Traffic violation procedures

So, over the last year and a half, I’ve managed to rack up three speeding tickets. I didn't bother paying any of them within that initial eight-day window—honestly, I almost convinced myself they had just vanished into thin air. Then, out of nowhere, I get a notice in the mail from the Department of the Treasury. It doesn't actually itemize the specific violations or anything like that, but it clearly states I need to settle this total amount within eight days, otherwise they're moving straight to collections.

I've decided to just bite the bullet and pay it, but I have a quick question: should I be using those original payment slips I got from the police officer when I was pulled over, or is there a different way to handle it now?

Also, is there any chance they’ll tack on extra interest or some kind of tax onto that total?

Hey everyone.

On May 6th in Washington, D.C., near the Memorial Bridge, I was biking down toward the Mississippi riverbank when a Chevrolet Cruze slammed into me. My windshield shattered on impact and the force sent me flying straight into the ground. Paramedics rushed me to Johns Hopkins where they diagnosed me with lacerations and contusions along my right abdomen and chest, plus some fractures in my right shin. The cops showed up at the hospital, ran a breathalyzer—I was at a 0.0—but they’re pinning it on me because apparently I missed a stop sign. They said I'll be getting a court summons in about a month.
I have a driver's license, but I wasn't driving a car, so am I going to lose it? And how much is this going to cost if I'm stuck footing the bill for the damages...
Never been to court before... I'm just a student, totally broke. My bike is trashed, and the car has some dents in the hood and a smashed windshield. What do I do?

Thanks in advance.

Your license doesn't matter here since you were on a bike, which doesn't require one. But if you blew past a stop sign, you're the one at fault for the accident and you'll be looking at a ticket.

Thomas Davis12 said:Your license doesn't matter here since you were on a bike, which doesn't require one. But if you blew past a stop sign, you're the one at fault for the accident and you'll be looking at a ticket.

Fine, whatever. What even is a citation? How much is a ticket gonna set me back for a Chevrolet Cruze GT?

So, two cops just showed up at my place asking who was behind the wheel of my car on this specific date and time. Apparently, they tried to pull the driver over, but the guy just blew right past them. I told them straight up—I have zero clue who was driving. They said they were chasing him, but he managed to lose them. Now, because I’m the owner, they’re looking to drag me into court. Look, I genuinely don't know who had the keys! What am I supposed to do? What's my move for the hearing? How can they even come after me when they don't have any actual proof?

Steven Rivera7 said:So, two cops just showed up at my place asking who was behind the wheel of my car on this specific date and time. Apparently, they tried to pull the driver over, but the guy just blew right past them. I told them straight up—I have zero clue who was driving. They said they were chasing him, but he managed to lose them. Now, because I’m the owner, they’re looking to drag me into court. Look, I genuinely don't know who had the keys! What am I supposed to do? What's my move for the hearing? How can they even come after me when they don't have any actual proof?

Short answer: you can't. Unless, of course, you've got a history of similar offenses.

Hey everyone,

So, I just got a call from the police. Apparently, some citizen reported me for some kind of dangerous idling or obstructing traffic, and now they’re telling me I need to head down to the Newark station for an interview. They basically gave me an ultimatum: show up in person, or they’ll just mail me the notice, and if I don't show up then, they'll start issuing a warrant for my arrest. It felt a bit intense, to be honest.

I guess I'm wondering if there's actually any legal ground for this kind of thing? Has anyone else here dealt with something similar, or am I just being singled out?

Best,

Got towed. Ended up with a ticket ($100) plus the impound fees ($167). There wasn't even a sign posted, but apparently, I technically violated some municipal code—Section 112, subsection 3, or whatever. Not that it matters; if I’d known, I wouldn't have done it. My question is: can you actually challenge the tow itself? As for the parking fine, fine 🤷, I'll take the hit, but I'm not happy about it. My car wasn't blocking anyone. It wasn't on the grass. There was at least a yard of space left for pedestrians, and the cops told me the gap between my car and the wall was fine. It wasn't obstructing traffic by any stretch. I heard once that if a vehicle isn't causing an actual obstruction, they aren't supposed to tow it—just write the ticket.
Looking for some help here. Even just a starting point for a decent appeal would be great.

Hi everyone!

So, I could really use some insight here... what should I expect from this mess?

I just received the police report regarding a multi-car pileup I was involved in today. Here’s the kicker: I actually came to a full stop, but the car directly in front of me slammed into the one ahead of it, which then recoiled right into my bumper. To make matters worse, that car also smashed into the vehicle in front of *it*.

Look, I'll admit I'm at fault for not maintaining enough following distance... I get that. But the guy in front of me didn't even brake—his brake lights never even flashed. Honestly, I'm just glad I did stop when I did.

The report states that both I and the driver in front of me violated Section 51, Subsection 1 of the traffic safety code. Strangely, they haven't mentioned anything regarding the third driver in the chain. So, yeah...

The problem is, there are a bunch of inconsistencies in this report...

1. There is absolutely no description of how the accident actually unfolded.

2. It claims the scene was photographed, but no photos were taken.

3. It says the vehicles were moved after the investigation was completed, but that's not true. We cleared the cars immediately because we were causing a massive traffic jam on the highway.

What's my next move? Should I wait to be summoned to traffic court, or should I start drafting an appeal against the report right now?

Please help... I've never dealt with anything like this before. Thanks.

Hi everyone... so, here’s the situation. I got pulled over by the police this past Saturday (it was two officers and one older guy). They asked if I'd had anything to drink in the last few hours. Well, yeah—I had two small beers around 11:30 PM, but they didn't pull me over until 5:00 AM that morning. Then came the question: "Are you willing to take a breathalyzer?" I said yes, and I guess I blew a 0.06% BAC (which, if you subtract the legal tolerance of 0.02%, leaves me at 0.04%).
I didn't commit any other infractions, but the officer told me that this level was enough to trigger a 12-hour license suspension. I just said, "Okay, you're doing your job," and let him proceed. He wrote up a report—which I didn't sign—took my driver's license, and wished me a good night. I went back to my car, figuring I should probably head home too. About half an hour later, I called a colleague who works in law enforcement, and she told me that the officer had come into the station and added extra notes claiming I was being "arrogant"—which I really wasn't—and that I was driving "under the influence." He never actually explicitly told me I wasn't allowed to drive (I mean, I assume if they take your license, you can't drive, but he should have been clear about it). Plus, the car was running perfectly fine on the road, the right blinker was working, there was someone else in the car with me... This is my very first alcohol-related offense. I just had those two small beers the night before, I'd been at some weddings, and I ate some heavy stew... I honestly don't know where that 0.06% came from...
So, I've had my license since July 2004, and this incident happened this past Sunday, May 17, 2009. I was born on July 7, 1986. So, I clearly don't fall under those "Underage Driver" laws where you can't drive high-performance cars or need an adult supervisor after 11:00 PM, but I'm not entirely sure which category I fall into regarding alcohol limits...

I called the police department in Washington, D.C., and the person I spoke to mentioned that the officer shouldn't have been able to seize my license for that specific amount, and that since I'm not an "underage" driver, the standard legal tolerance for all drivers goes up to 0.10% BAC...

I'm really looking for some help or advice from anyone who understands how these laws work. Thank you so much.

Robert Morgan6 said:Hi everyone... so, here’s the situation. I got pulled over by the police this past Saturday (it was two officers and one older guy). They asked if I'd had anything to drink in the last few hours. Well, yeah—I had two small beers around 11:30 PM, but they didn't pull me over until 5:00 AM that morning. Then came the question: "Are you willing to take a breathalyzer?" I said yes, and I guess I blew a 0.06% BAC (which, if you subtract the legal tolerance of 0.02%, leaves me at 0.04%).
I didn't commit any other infractions, but the officer told me that this level was enough to trigger a 12-hour license suspension. I just said, "Okay, you're doing your job," and let him proceed. He wrote up a report—which I didn't sign—took my driver's license, and wished me a good night. I went back to my car, figuring I should probably head home too. About half an hour later, I called a colleague who works in law enforcement, and she told me that the officer had come into the station and added extra notes claiming I was being "arrogant"—which I really wasn't—and that I was driving "under the influence." He never actually explicitly told me I wasn't allowed to drive (I mean, I assume if they take your license, you can't drive, but he should have been clear about it). Plus, the car was running perfectly fine on the road, the right blinker was working, there was someone else in the car with me... This is my very first alcohol-related offense. I just had those two small beers the night before, I'd been at some weddings, and I ate some heavy stew... I honestly don't know where that 0.06% came from...
So, I've had my license since July 2004, and this incident happened this past Sunday, May 17, 2009. I was born on July 7, 1986. So, I clearly don't fall under those "Underage Driver" laws where you can't drive high-performance cars or need an adult supervisor after 11:00 PM, but I'm not entirely sure which category I fall into regarding alcohol limits...

I called the police department in Washington, D.C., and the person I spoke to mentioned that the officer shouldn't have been able to seize my license for that specific amount, and that since I'm not an "underage" driver, the standard legal tolerance for all drivers goes up to 0.10% BAC...

I'm really looking for some help or advice from anyone who understands how these laws work. Thank you so much.

How's it going?😁
Look, if you’re under 24, you’re basically stuck with nothing more than a 0.00% rate and a 75 KW limit. And that stuff after 11 PM? I think they wiped that out in the latest round of legislative changes. It's absolute garbage. Honestly, that was my reality too—I used to be in that "young person" bracket, then I aged out of those perks after two years, only to find myself back in the "youth" category again thanks to these new rules. What a joke.🙄😁

So he pulls you over, blows some smoke in your face—nothing fancy, just being a jerk—but whatever, he did it. He revokes your license right then and there, and then what? You’re supposed to just drive off without it? Like, he literally told you that you don't have a license anymore, and then expects you to just roll away? Are you kidding me?😁 You really think you can just walk away from this? Look, buddy, take my advice: just pay up right now. You aren't gonna have a good time once the cops finish tearing you apart—especially when they’re 100% in the right. I can't stand those guys, but they're right on this one.😁

boldhound8 said:How's it going?😁
Look, if you’re under 24, you’re basically stuck with nothing more than a 0.00% rate and a 75 KW limit. And that stuff after 11 PM? I think they wiped that out in the latest round of legislative changes. It's absolute garbage. Honestly, that was my reality too—I used to be in that "young person" bracket, then I aged out of those perks after two years, only to find myself back in the "youth" category again thanks to these new rules. What a joke.🙄😁

So he pulls you over, blows some smoke in your face—nothing fancy, just being a jerk—but whatever, he did it. He revokes your license right then and there, and then what? You’re supposed to just drive off without it? Like, he literally told you that you don't have a license anymore, and then expects you to just roll away? Are you kidding me?😁 You really think you can just walk away from this? Look, buddy, take my advice: just pay up right now. You aren't gonna have a good time once the cops finish tearing you apart—especially when they’re 100% in the right. I can't stand those guys, but they're right on this one.😁

But I mean, if I'm already considered "drunk" enough to be a danger to everyone else on the road, why didn't they just take me off the streets entirely? All he told me was that I'm driving at my own risk... He should have just said, "Park the car, you aren't allowed to drive any further, goodbye!"
Isn't that how it's supposed to work?????

A bad apology 😁 and honestly, ignorance isn't an excuse... 😉 It’s just common sense that you can't get behind the wheel without a license, which is something pretty much every Uber driver knows by heart...

crimsonsailor7 said:A bad apology 😁 and honestly, ignorance isn't an excuse... 😉 It’s just common sense that you can't get behind the wheel without a license, which is something pretty much every Uber driver knows by heart...

Oh, come on now... so if I just happen to leave my license at home and don't have it on me, I'm technically not allowed to drive? Is that really what you're saying? Just because it's a "fact" that you can't drive without a license on your person...👎

look, just leave her at home if you're worried... seriously, if you get pulled over, you're looking at a citation because you're operating a vehicle without having your license on you, and honestly, even a little kid knows that's how it works 😉 it's not just common sense, it's literally the law here in the States.

I mean, do you realize stealing is also illegal, or did I miss that part of the lesson?

Oh, come on now, stop talking nonsense... I’d love to see how you’d even attempt to move a car while the engine is still running, 🤷I mean, it seems pretty ridiculous to try and push a vehicle with the ignition on, 🤣🤣

No matter how much you try to tell me I’m just talking nonsense, the truth remains the truth...😉

Robert Morgan6, look, don't get all worked up on me, but you're acting like a total teenager instead of a grown man🙂
You come out here asking for advice, two different people step up to help you out, and instead of actually listening, you decide to pick a fight with the only two people who were even trying to help you. What a joke.

Honestly, I don't give a damn if you want to drive around without a license, and I don't care if you end up in front of a judge trying to convince some lady in a black robe that you "didn't know" or that the cop didn't tell you—screw it. Hell, I don't even care if you go buy a Glock and try to take out that officer on the road tomorrow; it's your life, your call. But I am telling you right now, and I'm saying this with total confidence: what I wrote earlier is the best possible move for you. Anything else is just going to turn into a massive financial disaster that's entirely your own fault. Either pay the fine right now, show up to court, or just admit you messed up and say you won't do it again. Everything else is just plain stupid, IMO.

And since I'm not about to waste my breath on this pointless arguing, I'm out. I'm washing my hands of this whole mess...

boldhound8 said:Robert Morgan6, look, don't get all worked up on me, but you're acting like a total teenager instead of a grown man🙂
You come out here asking for advice, two different people step up to help you out, and instead of actually listening, you decide to pick a fight with the only two people who were even trying to help you. What a joke.

Honestly, I don't give a damn if you want to drive around without a license, and I don't care if you end up in front of a judge trying to convince some lady in a black robe that you "didn't know" or that the cop didn't tell you—screw it. Hell, I don't even care if you go buy a Glock and try to take out that officer on the road tomorrow; it's your life, your call. But I am telling you right now, and I'm saying this with total confidence: what I wrote earlier is the best possible move for you. Anything else is just going to turn into a massive financial disaster that's entirely your own fault. Either pay the fine right now, show up to court, or just admit you messed up and say you won't do it again. Everything else is just plain stupid, IMO.

And since I'm not about to waste my breath on this pointless arguing, I'm out. I'm washing my hands of this whole mess...

My apologies if my words came off a bit "harsh"; saying "don't talk nonsense" was just how it came out in the flow of conversation.
We're all just typing things out here, yeah... I'm not looking for official legal counsel on a forum like this, but you have to admit there is at least a little bit of ambiguity in this situation. It is what it is.👍

I see the topic of "probationary drivers" has come up. Here is my experience:
I was born in 1986, passed my test at 18, and was immediately hit by those regulations stating I couldn't drive anything over 75kW for two years, nor could I drive during certain restricted nighttime hours.
Fine, I served my two years without a single violation. My father then bought a new Toyota Camry with 77kW, and I drove it perfectly fine for another two years without any issues whatsoever.
But then, a new regulation comes along—they redefine what constitutes a "probationary driver"—and suddenly I’m legally prohibited from driving the Camry because of a mere 2kW difference. The reality was that I didn't have another vehicle, and there certainly wasn't money lying around to buy a different one. Honestly, how much sense would it make to expect someone to purchase a new car every time some bureaucrat decides to tweak the law? It's absurd.
At 3:00 AM on a Sunday, an officer pulls me over and immediately informs me that I am operating an overpowered vehicle. I explained to him that I had been driving for nearly five years without any infractions and emphasized that this was strictly a matter of 2kW. He just looked at me and said, "That vehicle is capable of reaching MASSIVE speeds."😲 I countered, asking if a 75kW car isn't also capable of speed, but he simply stayed silent, wrote me a citation for $333, and confiscated my license for 24 hours.
The next morning, I went to the police station. A formal appeal form was already waiting for me (a colleague of mine works there), so I submitted it and waited.
Two months later, the decision arrived. My appeal—in which I explained I was a college student, just as I had told the officer—was rejected because I hadn't provided proof of zero income (I assumed being a student made that self-evident). Most importantly, they stated that this decision was final and could not be appealed further.😕(Meanwhile, I have a friend who was caught riding a motorcycle with a 1.9 blood alcohol level, doesn't even have a motorcycle license, and is currently on his seventh appeal.)
I eventually met with a judge, who told me that if I had simply brought my student ID or something similar, the matter would have been resolved.
I really think someone should have informed me of that requirement.
Ultimately, my advice to anyone writing an appeal is to attach physical evidence for every single claim you make. It seems they are looking for the slightest technicality to fleece us hardworking 😉 Americans.

Apologies if I went on a bit too long.☕