VA reckless speeding charges

[AKADriver]

Wow, lots of VA hate in this thread. I've been driving in Fairfax County since 1985, and have not received a ticket since 1989.

Sure, it's a strict state (especially to residents, which I still don't understand that part), but how is it that everyone is getting all these damn tickets?

I've been here since 2006 and never had an issue. I've been in the DC area in general since 2001 and the only police I've ever come in contact with while in a car were Maryland troopers with their damned camo cars.

Protip: what Fairfax County police like to see on the road is conformity. You won't get pulled over going 65 on the parkway because everyone else is. But 72, you will stand out. A loud car, you will stand out. A car with blue headlights, you will stand out. And if you stand out, you're gonna have a bad time.

I'm not going to get all Sally the Self-righteous Safety Snail and wag my finger at people for speeding. "You shouldn't have been breaking the law!" does not justify disproportionately severe punishment. But that's just me.

[Shmi]

I've been here since 2006 and never had an issue. I've been in the DC area in general since 2001 and the only police I've ever come in contact with while in a car were Maryland troopers with their damned camo cars.

Protip: what Fairfax County police like to see on the road is conformity. You won't get pulled over going 65 on the parkway because everyone else is. But 72, you will stand out. A loud car, you will stand out. A car with blue headlights, you will stand out. And if you stand out, you're gonna have a bad time.

I'm not going to get all Sally the Self-righteous Safety Snail and wag my finger at people for speeding. "You shouldn't have been breaking the law!" does not justify disproportionately severe punishment. But that's just me.

This. If you're in a pack of cars and all speeding, most cops around here won't do much. But if you go that speed while passing a row of cars, you'll catch their eye. I've seen one person pass a cop at 10 over get pulled over, but a group of 5-6 doing the same speed, nothing happened.

[2VWatatime]

Not that I'm defending all the speeders in here (nor trying to start some ****) but, doing 80 on a highway doesn't exactly take mad driving skillz. Nor does doing 80 automatically mean you're driving like ass just because you're breaking the posted limit. I've done 70+ on a 50MPH highway in Fairfax on an empty stretch before, not really driving like ass IMO. Done the same out west but staying around 100 in a stretched out pack of traffic.

70+ =/= 84, and seriously - 84 anywhere in NoVa is pretty damn stupid - there's just no way 'round it. FWIW, VA is doing a pretty good job of raising SLs in rural areas w/good roads.
Oh, and Cali that = a "slap on the wrist"? I know better - ask my SiL.

[McBanagon]

no im actually going to race a nascar. i did it in loudon last year. its one of those driving experience things. its actually quite fun and a great experience

I have no doubt it's fun, but let's not get carried away with calling it "race."

[REDGLI2012]

I have no doubt it's fun, but let's not get carried away with calling it "race."

Ok sorry its a technical mistake than. Ive been in new york my whole life and ive only got a speeding ticket once. In rockland county got caught in new city doing 55 in a 30 and i have clean record and im 25. Also got four other tickets headlight, tints, unapproved muffler and inspection. Now in new york state you pay a drivers assesment fee for each point over 6 which is $600 for 6 and $100 additional each point over. What i did was get a lawyer and paid for a waiver so only he appeared in court. Obtained my driving record for the court date and in the end got all four other violations dropped and the speeder dropped to parking on pavement $75 fine/no points. Thats why im sooo suprised at how strict VA is an how harsh the penalties are. Sounds like they cut you 0 slack if youve just made a mistake of not looking at your speedo.

[j. Kush]

A hidden radar detector is a good idea. I used to hide my passport under the passenger side headrest. still worked well and it was not visible unless they were searching the inside of your car...

NOT a good idea. I have a K40 which has absolutely no visible sensors and got ticketed by a State Cop just a few days ago. They have a "Spectre" device which beeps louder the closer it gets to a vehicle using radar detection. He just rolled past my car on the shoulder at a stop light and busted me. $100 fine after court fees.

Got pulled for 25+ on the toll road the next day in a 997 turbo. Got charged with "Failure to pay full time & attention". No points and a $100 fine. Metro Authority cops aren't so bad.

[SVTDanny]

I had one several years ago in Loudon County. If you're heading east on 50, and coming up to Gilbert's Corner, they dropped the limit to 25 after adding in the chain of traffic circles. Not knowing this, I come through there at 52 MPH apparently. Paid a lawyer $600, didn't go to court, got reduced to a 44/25. I think with a reckless charge in VA, you're better off going the lawyer route... it may cost more, but the lawyer will know what wheels to grease to get the ticket dropped to just a speeding ticket. The reckless will stay on your record for 7 years I believe, and will put your insurance through the roof.

NOT a good idea. I have a K40 which has absolutely no visible sensors and got ticketed by a State Cop just a few days ago. They have a "Spectre" device which beeps louder the closer it gets to a vehicle using radar detection. He just rolled past my car on the shoulder at a stop light and busted me. $100 fine after court fees.

You need a detector that isn't picked up by the Spectre.

[masa8888]

In my anecdotal experience of living in VA for 4 years, I've gotten pulled over 3 times for speeding (65-70 in a 55), however got off with a warning each time. Before that, I lived in MD for 14 years and got pulled over 3 times, and received a ticket each time (no warnings). IMO the real scams happen when you travel down 95 South below NoVA where speed traps become a sport. The state troopers are probably the worst of the bunch. Whenever traveling down that direction I just set my cruise control at 70 and never had a problem.

[dub703]

the main question is where in VA where you caught speeding ? ?

[j. Kush]

You need a detector that isn't picked up by the Spectre.

Agreed. I just purchased the car a few months ago and didn't even know it had the K40 installed for a few weeks after the fact. I was skimming through some information after I got cited and it looks like even most modern detectors are picked up by the latest Spectre IV unit. If you know of one that isn't, let us know.

[mhjett]

I've lived in NoVA for two and a half years and thank God haven't gotten a ticket yet. That said, I sure hope that even a fraction of the asshat drivers who speed past me around here (and there seem to be a lot of them with Maryland plates) are getting nabbed.

Good luck OP; lawyer may be worth the $$.

[Nash20thAE]

Go to your dealer / mechanic and get a receipt saying you had the speedo "checked for accuracy and re-calibrated". Not usually an expensive "procedure". It's worked so many times for me that it's silly. Good luck.

[David@vwvortex]

In my anecdotal experience of living in VA for 4 years, I've gotten pulled over 3 times for speeding (65-70 in a 55), however got off with a warning each time. Before that, I lived in MD for 14 years and got pulled over 3 times, and received a ticket each time (no warnings). IMO the real scams happen when you travel down 95 South below NoVA where speed traps become a sport. The state troopers are probably the worst of the bunch. Whenever traveling down that direction I just set my cruise control at 70 and never had a problem.

Exactly. I got dinged for no front tag on my .:R, but the guy was clearly looking for something else AND he thought he had caught some young kid which unfortunately I'm not anymore. Classic line from the Statie was "well cars like this usually have something illegal on them." My response.. "cars like what?" Showed up to court and the judge was furious with him for wasting my time and her time b/c all he had were window tint tickets(for an out of state car), no tag tickets, etc. Judge even apologized to me which was odd and I went on my way. Even went to the Trooper on the way out.

I used to have to go down to Va. Beach a TON for work and I'm shocked I never got pulled over. Most of the time 80mph was the "slow" speed. On 64 and 95 people just haul booty. Below I'd say Richmond you REALLY have to watch out bigtime.

[SVTDanny]

Agreed. I just purchased the car a few months ago and didn't even know it had the K40 installed for a few weeks after the fact. I was skimming through some information after I got cited and it looks like even most modern detectors are picked up by the latest Spectre IV unit. If you know of one that isn't, let us know.

http://www.speedtraphunter.net/radar...detectors.html

http://www.guysoflidar.com/spectre-4-in-virginia.html

[2VWatatime]

Agreed. I just purchased the car a few months ago and didn't even know it had the K40 installed for a few weeks after the fact. I was skimming through some information after I got cited and it looks like even most modern detectors are picked up by the latest Spectre IV unit. If you know of one that isn't, let us know.

Ahem.

Radar Detector versus	Spectre Mk IV	Spectre Mk IV +
Beltronics (BEL) RX-65 Pro	542ft (174m)	722ft (233m)
Beltronics (BEL) STi Driver	0ft (0m)	0ft (0m)
Cobra 9110	4813ft (1604m)	299ft (96.5m)
Cobra 9330	1264ft (408m)	30ft (9.7m)
Escort Passport 9500i	35ft (11.3m)	33ft (10.6m)
Escort Solo S2	1395ft (450m)	232ft (85m)
Valentine 1 (V1) v3.863	171ft (55m)	150ft (48m)
Whistler Pro 78	[SIZE=1]not tested[/SIZE]	434ft (140m)
Whistler XTR 690	[SIZE=1]not tested[/SIZE]	419ft (135m)
Whistler 1763	4828ft (1557m)	4810ft (1552m)
Whistler 1788	282ft (84m)	289ft (27m)

At least I posted a screen shot...

[dfischer1]

Has anyone been charged with reckless in VA and got a lawyer?

I did. I got a lawyer, had a better legal result than if I hadn't, and learned an expensive lesson.

I'm older now, I don't speed in Virginia anymore, and neither should you. Just man up and admit to yourself you made a mistake.

[Sosl0w]

There is a reason Fairfax County is one of the richest counties in the country. There are 2 counties in VA that you absolutely better Lawyer up in or your going to get bent over. Those 2 counties are Fairfax, and Stafford.

I've had tickets in Fairfax many times. One reckless, while driving on a suspended. Was like 2 days before i got my license back so the officer only gave me a driving w/o license ticket. Got a lawyer, $300 fine for one $500 fine for the other $1500 for the lawyer. That was it. However, the damn DMV re-suspended my license anyways so it was kind of moot. But the lawyer most def saved my ass. Hope you have deep pockets.

[feetsies]

She broke the law. Was it reckless or driving like an asshat? You weren't there.

**** guys, I thought this was a car forum. I've been criticized as driving like a grandma (speeding tickets suck), but we shouldn't be so ****ing terrified of speed. We're TCL, not the goddamn AARP.

I'm not sure what I'm more shocked by: The shear number and vileness of the bigots in the gay marriage thread or the number slowpokes in TCL.

I think you're missing the point. No one here is terrified of speed, but there's a point where "speeding" becomes "reckless". If you're doing almost 30mph over the posted speed, and other people are doing 5-10mph over, that to me, is a pretty dangerous situation, and can turn bad pretty quick.

[feetsies]

Are you being serious? Are you really brainwashed enough to thin 84mph is "beyond ridiculous"? Depending on the conditions 84mph could be dangerous, but it could also (and most likely is) a perfectly safe speed

84mph in a 50mph zone... doesn't sound very safe to me, but hey, what do I know?

[Rockerchick]

And this is why I set my cruise to no more than 9 over going through VA when we drive to Maryland. Not worth risking it. Does it add some time to the trip? Sure, but certainly not much. Rather would take longer to get to my destination than get some crazy ticket in VA.

[2VWatatime]

And this is why I set my cruise to no more than 9 over going through VA when we drive to Maryland. Not worth risking it. Does it add some time to the trip? Sure, but certainly not much. Rather would take longer to get to my destination than get some crazy ticket in VA.

MD bugs me - 65 in Western MD? I've been out there in mid day traffic - half dozen cars in 10~15 miles... Ah well. Oh, and my SiL's done NC too - got busted @ 100+ on I-77 & was a guest at the local, er, facility. She's got a problem...

[winstonsmith84]

82 in a 55 a few years back in VA. Cost me $250 for the lawyer, and $650 in fines/court costs. Reduced to improper operating or some such nonsense. Meh, water under the bridge.

[AKADriver]

There is a reason Fairfax County is one of the richest counties in the country.

It couldn't be because we have the highest median income (well, second to Loudoun) or the highest property values.

[mhjett]

It couldn't be because we have the highest median income (well, second to Loudoun) or the highest property values.

Or that Fairfax is well within the top 10 counties in the nation for people holding advanced degrees. But yes, I think they're making more off taxes than speeding tickets.

[Xetabur]

No wonder radar detectors are illegal in VA...

Everything is illegal in Va.

[SVTDanny]

Everything is illegal in Va.

Except guns. Walk down the street with a loaded 12 gauge slung around your neck.... no big deal. Drive 20 MPH over the speed limit.... jail time.

[XmansRabbit]

And this is why I set my cruise to no more than 9 over going through VA when we drive to Maryland. Not worth risking it. Does it add some time to the trip? Sure, but certainly not much. Rather would take longer to get to my destination than get some crazy ticket in VA.

LOL wow I didn't ever think I would see anyone from NC complain about VA and speeding since you guys do 80 minimum on 95 or 85 as soon as you cross the border back into NC its like the start at the INDY 500 and the NC troopers are there waiting.

Also by far the scariest moment I've had in court was when I got stopped on 95S in Nash County for doing 75 in a 70 heading back to Bragg and the judge was throwing people in jail for first time speeding offenses luckily the prosecutor reduced mine to just a fine and I didn't have to go before the judge. Seeing 16 and 17 year olds crying because they are being thrown in juvie or county lockup because of a speeding ticket is a very sobering experience. Havent been back to NC since.

[XmansRabbit]

Or that Fairfax is well within the top 10 counties in the nation for people holding advanced degrees. But yes, I think they're making more off taxes than speeding tickets.

This and thats why im glad to live in Prince William we're Ninth in the nation for property value and education but have less taxes and the police are a hell of a lot nicer as well.

[delrio]

Except guns. Walk down the street with a loaded 12 gauge slung around your neck.... no big deal. Drive 20 MPH over the speed limit.... jail time.

QFT

also im gonna be meeting with some lawyers and see what I can do apparently my reckless charge is not very serious and they say they can prolly get it reduced or lessened but we will see......just hoping not to spend more than $1000 when everything is said and done but Im not holding my breath

[freedomgli]

It was on the fairfax county parkway 2 lane divided and they love pulling people over there

If you knew this then why were you speeding in a known traffic enforcement area?

[delrio]

If you knew this then why were you speeding in a known traffic enforcement area?

I thought I knew all the spots (this cop had a really good spot I never seen before right after you get off 95 to get onto the parkway....where everyone speeds) since I drive on that road at least once a week for like 10 - 15 minutes of straight driving and usually they already got someone pulled over when I pass them

[curvedinfinity]

Speaking of the commonwealth, one of my good friends got 7 days in solitary confinement for doing 35 over (Its a long story)

It did affect his desire to speed!

[Shmi]

Speaking of the commonwealth, one of my good friends got 7 days in solitary confinement for doing 35 over (Its a long story)

It did affect his desire to speed!

What in the he.. what in the hole?

How the F do you get solitary for a week for speeding? I MUST KNOW.

[curvedinfinity]

What in the he.. what in the hole?

How the F do you get solitary for a week for speeding? I MUST KNOW.

Lets just say it was a combination of many speeding incidents and getting an F on the jail application.

[REDGLI2012]

Speaking of the commonwealth, one of my good friends got 7 days in solitary confinement for doing 35 over (Its a long story)

It did affect his desire to speed!

NOOOO!!!! solitary for over 35 mph? did he have a god awful driving record? i find that hard to believe, please tell that story