D.C. Camera Speeding Ticket Never received notice (tax, live)

[KHORANBURG]

I received a letter from a collection agency stating that I have a speeding ticket from a camera. This is the first letter I have received as D.C. Apparently sent original citation letters to my MD address that I lived at over 10 years ago. But miraculously this collection letter was sent to my current and correct address. The letter states that I'm unable to appeal due to the time frame being expired. Furthermore, I wasn't driving. My questions are 1- do I have to be personally served this ticket? 2-Do I have any chance to contest due to the fact I never received the original citation letters which were sent to an old address. 3-Does this ticket "follow" the car or the registered owner? 4-What should I do because every thing in this letter is stating that because I didn't respond within their time frame for appeal that I must pay the collection agency. 5-Will I be issued a warrant or have my drivers license suspended? Note, I'm military with my legal residence being in FL but reside in MD. ANY help or suggestions are appreciated! What will be the consequences if I ignor this collection letter all together?Thank you for your help!!!! Katie

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by KHORANBURG

I with my legal residence being in FL but reside in MD.

And, yet, you chose to post in the Northern Virginia forum? Ok.

[ChristineVA]

I don't think any of us can answer your specific questions, but here's my thought. Just pay it.

It was your vehicle. Your tag that was captured in the photo was obviously tied to your plate which had your old Maryland address. The fact that you don't live there anymore is not DC's fault. They got your address from, probably, Maryland Motor Vehicles. Had you submitted a change of address associated with your plate? The collection agency probably did a little research and was able to find your address because they actually put people on a case versus computerization.

Whether you were driving the car or not is not matter to them. YOUR car was speeding and YOU are responsible unless you have evidence that the car was stolen. One day I was not feeling well and my car pool rider drove my car home. She did 35 in a 25 in DC and got a speed camera citation. It was tied to my car. I paid it. She felt bad and tried to pay me back, but she was doing me a favor. Point is, it goes against your car.

As to what happens if you ignore it, I don't know but I'm sure it's not "nothing."

Don't let something like this get into a much bigger issue than it needs to be and the cause you other problems for the next few years. I actually do not understand that sort of mentality. It was your car speeding. Just pay it.

[lovnova]

Originally Posted by KHORANBURG

I received a letter from a collection agency stating that I have a speeding ticket from a camera. This is the first letter I have received as D.C. Apparently sent original citation letters to my MD address that I lived at over 10 years ago. But miraculously this collection letter was sent to my current and correct address. The letter states that I'm unable to appeal due to the time frame being expired. Furthermore, I wasn't driving. My questions are 1- do I have to be personally served this ticket? 2-Do I have any chance to contest due to the fact I never received the original citation letters which were sent to an old address. 3-Does this ticket "follow" the car or the registered owner? 4-What should I do because every thing in this letter is stating that because I didn't respond within their time frame for appeal that I must pay the collection agency. 5-Will I be issued a warrant or have my drivers license suspended? Note, I'm military with my legal residence being in FL but reside in MD. ANY help or suggestions are appreciated! What will be the consequences if I ignor this collection letter all together?Thank you for your help!!!! Katie

We had a kind of similar speed camera experience with DC. I was not the driver. Ours did not go to collections agency. Never received a first citation letter. Second citation letter arrived weeks later with expired appeal time and double the fine from $150.00 to $300.00. I was mad about not getting the first citation, but paid the $300.00. Wonder how often this happens to out of area/state folks.

Suggest you pay it and move on. Be extra careful driving in corrupt DC.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by lovnova

We had a kind of similar speed camera experience with DC. I was not the driver. Ours did not go to collections agency. Never received a first citation letter. Second citation letter arrived weeks later with expired appeal time and double the fine from $150.00 to $300.00. I was mad about not getting the first citation, but paid the $300.00. Wonder how often this happens to out of area/state folks.

Suggest you pay it and move on. Be extra careful driving in corrupt DC.

Seems like DC has found a way to tax out of state drivers.

[boyd888]

Another riveting first post on the Northern Virginia traffic help forum.

Pay it and move on with your life.

[gemstone1]

Have you been offered proof of your supposed violation ? A photo, a copy of the citation ? Are you sure it's not me for instance stating I am a collection agent, and to send your hard earned money to my bank account ? You have military legal assistance available to you....my advice would be to use it before you send anyone a check.

Regards
Gemstone1

[Fantasticx]

I thought all cameras in DC are for traffic monitoring only

[lovnova]

Originally Posted by Fantasticx

I thought all cameras in DC are for traffic monitoring only

DC has red light and mobile (parked vans) speed cameras.

[skeddy]

identify the family member/friend driving and get the money from them if you're not the driver, that's no excuse ....and pay the administrative fine