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Truck in Restricted Lane

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Apr 1, 2015 #1
    Swedish Chef

    Swedish Chef Heavy Load Member

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    Charlotte, NC
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    Normally, I tend to keep a low profile about the mistakes I make, but I have to man up and own up to it, since I could really use the advice. Here's my dilemma:

    I got pulled over in Columbia City, IN on US 30 not too long ago. I was approaching the city limits, and a bunch of trucks that were stopped at a red light that had just turned green. I decided to move over into the left lane to get around them and keep my momentum. About 1500 feet later, there is a sign that says, trucks use right lane. So I thought, dang it, I need to move back over ASAP. Once I pass all the trucks, I try to move over, but officer Richard Head is in an unmarked cruiser driving in front of all the trucks. I attempted to get behind him, but he decides to slow down to a speed that is too unsafe to change back into the right lane behind him. After he practically pigeonholes me, he waved me to go in front of him, and put his lights on immediately. Naturally, he gives me a ticket for this stupid offense.

    Now I'm well aware that I made a mistake here, and I'm really just trying to nip this in the bud. If I pay the fine though, it's going to be points on my license. I need to protect my CDL at all costs. Any of my trucking brethren have advice for me? Should I try and fight the ticket somehow, Or should I just bow down and pay the fine?
     
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    #1
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  3. Apr 1, 2015 #2
    DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    I'd go to wherever you'd pay it and file for adjudication. Its what I did with my 1st ticket in a CMV. You still have to pay the fine but it keeps points off your license. It basically downgrades it to a "parking ticket". Just pay the fine, it will show up on your MVR but no points attached.

    This was in Florida though, not sure how Indiana might do it.
     
    DrtyDiesel, Apr 1, 2015
    DrtyDiesel, Apr 1, 2015
    #2
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  4. Apr 1, 2015 #3
    Swedish Chef

    Swedish Chef Heavy Load Member

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    That's good advice, but it's easier said than done. This happened in Indiana, and I live in New Jersey. So dealing with people in person is a very unlikely option.
     
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    #3
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  5. Apr 1, 2015 #4
    DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Oh true. I apologize.

    Maybe if you called and spoke to someone at their court house or wherever you would pay the fine. Ask them about it, explain you're a class A driver and can't go to traffic school, and if there's any possibility of paying the fine without having any points put on your license.


    Is the ticket labeled as a "failure to obey traffic control device"? Just curious
     
    DrtyDiesel, Apr 1, 2015
    DrtyDiesel, Apr 1, 2015
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  7. Apr 1, 2015 #5
    3031

    3031 Light Load Member

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    I've used http://www.interstatetrucker.com before. They represented me in court so I didn't have to go in person. The outcome was favorable. It was worth the money to me, to protect my license.
     
    3031, Apr 1, 2015
    3031, Apr 1, 2015
    #5
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  8. Apr 1, 2015 #6
    Swedish Chef

    Swedish Chef Heavy Load Member

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    The back of the ticket says "failure to comply with federal motor carrie" (I think it was cut off lol)... I actually called the prosecutors office Friday and asked to speak to the prosecutor, and they told me I couldn't over the phone. Which sounds like a load of bull to me. They told me to email them instead, which I did on the same day, and have not gotten a response yet...
     
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    #6
  9. Apr 1, 2015 #7
    Swedish Chef

    Swedish Chef Heavy Load Member

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    Charlotte, NC
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    I've considered doing something like this... If you think it's worth it, I might have to give it a shot. I'll give them a call tomorrow
     
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    Swedish Chef, Apr 1, 2015
    #7
  10. Apr 1, 2015 #8
    RetiredUSN

    RetiredUSN Medium Load Member

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    I filled in a for a company friend on a dedicated account for a month while he had surgery. I have been through that exact route many, many times, but if I remember right there are also a couple signs about a 1/2 mile before you enter the town? They normally bag you between Linconway west and Highway 205. I never got a ticket there, but other dedicated drivers have. It goes as a local deal......like "failure to observe a sign". I doubt that it goes any further than that.
     
    RetiredUSN, Apr 1, 2015
    RetiredUSN, Apr 1, 2015
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  11. Apr 1, 2015 #9
    FatDaddy

    FatDaddy Road Train Member

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    Always fight the ticket. You need to contact a lawyer in the area and try whatever you can to make sure it won't be points against your CDL. The costs associated may end up being more than the ticket itself but a clean CDL is worth it long term. If you can't get out of appearing in court you are just going to have to request time off in that area if your company allows you to take hometime anywhere
     
    FatDaddy, Apr 1, 2015
    FatDaddy, Apr 1, 2015
    #9
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  12. Apr 1, 2015 #10
    joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    Indiana sucks. They just happen to suck more right now, but they suck. The roads suck, the area sucks and the cops SUCK. Indiana is the the one state you really must mind your P's and Q's because of BS that you just described. It's probably going to be cheaper just to pay it. I know lots of guys love these legal services plans, but they really end up costing you more and can't really get the tickets reduced in a lot of cases. Pay it in nickles and tell that craphole state where they can stick it.
     
    joseph1135, Apr 1, 2015
    joseph1135, Apr 1, 2015
    #10
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