Has this even happened for you?

[mazbarth]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

[MightyDog]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

Sounds like a total racket. 38 in a 35? Wow, call the media - what a non-issue.

I think giving you a ticket was outrageous and the fine was beyond absurd. That situation is not right.

I know in many places (not sure about FL), the police don't issue speeding tickets unless it's over 10 miles over the limit.

[Rainger99]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

$300 plus $99 attorney fees for going 3 mph over the speed limit?

I think the court and your attorney are the only ones that came out ahead on this!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

It happened while you were a school zone? Regardless of children being present I believe you have to slow down to 20 mph.

[MightyDog]

It happened while you were a school zone? Regardless of children being present I believe you have to slow down to 20 mph.

From OP: There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.

[Laker14]

What, exactly, did the citation say? What was the ticketed offense?

[CarlR33]

I would probably have a kind conversation with the chain of command with the ticketing department like his chief. You’re paying his salary so he should be open to conversation about this while coming to some understanding. Being the process is over you will not get your money back but at least you can let them know about how obserd this seems in light of the negative conversation about some of these agencies now days.

[Rainger99]

From OP: There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.

According to this website, the fine for going 15 mph to 19 mph over the limit is $300.

It sounds like the judge thought you were in a school zone with the light flashing!

Did you talk to your attorney?

Speeding in a Florida School Zone - Gans Law (https://gansjustice.com/speeding-in-a-florida-school-zone/)

[mtdjed]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

I was warned about Fruitland Park "The Friendly City" traffic enforcement in 2008 when we first moved into The Villages. A friend described a similar incident. Due to that I am always very diligent going thru 466A. It seems that I heard that they had a cleansing 10-15 years ago, but I still am cautious.

However, I would say that throughout Florida there is nowhere I that I would challenge the speed limit in a school zone. Even though the flashing light was not active, the speed limit is 35 and not 38. The fact that you did not notice the Officer or even if you did notice and still exceeded the limit you were inviting a visit. Perhaps in a more rural area or highway you might get some compassion.

[Altavia]

The situation you describe is not uncommon in several parts of the country. It's just business.

The goal for the driver is to avoid points on your license which can result in years of increased insurance cost. Traffic courts understand that and set fines accordingly.

It's also possible to mitigate points via Driver Improvement School.

Driver Improvement Schools - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/)

[dhdallas]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

So how much was the original ticket & why didn't you just suck it up and pay it? John Cougar Mellencamp sang "I fight authority, authority always wins". Anyone who reaches a certain age should know the truth in that!

[Keefelane66]

Nice try there has to be more to the story. After turning onto 466a you must go up a hill through a traffic light then approach school on left ??? Sometimes it comes down with attitude towards the traffic officer.

[Stu from NYC]

Very strange

[Stu from NYC]

Very strange. Hard to believe ticket for 38 in 35 zone

[golfing eagles]

I would probably have a kind conversation with the chain of command with the ticketing department like his chief. You’re paying his salary so he should be open to conversation about this while coming to some understanding. Being the process is over you will not get your money back but at least you can let them know about how obserd this seems in light of the negative conversation about some of these agencies now days.

Yes, because we all know that law enforcement officers embrace the phrase "I pay your salary" with open arms :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Marathon Man]

Yes, because we all know that law enforcement officers embrace the phrase "I pay your salary" with open arms :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Well said.

[Bay Kid]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

Weird, just weird.

[Laker14]

OP hasn't answered my question: What did the citation actually list as the offense? 38 in a 35? I doubt that was the offense.
38 in a school zone? More likely but we don't know unless the OP actually tells us.
If indeed it's a school zone violation then it would come down to the driver's word regarding the flashing, or the LEO's word regarding the flashing. Good luck with that one.

As far as OP's partner's experience with the speed cam, I've been nailed that way, and my understanding is that you don't get any points because in the absence of an actual face-to-face meeting with the LEO, who checks driver's license, there is no proof of who was actually driving. So the actual citation is that your car, identified by license tag, was speeding, and for that you are responsible for paying a fine. In my case it was within the borders of DC, I was on my way to NY from TV, and it was definitely my car. I am generally not a speeder, but I'm pretty sure it was on some ramps in between highways where the limit dropped, and I missed it. I do know that cars were generally passing me by 10 or 20 mph, some giving me the finger for going so slowly.
I wasn't happy about it, but I also figured that at least I didn't get pulled over, and waste 45 minutes sitting there while going through the whole procedure of a traffic stop.

[Pondboy]

I’m thinking there’s more to this story……

Were you being difficult?

Was 38 your actual speed or did the officer reduce it?

[LeRoySmith]

As far as OP's partner's experience with the speed cam, I've been nailed that way, and my understanding is that you don't get any points because in the absence of an actual face-to-face meeting with the LEO, who checks driver's license, there is no proof of who was actually driving.

I got a toll bill from NTTA (Dallas toll roads) that I was 100% sure was not me, it was for a few years back. The vehicle was a brand I didn't own on a road I didn't travel. After my dispute they sent a picture of the vehicle and a clear shot of my shiny little face behind the wheel, clear as a bell.

That brought back the relocation that I did test drive a car in a strange part of town, the dealer must have made me the 'owner' of that car while I was test driving therefore I was responsible for any tolls I went through on that test drive. Bottom line I was responsible as charged.

Cameras work.

[spd2918]

I don't believe anyone would have written a ticket for 3 over. And no judge would enforce that.

[bmcgowan13]

Very strange. Hard to believe ticket for 38 in 35 zone

Florida Statute 318.8 3(b) and (c)

b) For moving violations involving unlawful speed, the fines are as follows:
For speed exceeding the limit by: Fine:
1-5 mph..........Warning
6-9 mph..........$25
10-14 mph..........$100
15-19 mph..........$150
20-29 mph..........$175
30 mph and above..........$250

(You cannot write a ticket in Florida for 3 mph over...)

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a person cited for exceeding the speed limit by up to 5 mph in a legally posted school zone will be fined $50. A person exceeding the speed limit in a school zone or designated school crossing shall pay a fine double the amount listed in paragraph (b).

Maybe there is more to this story..

If she was 15 mph over the 20 mph School Speed Zone her fine ($150) would be double the fines in (b)---so her $150 ticket would be doubled to $300....

[bmcgowan13]

Very strange. Hard to believe ticket for 38 in 35 zone

Maybe there is more to this story..

Florida Statute 318.8 3(b) and (c)
b) For moving violations involving unlawful speed, the fines are as follows:
For speed exceeding the limit by: Fine:
1-5 mph..........Warning
6-9 mph..........$25
10-14 mph..........$100
15-19 mph..........$150
20-29 mph..........$175
30 mph and above..........$250

(You cannot write a ticket in Florida for 3 mph over...)

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a person cited for exceeding the speed limit by up to 5 mph in a legally posted school zone will be fined $50. A person exceeding the speed limit in a school zone or designated school crossing shall pay a fine double the amount listed in paragraph (b).


If she was 15 mph over the 20 mph School Speed Zone her fine ($150) would be double the fines in (b)---so her $150 ticket would be doubled to $300....

Side Note- A vehicle stopping distance (dry flat road/reaction time .75s) at 20 MPH is about 41 feet....at 38 MPH the stopping distance is 110 feet).

Stopping Distance Calculator (https://www.omnicalculator.com/physics/stopping-distance)

[Rainger99]

OP hasn't answered my question: What did the citation actually list as the offense? 38 in a 35? I doubt that was the offense.
38 in a school zone? More likely but we don't know unless the OP actually tells us.
If indeed it's a school zone violation then it would come down to the driver's word regarding the flashing, or the LEO's word regarding the flashing. Good luck with that one.

OP has to provide more information. Not sure why this hasn’t been done.

No school zone speed limit shall be more than 20 miles per hour in an urbanized area, as defined in S. 334.03. Such speed limit may be in force only during those times 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after the periods of time when people are arriving at a regularly-scheduled breakfast program or a regularly-scheduled school session and leaving a regularly scheduled-school session."

[blueash]

Not sure but it seems to me that all of you posting about the cost of this or that speed are missing the point of his tale. It is not clear what the court did with the speeding charge as we are told only that adjudication was withheld. This can happen with a no contest or a guilty plea but while IANAL I don't think with an innocent finding.

Rather he was hit with a 300 dollar charge for involving the courts rather than just paying. It is a strange thing here that if you want to fight a ticket in court you have to pay a court costs for the system's time I guess, unless you are found innocent which almost never happens.

When I moved here in 2010 we attended a welcome to the villages orientation at which the local judge spoke briefly. He said, in a display of great judicial impartiality, "Don't contest a ticket because I am never going to believe you over a cop" and we would then be paying both the fine and court costs.

As the OP said the ticket alone was going to cost just over 400, it obviously was for speeding in a school zone, not being 3 MPH over 35 and would have included points. Instead he spent just under 400, costs plus attorney, and maybe no points. A win for him.

[MrFlorida]

You had a lawyer and still lost, so that means there is more to this story then you are telling us.

[spd2918]

"Don't contest a ticket because I am never going to believe you over a cop"

IF true that would be grounds for impeachment and all previous traffic convictions would be vacated.

I remember going to the welcome meeting and officer told us to be careful driving, but they are not out to get anyone. He caused about using carts on roads they should be on

[dano121]

Well folks, my wife got a speeding ticket for 44 in a 25. This was on a country road in Wildwood. At one end of the road there was a speed sign. She got the ticket miles down. Anyway this was marked as such, as I believe, because there were 2 or three houses set way back??? HER TICKET WAS FOR $260.00. This is a sham! They do it for money while the intersection of Meggison and
Main is one of the most dangerous anywhere!

[gorillarick]

I'm glad to hear they are cracking down on speeders.

They should put stopping at stop signs on their crack-down list also.
Right turn on red after stop. So many times I've almost been hit.

Now, admit it. You argued with the cop - who would have otherwise just given you a friendly warning.

[justjim]

It happened while you were a school zone? Regardless of children being present I believe you have to slow down to 20 mph.

Nope - there is a sign that says “when children are present”. It appears you have a Local Police Officer that is a bit over aggressive IMHO.

[dano121]

No argument, they should be enforcing the law where it will have the most impact for drivers safety! This was an obvious speed trap...rip off

[dano121]

And NO sign re: children!

[Laker14]

I got a toll bill from NTTA (Dallas toll roads) that I was 100% sure was not me, it was for a few years back. The vehicle was a brand I didn't own on a road I didn't travel. After my dispute they sent a picture of the vehicle and a clear shot of my shiny little face behind the wheel, clear as a bell.

That brought back the relocation that I did test drive a car in a strange part of town, the dealer must have made me the 'owner' of that car while I was test driving therefore I was responsible for any tolls I went through on that test drive. Bottom line I was responsible as charged.

Cameras work.

Not always. Twice I have been summoned by mail for violations I did not commit. Both times I was able to demonstrate it wasn't me. One time the violation was in Syracuse, NY while I was in TV, and the VIN and model were not my car!

Another time the photo of the license plate was of such poor quality the computer (or person responsible for identifying it) mistook a 3 or a 5, for an 8. And the make of car was not the right make, AND I was able to demonstrate that I wasn't within 500 miles of the sight of the infraction.

However, I had no defense for the time in DC. It was definitely me.

[BobnBev]

Sounds like an attitude problem, to me, and I've written1000's of tickets. JMHO.:icon_bored:

[MrFlorida]

Remember a while ago, a poster was complaining they got a ticket for turning LEFT on a red light ? Their argument was that nobody was coming the opposite way..... Just sayin.

[MightyDog]

Sounds like an attitude problem, to me, and I've written1000's of tickets. JMHO.:icon_bored:
Wouldn't you be somewhat indignant about being written a ticket for going 3 miles over the speed limit (and for $400!)?

Any rational person would be - it's a margin of error amount of "speed". A warning is justified, that's all.

[Laker14]

Wouldn't you be somewhat indignant about being written a ticket for going 3 miles over the speed limit (and for $400!)?

Any rational person would be - it's a margin of error amount of "speed". A warning is justified, that's all.

of course we would. that is not in question.
The question is what exactly did the citation cite? I'd bet you a bunch of nickels it wasn't for going 38 in a 35.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My guess: the ticket was for more than just excessive speed. Something else happened that the OP isn't mentioning. Maybe he ran a stop sign. Or turned onto the road without stopping. Moved into a lane without using their turn signal. Sped up at the intersection while the light was turning red, instead of slowing down while it was still yellow. Flicked a lit cigarette out the window. Had window tint too dark on his windows. Had a broken brake light on the back of his car. SOMETHING.

I've been given tickets for speeding a few times throughout my life. I always pled not guilty. Always showed up in court. Always got nolled. Two times it was because the judge didn't want to deal with it, and nolled before I even got called into the courtroom while waiting in the hall. The third time I got into the courtroom, the cop wasn't there to tell his side of the situation, there was no radar reading (and if there was I would've argued that it was incorrectly calibrated), so she sent me home with no record of ever receiving a ticket (that's what a nolle means).

[LeRoySmith]

nolled

this is the 2nd day in a row I've learned something from you :eek: what the heck is going on?

[MightyDog]

of course we would. that is not in question.
The question is what exactly did the citation cite? I'd bet you a bunch of nickels it wasn't for going 38 in a 35.
I was responding to comment #34....not supposing different info or criteria than what was described by the OP. It's a very bad habit too many people have in this era.

Posing clarifying questions to the OP is always relevant. Just deciding that others are likely inaccurate or deceptive is not.

[Rainger99]

I've been given tickets for speeding a few times throughout my life. I always pled not guilty.

But were you guilty?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

But were you guilty?

According to the law, I was never charged.

Guilt, in terms of law, has a definition. I did not fit that definition.

Did I go faster than the speed limit? Yup. Absolutely. The first time I think I was going 40 in a 30mph zone, in Brighton, Massachusetts. The second time was on the highway, but I got pulled over for irresponsible lane control or some such (there was traffic up ahead, I was annoyed, and while staying IN my lane, I shifted a little left, and a little right, right when a cop happened to look my way. I was also going around 8 miles over the speed limit). The third time was in Plantation Florida, when I was going around 45 in a 30 zone. It doesn't matter though, if you plead not guilty and your ticket is nolled.

[Laker14]

I was responding to comment #34....not supposing different info or criteria than what was described by the OP. It's a very bad habit too many people have in this era.

Posing clarifying questions to the OP is always relevant. Just deciding that others are likely inaccurate or deceptive is not.

In the absence of answers to those questions, suspicions arise.

[MightyDog]

In the absence of answers to those questions, suspicions arise.
Perhaps everyone should remain calm and allow the OP to respond rather than carry-on like old-fashioned homemakers gossiping over the backyard fence.

It is a reasonable assumption that the OP is still overseas. That means, a very different time zone and, perhaps, less than constant access to the internet if in traveling mode.

Yikes, smh.

[Laker14]

Perhaps everyone should remain calm and allow the OP to respond rather than carry-on like old-fashioned homemakers gossiping over the backyard fence.

It is a reasonable assumption that the OP is still overseas. That means, a very different time zone and, perhaps, less than constant access to the internet if in traveling mode.

Yikes, smh.

Until then, suspicions arise.
the OP is the one who brought this to the backyard fence.

[Eg_cruz]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....
Some info is missing here because in the state a FL for a ticket to be that high you would have had to be in an active school zone or going more then 30 mph over. The highest ticket is $369 for going over 30 mph. Again something is off and I would reread your ticket guarantee you were in the school zone during active school hours and that’s why you got a ticket for going three over, which in case you’d be going 18 over. Sound like your ticket was double because going 10 over is $200 in a school zone $400. Check out the school zone active times and the time of your ticket bet you were in a school zone

[Ignatz]

I think I would have asked for a deferral until I got back to the country rather than have some random ticket fixing lawyer represent my case, especially when there seems to be circumstances that we’re not really sure of.

[Topgun 1776]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

I believe we are just getting your side of the story. Something tells me the police have a different view of what actually happened. The morale of your story...don't speed...even 3 mph over.

[Girlcopper]

Sounds like a total racket. 38 in a 35? Wow, call the media - what a non-issue.

I think giving you a ticket was outrageous and the fine was beyond absurd. That situation is not right.

I know in many places (not sure about FL), the police don't issue speeding tickets unless it's over 10 miles over the limit.
Thats at the cops disgression. He can write for less and its legal. Speed limit doesn’t say “ 35 miles per hour but you can go 45”.

[john352]

Nice try there has to be more to the story. After turning onto 466a you must go up a hill through a traffic light then approach school on left ??? Sometimes it comes down with attitude towards the traffic officer.
FYI,
The person who got the ticket was driving east on 466A, not west.

[Nell57]

My 2021 Mazda has a setting where it chimes three times if I am 5 miles over the speed limit.
Everyone else who drives my car hates it…but I love it.
Insurance companies are looking for reasons to jack up our rates. I don’t want to give them a reason to do so.

[golfing eagles]

FYI,
The person who got the ticket was driving east on 466A, not west.

FYI, here's what the OP stated:

"I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop."

This, of course, makes no sense since the school zone is on 466A, about 1/4 mile west of Dixie Ave. Assuming it was posted backward, meaning pulled over on 466A after turning from 441, then the OP was traveling WEST.

[Teemotay]

FYI, here's what the OP stated:

"I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop."

This, of course, makes no sense since the school zone is on 466A, about 1/4 mile west of Dixie Ave. Assuming it was posted backward, meaning pulled over on 466A after turning from 441, then the OP was traveling WEST.


It actually makes perfect sense. The driver went through the school zone on 466A and continued east to 441, where after turning onto it, they were pulled over. It may have taken the officer a while to get to the OP due to other traffic, running the plate before actually pulling them over, etc.

The speed limit on 466A in that area is 35 mph while the speed limit on 441 in that area is 50, I believe.
There may be some other peculiarities with the story but the direction of travel is not in question.

[ThirdOfFive]

From the movie Stir Crazy:

Skip and Harry had just landed in jail. Harry is approached by a rather large sinister-looking man.

Large Man: "What's your charge?"

Harry (choking back a sob): "Innocent!"

Large Man: "Ain't we all?"

[justjim]

Just read the OP’s post again. I never heard of “ticket clinic” but when you hire an attorney for $99 you get what you pay for. Innocent are guilty regarding the incident that was a big mistake getting an attorney to represent you for $99 - are you kidding me?

[Grinchie]

Definitely an attitude ticket.
Also, the attorney should have warned you of all probable outcomes when you hired them. Sounds as though it was a $99. charging mill if no advice re traffic school & 0 due/no points & potential options.
Those attys/paralegals know exactly what will happen in court & should have advised of $300 court costs @ that court.

[Margefrog]

Even in non-school hours there are many after school activities such as athletics, detention, etc. Slow to 20 even after school.
If you speed in a school zone, you could face penalties such as fines, probation, or even a suspended driver's license. The amount of the fine depends on how much over the speed limit you were driving. For example, in Orange County, the fine for going 1–9 miles per hour over the limit is $154, while going 30 miles per hour or more over the limit is court mandatory.

[Steve]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....

I have "Cruise Control" on my car. Maybe you have it, too. (I'm being facetious here. Don't go crazy on me.) And I USE IT! Whether the speed limit is 25 or 70 when I hit it I activate it. I never have to worry about speeding. I don't have to monitor my speedometer. And if people want to pass me doing 55 instead of 35 on Buena Vista...Vaya con dios, Amigo. But don't complain when you get stopped by the cops!

[JRcorvette]

I was warned about Fruitland Park "The Friendly City" traffic enforcement in 2008 when we first moved into The Villages. A friend described a similar incident. Due to that I am always very diligent going thru 466A. It seems that I heard that they had a cleansing 10-15 years ago, but I still am cautious.

However, I would say that throughout Florida there is nowhere I that I would challenge the speed limit in a school zone. Even though the flashing light was not active, the speed limit is 35 and not 38. The fact that you did not notice the Officer or even if you did notice and still exceeded the limit you were inviting a visit. Perhaps in a more rural area or highway you might get some compassion.

Unless you had a Digital speedometer I doubt that you could tell the difference between 35 & 38 MPH. I do agree when in a school zone you need to be extra careful. They are cracking down on speeders there.

[Sandabern]

I had a friend of mine try that 35 years ago in Ohio. It didn’t go well… LEOs love it when ppl talk down to them..

Well said.

[Laker14]

I had a friend of mine try that 35 years ago in Ohio. It didn’t go well… LEOs love it when ppl talk down to them..

Almost as effective as the "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM??" approach.

[eyc234]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....


38 MPH is not 35 mph. You were speeding.

[Two Bills]

38 MPH is not 35 mph. You were speeding.

Read post #23.

There is more than a 3mph over the limit situation involved in this case.

[mazbarth]

It happened while you were a school zone? Regardless of children being present I believe you have to slow down to 20 mph.

The flashing Iight to say children were present so go 20mph, was NOT flashing!

[mazbarth]

According to this website, the fine for going 15 mph to 19 mph over the limit is $300.

It sounds like the judge thought you were in a school zone with the light flashing!

Did you talk to your attorney?

Speeding in a Florida School Zone - Gans Law (https://gansjustice.com/speeding-in-a-florida-school-zone/)

Yes they knew.

[Glowing Horizon]

Perhaps everyone should remain calm and allow the OP to respond rather than carry-on like old-fashioned homemakers gossiping over the backyard fence.

It is a reasonable assumption that the OP is still overseas. That means, a very different time zone and, perhaps, less than constant access to the internet if in traveling mode.

Yikes, smh.

I resemble your remark. Except I am a house KEEPER. And he’ll never forget it again.🤣🥴🤪

[Laker14]

The flashing Iight to say children were present so go 20mph, was NOT flashing!

What was the offense for which you were cited, as written on the citation?

[La lamy]

What a ridiculous fine. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this.

[defrey12]

It happened while you were a school zone? Regardless of children being present I believe you have to slow down to 20 mph.

No, you don’t.

[Eg_cruz]

The flashing Iight to say children were present so go 20mph, was NOT flashing!
Spoke to a Fruitland Park officer today and he said zero way you got a $400 ticket for going 3 mph over……but yes you could in a school zone

[MightyDog]

Thats at the cops disgression. He can write for less and its legal. Speed limit doesn’t say “ 35 miles per hour but you can go 45”.
Pfft, no. I can't speak about the rules in Florida but, I figured out what I stated above many years ago in Georgia.

I was given a ticket (the old-fashioned kind that was from a printed pad and the officer checked-off boxes, etc.) and I saw on it that the only things he could check were: 10 to 20, 20 to 30, 30 to 40, etc.

So, obviously, the law in that particular place, was there were no tickets for speeding 9 miles over or less. Elsewhere on this thread, somebody provided those parameters for FL.

[golfing eagles]

Pfft, no. I can't speak about the rules in Florida but, I figured out what I stated above many years ago in Georgia.

I was given a ticket (the old-fashioned kind that was from a printed pad and the officer checked-off boxes, etc.) and I saw on it that the only things he could check were: 10 to 20, 20 to 30, 30 to 40, etc.

So, obviously, the law in that particular place, was there were no tickets for speeding 9 miles over or less. Elsewhere on this thread, somebody provided those parameters for FL.

In NY, the State Trooper's motto was---"eight you skate, nine you're mine":1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Topspinmo]

Nope - there is a sign that says “when children are present”. It appears you have a Local Police Officer that is a bit over aggressive IMHO.

Was the lights flashing?

[huntervonmanley]

I had an experience that I'm curious if anyone else has had and wonder what you did about it?

I was pulled over by a traffic cop in Fruitland Park on 441, just after pulling off of 466a. The speed limit was 35mph and I was going 38, according to the cop.
It was also near a school zone, but there were no children, cars, buses or other signs of life near the school at the time I went through there (I remember it was after 3pm). There was a sign that said slow to 20mph when flashing, which it was NOT doing when I went by.
The ticket to pay it off would have been just over $400, plus "points.".

Because I was going to be out-of-the-country at the time of the hearing, I hired a rep from "Ticket Clinic" to protest for me, which they did for $99.

Imagine my surprise when shortly after the court date, I got the letter saying the attorney was able to get a "withheld adjudication" but now I owe almost $300 for "court costs!" Yep, the same courts that get our tax dollars every year!

This is in contrast to my partner's ticket this summer while we were in MD for a few months. He was driving when a speed cam caught him doing 15 mph over the limit. His ticket price.... $40, all via the mail.
There was just no fairness to this & I was stunned by it all!

Something is very weird about this inequity. It seems to me that Lake County, FL is running a real "racket!" Be forewarned when you are near that area.....


nT

Anyone that is from this area knows that Fruitland Park is Definitely a Speed Trap. You can also add to that list: Groveland & Minneola. Also, Lawtey and Waldo which are both North on Hwy. 301. Belleview and Clermont used to be speed traps but are not as bad now. Those small towns do not have much tax revenue, so they have to get that money somehow.

Also, school just started back. The cops are always very aggressive with ticketing in school zones the first few weeks after school starts. If he really pulled you over for going just 3 miles over the speed limit, he probably thought you were "riding dirty" and just wanted to look inside your car.

[Normal]

Waldo and Lawtey were shut down. They gave out tickets for 2 mph over the speed limit. It was a scam to fill the town’s coffers with cash. Eventually they were sued and things changed.

[Rainger99]

Waldo and Lawtey were shut down. They gave out tickets for 2 mph over the speed limit. It was a scam to fill the town’s coffers with cash. Eventually they were sued and things changed.

Check out the photo of the billboard!



Your browser is not supported | jacksonville.com (https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/crime/2018/07/11/aaa-drops-speed-trap-warnings-for-lawtey-and-waldo/11541110007/)

[Rainger99]

Waldo and Lawtey were shut down. They gave out tickets for 2 mph over the speed limit. It was a scam to fill the town’s coffers with cash. Eventually they were sued and things changed.

Speed traps aren’t just in Florida! But they are mostly in the south.

The article reminds me of towns where Boss Hogg is in charge!

11 Insanely Corrupt Speed-Trap Towns (https://reason.com/2022/05/08/11-insanely-corrupt-speed-trap-towns/)

[Ignatz]

Speed traps aren’t just in Florida! But they are mostly in the south.

The article reminds me of towns where Boss Hogg is in charge!

11 Insanely Corrupt Speed-Trap Towns (https://reason.com/2022/05/08/11-insanely-corrupt-speed-trap-towns/)

Good article! Never realized that type of behavior was so prevalent before the interstates were built.

[Laker14]

OP has returned to the thread, but still hasn't answered the very direct question: what does the ticket list as the offense? OP obfuscates with "I was doing 38 in a 35" but does not say that was the offense.
OP says the lights of the school zone sign were definitely not flashing. In the absence of an answer from OP I am going to make an assumption that the listed offense was exceeding the allowable speed in the school zone, and had OP been able to go to court in person, it would have come down to the judge believing or not believing that story.
I'd bet that had OP been able to attend court in person and deliver that story, at the very worst the charges and fines would have been reduced.
To answer the OP's question, no I have never had this happen to me.

[Rainger99]

OP has returned to the thread, but still hasn't answered the very direct question: what does the ticket list as the offense? OP obfuscates with "I was doing 38 in a 35" but does not say that was the offense.
OP says the lights of the school zone sign were definitely not flashing

I am also disappointed that OP is not answering that question and refuses to supply details.

If she was actually convicted of going 3 miles over the limit she should contact elected officials, AAA, and the press and make a complaint.

She should contact her lawyer to find out how many people are convicted of going 3 miles over the limit.

I have never had a ticket for going 3 miles over the limit and I do not know of anyone getting a ticket much less convicted of doing so.

[MrFlorida]

3 miles over the limit ? Her lawyer would have gotten it thrown out, certainly the judge would concur. We need to hear both sides, not only hers.

[MrFlorida]

Talk about speed traps, Going through Georgia on 95 is a hot spot for speed traps.

[LeRoySmith]

Talk about speed traps, Going through Georgia on 95 is a hot spot for speed traps.

I75 too, expect at least 10 traps top to bottom of the state.

[PugMom]

It happened while you were a school zone? Regardless of children being present I believe you have to slow down to 20 mph.

i heard Trooper Steve say the same thing.

[Hape2Bhr]

Talk about speed traps, Going through Georgia on 95 is a hot spot for speed traps.

Ridgeland, S.C. is/was another known speed trap spot. I once observed the officer with the radar gun there, and every hundred feet or so other officers had vehicles pulled over. There were at least a dozen officers; each attending to a pulled over vehicle.

[Normal]

Was the radar gun certificate valid?
What was the time difference between the officer’s last stop and yours?
Was the equipment signed for?
When was the last calibration of the radar gun?
Laser or radar?
Moving patrol car or stationary?
Does the officer wear correctional lenses?
Did he or she even make it to your court date?

[ThirdOfFive]

Speed traps aren’t just in Florida! But they are mostly in the south.

The article reminds me of towns where Boss Hogg is in charge!

11 Insanely Corrupt Speed-Trap Towns (https://reason.com/2022/05/08/11-insanely-corrupt-speed-trap-towns/)
Concur.

I've seen some pretty goofy things in other states though: not just speed traps. Some years back I was ticketed in Hayward, Wisconsin for parking TOO CLOSE to the curb! I don't think that law is in effect any more but it surely did surprise me to get ticketed for such a thing.

[Rainger99]

Concur.

I've seen some pretty goofy things in other states though: not just speed traps. Some years back I was ticketed in Hayward, Wisconsin for parking TOO CLOSE to the curb! I don't think that law is in effect any more but it surely did surprise me to get ticketed for such a thing.

I was in college in the 70s during the gas shortage. The government was telling everyone to conserve energy by driving less and walking more. Being a good citizen, I did that and left my car on the street during the week when I was going to classes and studying. I would mostly use the car on weekends.

One afternoon I came home and had a ticket. I looked at the ticket and it was for street storage. I had never heard of it and THERE WERE NO SIGNS TELLING PEOPLE THAT YOU HAD TO MOVE YOUR CAR EVERY 48 HOURS.

When I complained that there were no signs telling people about the street storage law I was told that it was in the municipal code and that ignorance of the law was no excuse!

I always thought this was a due process violation. A town wouldn’t have to put up no parking signs - just list the streets where parking isn’t allowed somewhere in the municipal code and give out tickets.

And all I had to do to avoid the ticket was drive around the block to wear the chalk mark off and park it in the same place.

It was just a law to increase revenue. Had nothing to do with safety or conserving energy.

[justjim]

Was the lights flashing?

According to the OP the lights were not flashing.

[bmcgowan13]

Wouldn't you be somewhat indignant about being written a ticket for going 3 miles over the speed limit (and for $400!)?
.

Florida Statue 318.18 does NOT allow police to write tickets for less than 6 MPH over the limit.

For speed exceeding the limit by:
1-5 mph..........Warning

...UNLESS you are in a School Zone. Fruitland Park schools opened on August 12. The schools close at 3PM so if you were driving by "just a after 3" the school zone was active. And the signs I saw say "WHEN FLASHING" nothing about when children are present.

Fines are doubled in school zones so your $150 ticket (for 18 over) was doubled. (When I was in Las Vegas school zone fines were $100 per single MPH over 20!) The fine would have been $1,800!

My experience is the Ticket Clinic only asks to waive the points--the fine stands--you just don't pay the points. I have never seen a Ticket Clinic lawyer "fight the primary ticket". People pay the TC $99 to waive the points...NOT fight the ticket per se.