So... I,m not going to insult anybody's intellegence here by explaining some topics that you already know inside and out, such as being over the weight limit, log book violations, the number of required lights... etc...
I will, on the other hand explain the basics of speed detection, as well as any other questions that make it my way.
For the record, I have only written one CDL driver a citation, and it was a situation I deemed worthy... While turning onto a narrow street, he struck a vehicle with the side of his trailer. Upon further investigation, I detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on him... He blew a .19g%, over twice the legal limit for an operator of a commercial vehicle in Louisiana... Had to hang 'em up... I'm sure you guys agree... He went to federal magistrate court over it and the judge hit him hard...
Now for the pointers I can think of...
It will differ from state to state, but most states require the officer to show you the locked-in target speed on the display on the rear of the radar unit, or on the control panel mounted inside the patrol car, IF YOU REQUEST IT... States also differ on policy when it comes to the cop showing their certification card... Bottom line, always ask for it, and BE POLITE about it...
There are two types of speed detection devices used now. RADAR, and LIDAR. RADAR sends out a cone-type "beam" and tracks your speed by the "beam" that bounces back. When there are multiple vehicles in the same area, THE RADAR WILL MEASURE THE SPEED OF THE LARGER TARGET, not the fastest, or the closest. LIDAR uses the same principle, but uses a narrow laser beam. It WILL detect whatever the officer aims it at. Think of the RADAR as a shotgun, and a LIDAR as a sniper rifle. If you think a cop is too far away to measure your speed, you are wrong. I once measured the speed of a Chevy Caprice at 98 MPH at over 2,700 feet with a LIDAR... I had it like a benchrest on the roof of the cruiser, and I had the stock attached to it, but this just proves how far the instrument can measure speed.
The instruments only measure distance and time, then divide to determine your speed. The best angle to aim at a vehicle is straight on. The greater the angle from the "beam" to the actual path of the vehicle, the "more incorrect" the speed reading will be. For example, if the cop is 10 feet off the side of the road, and you are a 1/2 mile away, the angle shot will be similar to the path of your vehicle... If the cop is 50 feet off the side of the road and you are 100 feet from him , the speed he sees won't be close at all... If you are on a hill, or in a curve, when your speed is measured, the instrument will have an incorrect reading. This is known as the Cosine Effect.
Some states require law enforcement to have their parking lights on while running RADAR/LIDAR during the hours of darkness... Louisiana is one of the states...
BATCHING- batching is when the instrument inside the patrol car measures your speed-not for handhelds-, combines the speed of the target vehicle, (you) with the speed of the patrol car. This will not occur when the patrol car is not moving, but when the patrol car RAPIDLY accelerates, and the instrument puts the speeds together.
PACING is when your speed is measured by means other than RADAR or LIDAR, such as a cop following you and watching his speedometer. ALL STATES require the speedometers to be certified, and re-certified to keep it legit... The re-certification times differ from state to state, but they must be currently certified for the ticket to hold water.
If a cop is running LIDAR through glass, or bouncing it off of his side mirror, he is wrong... (and lazy)lol... RADAR can be shot through glass, though...
This covers the basics, if you have any questions feel free to PM me... I will try to get back to you ASAP...
BTW- can somebody "DOCK" this post?
Advice from a cop on fighting tickets...
Discussion in 'Trucker Legal Advice' started by ExSmokie, Jan 29, 2010.
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I have always gone to court for any ticket I've received.
Typically I just talk to a court attorney or whatever they're called, only once I had to talk with the judge, and they will just give me a continuance for dismissal. Which means as long as I dont do a same or similar for 12 months then it stays off my record permanently. However, if you DO speed again within that 12 month time period, then both infractions will be on the record with no chance for a continuance. I dont know if this is just a Minnesota thing, but it's wonderful! You still have to pay the fine, but the insurance company doesn't hear about it and you save money in the long run. Part of the reason my 5 year MVR is spotless!
shriner75 and Wiseguywireless Thank this. -
Dock ?
Simple GOOGLE searches provide this and much more
Not trying to piss in your punch fella but there are are some well versed hands in here,me being one
How bout you take another run at it ?
How about the bank Shot off the side mirror ?
Got a snappy one for that ?
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