I need to understand this
 

A discussion just came up and I don't have an answer. Wonder if anyone has the knowledge.

The discussion was if you passed a cop on the highway by, say 5 miles over the limits. The cop pulled you over, wrote you up for 10 miles over instead of 5. How can you fight a ticket like that? I sugguested requesting a radar readout, but friends said cops have good judgement on speed and they don't need radar to write you up for speeding. I disagree because that would be a "I said, he said" scenario in court. I am sure the judge will be on the cop's side, but without a readout, how can a citizen prove that he is innocent? What about back then when radar was not widely used? Any idea how to beat this argument?

Does the ticket indicate (it should) the method used to ascertain speed?

You are correct that if the officer just figured your speed it will not hold up.

Their are a few methods but I can't say what they all are... it seems to me that you must be allowed to know what method was used by law.

Never argue with the cop.....or tell him anything more than you have to.

wait for court...then question his accuracy in judging your speed...

I have beat many tickets this way....most in Maryland.

If they don't have radar, it's probably mandatory that they follow you for a short distance to ascertain speed. It's not possible to do that by sitting on the side of the road. If this is what occurred, and the officer admits to same in court, I would doubt that it would stand.

But, naturally, it all hinges on the judge. Some would believe the cop no matter what you state.

why do I get the sense that Bonehead drives too fast alot? :D

Everybody drives too fast, alot. Bonehead seems like he drives way too fast........alot.........like 85 in a 65......... :D

So, Bone, you think these laws for speed are totally BS? Everybody should be allowed to drive at whatever speed they deem reasonable??

I do...most speed limits are set to collect revenue....not for safety.

I have beaten 5 radar tickets where I was charged at 20+ over the limit...

I most and I do mean nearly every other one has been reduced to a lower violation by the judge.

And I have used various defenses depending upon the prevailing circumstances at the time.

But always follow these rules....

#1 never cop an attitude with the mann...

#2 never agree with or admit to anything ..they write this down.

#3 don't cop an attitude in court...be cordial..well dressed adn groomed and be respectful...

#4 Make sure you don't say the cop was out to get you...find a way to explain how his determination was made in error...unlesss you have a group of credible witnesses to back your arguement up.

Photos help at times too....I've had cops claim to clock me 1/2 mile away when there was a huge rise 100 feet from him blocking anything beyond that...and I beet that one.

Cop: "Son, your breath smells a bit like beer. You been drinkin'?"

Driver: "Sir, your eyes look a little glazed. You been eatin' doughnuts?"