Received a $5000 Ticket!

I didn't ask if it was a GPS route.


I asked specifically....

 

Those WILL become critical bits of information to fight this.

You need to PROVE that there was no other way to effect your delivery than the route you took.

Printouts of google maps showing routes, load limits etc would be in the needing now.

Where you entered, the route you took, the final destination

As well as what were the load restrictions for ANY other route to have taken there.


Your explanation of "my GPS told me" is not defend-able. You may as well tell the judge you hit a bridge because of it. Same difference.

 

Courts commonly levy stiff fines figuring the company will pay and they make a lot more money. If you present a legitimate hardship defense (for the fine) most courts lower it substantially for owner operators, small fleets. Your lawyer should be able to justify his fee easily with that issue.

 

Very true what ever happened to pulling over at a truckstop or someplace close and calling ahead for directions? Although I've had people give me directions that put me on non truck routes. Effing idiots.

Also a necessary bit of information is that he was on portables and not a fixed scale. They're not as accurate, and I believe he stated they tacked on being over on axles to the fines as well that all makes a difference as well.

 

It's still not ok to drive on a restricted road without an overweight permit even if it was the only route to effect your delivery. There wont be any way to get out of paying the ticket.

 

If it makes you feel better I got a $5000 fine in 2008? I tend not to want to remember it. My company hired an attorney and got it knocked in half. I was given a choice to pay it or get fired. The company paid it with me signing an agreement by coercion. I would of paid it anyways but I wanted them to pay half since they routed me that way. It took me 6 months to pay it off. Later I found out about the coercion law which I stress today on the forum.

Also I found out three of our drivers before me and two after me got the same fine for crossing Pawtucket bridge. They all quit, lol. But I felt better after I paid it. You live and learn. It just so happens this lesson is expensive.

 

Please let us know how this comes out!