Legal Advice for photo enforced speeding tickets (photo radar, DMV)

[lwasays]

I recently received some notifications in the mail that said I was being fined for not paying two photo enforced speeding tickets. I had not received the initial notifications, so I promptly went online to the DC DMV website to look up more information on the tickets and how to contest the fines. I had no problem paying the original photo-enforced speeding tickets, but I was upset about being fined for something I never knew about in the first place.

On the DMV website I looked up my tag to get more information on the speeding tickets. According to the DC DMV website, I received FOUR speeding tickets, dated 6/29, 7/3, 7/4, and 7/5. I never received the initial notification that I had ANY of these tickets, and I only received a 2nd notice for two of the tickets. I also find it odd that I received four tickets all within a week of each other.

I guess I just want to know if I can contest at least the fines for not paying the tickets on time, especially since I never received initial notification. Also, is there a law that states signage warning drivers of a traffic camera must be posted within 300 feet of the traffic camera?

Thanks for your help.

[slim04]

Originally Posted by lwasays

Also, is there a law that states signage warning drivers of a traffic camera must be posted within 300 feet of the traffic camera?

I think that what kind of defeat the purpose of the traffic camera. DC want drivers to drive below the speed limit everywhere, not just on that block.

[firefightermom]

I've never heard of any sign laws...the cameras are fairly obvious and are in plain sight usually. If you get a lot of tickets, I think it just means you run lights often...but was it all the same camera? And if you really think you're innocent, perhaps you can ask if there was a known malfunction for a camera. Regarding getting off for the ticket completely, I doubt it. My husband got a ticket for running a light and he's a firefighter w/ marked tags...no way he could get out of it and yes, he did ask. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask about the first mailings you never received, but I would recommend just paying the tickets.

[chrisherbert]

Every speeding camera that I've seen in DC does have a sign. They say something like "Speed Limit Enforced by Camera." They're pretty nondescript so you might not have noticed them but I think they're always there. You can also see the white measuring lines on the pavement.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by chrisherbert

Every speeding camera that I've seen in DC does have a sign. They say something like "Speed Limit Enforced by Camera." They're pretty nondescript so you might not have noticed them but I think they're always there. You can also see the white measuring lines on the pavement.

The mobile units do not have signs, although there often are signs on the roads that they deploy the mobile units.

[chrisherbert]

Ah, I didn't realize they had mobile units. The stationary ones seem pretty useless. Even if you don't know the camera is there, typically everyone in front of you will slow waaaay down and it'll be impossible to speed past it.

[dkf747]

With the mobile ones, once you know where they park them, they are easy to avoid. They always park them in the same places. They just don't park them there everyday.

[Andy1369]

I got burned by two photo radar tickets this spring, so I know how you feel. DC.gov has an excellent map on where the speed cameras are, and the stationary ones (the ones that are on a box on the side of the road, along with the dotted lines on the pavement) are few and between. My suggestion is to keep a more keen eye out, as it can be easy to miss, and to scope out the common mobile camping out spots.

As for legal advice...hmm, don't know, other than going to the DMV office and explaining the situation?

But, yeah... I feel you. Those cameras are a pain, especially the mobile one on 50 heading east near the NE line, especially at nighttime when you just want to get out of DC as quickly as possible. Think of it as a "commuter tax" of some kind.

[riley66]

i feel your pain! i received a late notice on a ticket i supposedly got in May on New York Ave. I don't even remember speeding. anyway it was for 150 dollars plus 150 dollar penalty. 300 bucks!!! well they say i can write a letter and they may forgive the penalty. we will see!!! BUT.. I was wondering how to beat the ticket. i mean is it really a good picture? there was a form to vacate judgement. i was thinking of giving it a try with some story....any suggestions?

[psychofan]

If you use a GPS device (Garmin, Tom Tom, etc.) or an I-phone or the likes, take a look at trapster.com. They've got a pretty good database and POIs of user inputted speed and red light camera locations as well as frequently used speed trap areas. I just started using this with my Garmin Nuvi 260 and it's pretty accurate. The device emits a warning chime whenever a camera or possible speed trap is coming up ahead.