Beach (main drag), the speed is about 5-10mph at the most.
The police are there not to protect the public; they just increase the revenue.
Please don't get me wrong; I do not have problems when the Law is enforced.
But when the enforcement is driven by the revenue department or an Insurance company, then it becomes an issue.

[rich1kim]

Well... I sent a not guily. I also contacted the owner of the car that was in front of my bike, but he hasn't responded to me. I'll go to court and see what happens... By the way it occured in Manhattan. I'm probably gonna waste a day in court only to be found guilty.
Rich

[motospyder]

I was in traffic court fighting a speeding ticket I got while driving my Mustang GT. The kid whose case came just before mine got a ticket for riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, although he had one with him. The judge asked him why he wasn't wearing his helmet. The kid shook his long blond locks and said "I had just washed my hair, your honor, and I was just drying it in the wind." The judge laughed so hard I thought he would topple off his chair. He dismissed the kid with a warning.

The moral is: it all depends on your judge and how good your story is.
This happened in Prince George County, VA. True story.
Oh, he let me slide, too.

[towerworker]

Hope I'm in that county next time I get a ticket!


Wayne