Would you challenge 2 speeding tickets (camera) in DC, that are 3 minutes apart?

[Anonymous]

We received 2 letters in the mail today.

Both were for speeding tickets on the same day, but only 3 minutes apart. Each ticket was for $100, for a total of $200.

Both were for going 11-15 MPH over the speed limit late in the evening. (Going 36 MPH in a 25 MPH zone.)

(These were from my college-age son. He is a good driver and a responsible person.)

I'll ask him to pay. But does it seem aggressive of DC to issue 2 fines within 3 minutes of each other?

[Anonymous]

What is the basis for the challenge?

[Anonymous]

No, he must have passed through two different speed cameras. You'll just waste your time appealing. He should pay and stop speeding.

[Anonymous]

I would write the truth: “my son received two violations in a short time frame and we are asking if it is possible to reduce the fine by half. He is apologetic and generally a very responsible driver.”

You may get it reduced. I’ve had mine waived twice, once I put that I was designated driving a group of people (which was true) and once I put that I was on my way to give birth (also true). I think I included proof for the second one.

It probably doesn’t work every time but it doesn’t hurt to try

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
We received 2 letters in the mail today.

Both were for speeding tickets on the same day, but only 3 minutes apart. Each ticket was for $100, for a total of $200.

Both were for going 11-15 MPH over the speed limit late in the evening. (Going 36 MPH in a 25 MPH zone.)

(These were from my college-age son. He is a good driver and a responsible person.)

I'll ask him to pay. But does it seem aggressive of DC to issue 2 fines within 3 minutes of each other?

No. 3 minutes when you are supposed to be going 25 miles per hour really isn’t that close together. Not sure what you would contest. Even responsible drivers accidentally drive too fast.

[Anonymous]

It is worth a try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would write the truth: “my son received two violations in a short time frame and we are asking if it is possible to reduce the fine by half. He is apologetic and generally a very responsible driver.”

You may get it reduced. I’ve had mine waived twice, once I put that I was designated driving a group of people (which was true) and once I put that I was on my way to give birth (also true). I think I included proof for the second one.

It probably doesn’t work every time but it doesn’t hurt to try

If you do this, have your son write it. Good life lesson on how to contest something and see what the result is.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all for the input. It's a life lesson for him.

(I've received speeding tickets in DC too, and I consider myself a very responsible and safe driver. The tunnel on K Street has gotten me a few times, even though I thought I was driving at a very safe speed.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you all for the input. It's a life lesson for him.

(I've received speeding tickets in DC too, and I consider myself a very responsible and safe driver. The tunnel on K Street has gotten me a few times, even though I thought I was driving at a very safe speed.)

A few times? Your whole family should slow down!!

I’d say have him go to court. No matter what happens, it’s an experience.

[Anonymous]

Why would you go to court over a speed camera ticket? Instead of just paying a fine you may end up with a violation on your record and possible increase in insurance premiums

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
We received 2 letters in the mail today.

Both were for speeding tickets on the same day, but only 3 minutes apart. Each ticket was for $100, for a total of $200.

Both were for going 11-15 MPH over the speed limit late in the evening. (Going 36 MPH in a 25 MPH zone.)

(These were from my college-age son. He is a good driver and a responsible person.)

I'll ask him to pay. But does it seem aggressive of DC to issue 2 fines within 3 minutes of each other?

Yes, tell them that your dog ate the speedometer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would you go to court over a speed camera ticket? Instead of just paying a fine you may end up with a violation on your record and possible increase in insurance premiums

Two possible reasons - he could “try” to argue he was speeding (but wasn’t speeding twice), and hope to pay court fees and no fines

[Anonymous]

Ask for a "good customer" or "repeat customer" discount.

[Anonymous]

What excuse would OP’s DS give?

It’s actually perfectly understandable that he got two in three minutes. He was speeding for at least three minutes. He should slow down.

[Anonymous]

There is no harm in trying, but it's unlikely to work. Camera speeding tickets don't accrue points, they're just a revenue source. This means there is a lower bar on issuing them in the first place. I've only tried contesting one once, and it failed since the burden of proof is much lower on the issuing side.