MD Speeding Ticket Advice Needed for VA Resident and Hit 'n Run Story

va_lemon · 03-28-2009, 03:37 PM

Got my first speeding ticket in quite a while, and that too about 10 miles away from home on a trip back from NYC.

I got pulled over on 495 in MD tagged at 78 in a 55 zone. I live in VA though so don't know if I should just pay the $160 ticket or show up for the court date on Tuesday. Did a search on this forum but most if not all were VA tickets. The citation is for 'Driving vehicle on highway at speed exceeding limit'.

Anyone know if I just paid the ticket if it'll cost me points on my VA license? Or is it worth my time to go to court in Upper Marlboro? I've never done the court appearance deal before so any advice on how to handle it would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to minimize hit to insurance costs.

Thanks much!

PS: Some guy in an SUV ran into the police cruiser while the officer was in it writing me up. There were parts and sparks flying everywhere.

The SUV spun out, hit the shoulder barrier in front of me then veered off to the median divider. The SUV driver jumped out and ran off in to the woods along 495! I thought with that, the office would let me go, but no luck

I had to wait an hour for them to clear all the traffic, hunt the guy down and sign a witness statement. Could that help somehow? I got really lucky with this one as the officer had his brakes on, otherwise the cruiser would've plowed right into me.

1N54E92 · 03-29-2009, 07:53 AM

I hope this helps. I do not know how reliable it is .

check out this website.

http://www.trafficticketsecrets.com

Question:
If you receive a ticket in one state worth 8 points, but live in another state where it is only worth 4 points, how does the insurance company calculate it?
Answer:
Most states' driver license systems are linked by an interstate DL system, but in all likelihood it will be reported to your home state, but the points against the license would be converted based on the scale used by your home state.

SoYank · 03-29-2009, 09:38 AM

Isn't it the state that assesses the points and not the insurance company?

Turkishexpress · 03-29-2009, 03:10 PM

THat cop must have been a dick. After all that I can't believe he gave you a ticket!

zaxjax · 03-30-2009, 07:15 AM

Tickets between MD and VA will transfer, so go to court and try to reduce your points and fine.

I was pulled over in VA and just paid the ticket and the points transferred.

va_lemon · 03-30-2009, 04:15 PM

Thanks all for the feedback! I'll report back after the court date. Seems like the ticket adds two points in MD but VA adds six (!) for 20 over speed limit. But MD also has a lower threshold for cautions and suspension.

Does anyone know whom I should be looking for to talk to before the hearing? Does MD have a prosecutor, or is the police officer/judge the only person that can work with you?

1N54E92 · 03-30-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by va_lemon

Thanks all for the feedback! I'll report back after the court date. Seems like the ticket adds two points in MD but VA adds six (!) for 20 over speed limit. But MD also has a lower threshold for cautions and suspension.

Does anyone know whom I should be looking for to talk to before the hearing? Does MD have a prosecutor, or is the police officer/judge the only person that can work with you?

are you an attorney ? if so you have to talk to the prosecutor. If you are not an attorney, I'd suggest you retain one.

pseto · 03-30-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by va_lemon

Thanks all for the feedback! I'll report back after the court date. Seems like the ticket adds two points in MD but VA adds six (!) for 20 over speed limit. But MD also has a lower threshold for cautions and suspension.

damn, there's another reason why i dont live in VA

DoNDoN · 03-30-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseto

damn, there's another reason why i dont live in VA

Always waiting to bash VA huh?

va_lemon · 03-31-2009, 03:47 PM

Got lucky, officer didn't show up and I plead not guilty so no more ticket.

Before going though, I called up my insurance company and asked what effect the ticket would have on my premium if it hit my record. They looked up my history and told me I would not be assessed a surcharge for this ticket as my last moving violation was several years ago. This ticket, had it stuck, would've cost me if I'd gotten another moving violation recently (how recently, they didn't say and I didn't ask).

So I guess talking with your insurance agency beforehand could help you figure out whether to pay the ticket or go for the court date.

pseto · 03-31-2009, 04:01 PM

good for you

FrankoQ · 03-31-2009, 06:54 PM

lucky!

Last time I went to court, the cop showed up, but I was still able to get it removed
from my record.

zaxjax · 03-31-2009, 07:39 PM

Good to hear about your luck

Always go to court and you can represent yourself. All you is ask the plead guilty with an explanation. You simply ask the judge if he could reduce or get rid of the points. Normally, he will do this and raise the fine.

MTrizzy · 03-31-2009, 08:44 PM

love it when that happens....i seem to be in court more then i like....always best to delay the hearing by writing to the judge in my experience too...

ase2dais · 04-01-2009, 12:39 PM

same here! postpone or continuance from the Judge and let your case be heard when the judge is more lient

VoiD · 04-02-2009, 03:05 PM

quick question..
Does 20mph over limit speeding ticket in maryland transfer over to VA as a reckless ticket?
IIRC, in VA there is a speeding ticket and then there is a reckless ticket, if you're over 20mph speed limit or going 80mph, which stays on the record longer..

va_lemon · 04-05-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoiD

Does 20mph over limit speeding ticket in maryland transfer over to VA as a reckless ticket?
IIRC, in VA there is a speeding ticket and then there is a reckless ticket, if you're over 20mph speed limit or going 80mph, which stays on the record longer..

That's exactly what I was afraid would happen, but luckily didn't have to find out. Sorry don't have a definitive answer but my guess is that 20mph over would transfer over as a speeding ticket. MD has another violation which costs more points and that is 20 over in a 65 zone. That one may transfer as reckless driving. But that's just my guess.

wakeboarder109 · 04-05-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zaxjax

Tickets between MD and VA will transfer, so go to court and try to reduce your points and fine.

I was pulled over in VA and just paid the ticket and the points transferred.

When was this? I received a wreckless driving ticket a few years back in VA and the points did not transfer back to MD.

To the OP, I didn't get a chance to see if someone else said it but I have heard that you can write the court a check for an amount slightly larger than the amount you owe. Once they receive it, the court will mail you a check for the amount you overpaid. If you don't cash the check then apparently they cannot complete the transaction. Luckily I haven't had to try it. In any case. Good luck.

EDIT: congrats on the officer not showing up

03-28-2009, 03:37 PM	#1
va_lemon Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	MD Speeding Ticket Advice Needed for VA Resident and Hit 'n Run Story Got my first speeding ticket in quite a while, and that too about 10 miles away from home on a trip back from NYC. I got pulled over on 495 in MD tagged at 78 in a 55 zone. I live in VA though so don't know if I should just pay the $160 ticket or show up for the court date on Tuesday. Did a search on this forum but most if not all were VA tickets. The citation is for 'Driving vehicle on highway at speed exceeding limit'. Anyone know if I just paid the ticket if it'll cost me points on my VA license? Or is it worth my time to go to court in Upper Marlboro? I've never done the court appearance deal before so any advice on how to handle it would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to minimize hit to insurance costs. Thanks much! PS: Some guy in an SUV ran into the police cruiser while the officer was in it writing me up. There were parts and sparks flying everywhere. The SUV spun out, hit the shoulder barrier in front of me then veered off to the median divider. The SUV driver jumped out and ran off in to the woods along 495! I thought with that, the office would let me go, but no luck I had to wait an hour for them to clear all the traffic, hunt the guy down and sign a witness statement. Could that help somehow? I got really lucky with this one as the officer had his brakes on, otherwise the cruiser would've plowed right into me. __________________ 2008 335i Coupe - Monaco Blue \| Saddle Brown \| Gray Poplar European Delivery April 18-28 2008 Last edited by va_lemon; 03-28-2009 at 03:54 PM.. Reason: Update title
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03-29-2009, 07:53 AM	#2
1N54E92 Colonel 81 Rep 2,046 Posts Drives: BSM F30 M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA iTrader: (4)	I hope this helps. I do not know how reliable it is . check out this website. http://www.trafficticketsecrets.com Question: If you receive a ticket in one state worth 8 points, but live in another state where it is only worth 4 points, how does the insurance company calculate it? Answer: Most states' driver license systems are linked by an interstate DL system, but in all likelihood it will be reported to your home state, but the points against the license would be converted based on the scale used by your home state.
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03-29-2009, 09:38 AM	#3
SoYank Major General 571 Rep 7,519 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i MT Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vinton, Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E90 335i S ... [9.00]	Isn't it the state that assesses the points and not the insurance company? __________________ **2009 E90 335i Montego Blue · Black Leather · Burl Walnut · 6MT · US Spec** SatNav • ZPP • ZCW • 6FL • TPMS • iDrive • PDC • HWS • Xenons • BMW Assist • Power Rear Sunshade • Logic 7 European Taillights • Rear Foglamp • OEM Alarm • PicoTray • DataToys XM-DVR • Multi-view Processor Quaife ATB LSD • Short Shift Knob • Hartge Anti-Roll Bars • AP Racing Front Brakes • 19" Style 269
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03-29-2009, 03:10 PM	#4
Turkishexpress Gixxer Man 14 Rep 599 Posts Drives: '08 335i E90 / '06 Range HSE Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tysons/Sterling, VA iTrader: (2)	THat cop must have been a dick. After all that I can't believe he gave you a ticket! __________________ Stable: 2008 E90 335i JB3 etc..., 2006 Range Rover HSE, K7 GSX-R 600 Former Stable: 2008 MB C300, 2007 Chevy Avalanche, 2006 Evo IX (544awhp), 2005 Sti, 2003 Evo...
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03-30-2009, 07:15 AM	#5
zaxjax Major 43 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2008 Crimson Red 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Annapolis iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 335i [9.00]	Tickets between MD and VA will transfer, so go to court and try to reduce your points and fine. I was pulled over in VA and just paid the ticket and the points transferred. __________________ Detailed Image
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03-30-2009, 04:15 PM	#6
va_lemon Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Thanks all for the feedback! I'll report back after the court date. Seems like the ticket adds two points in MD but VA adds six (!) for 20 over speed limit. But MD also has a lower threshold for cautions and suspension. Does anyone know whom I should be looking for to talk to before the hearing? Does MD have a prosecutor, or is the police officer/judge the only person that can work with you? __________________ 2008 335i Coupe - Monaco Blue \| Saddle Brown \| Gray Poplar European Delivery April 18-28 2008
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03-31-2009, 03:47 PM	#10
va_lemon Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Got lucky, officer didn't show up and I plead not guilty so no more ticket. Before going though, I called up my insurance company and asked what effect the ticket would have on my premium if it hit my record. They looked up my history and told me I would not be assessed a surcharge for this ticket as my last moving violation was several years ago. This ticket, had it stuck, would've cost me if I'd gotten another moving violation recently (how recently, they didn't say and I didn't ask). So I guess talking with your insurance agency beforehand could help you figure out whether to pay the ticket or go for the court date. __________________ 2008 335i Coupe - Monaco Blue \| Saddle Brown \| Gray Poplar European Delivery April 18-28 2008
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03-31-2009, 04:01 PM	#11
pseto Major General 807 Rep 7,750 Posts Drives: E92 M3 ZCP, F80 M3 ZCP- beater Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (4)	good for you __________________ Paul Seto - BMW Car Club of America President, National Capital Chapter (MD/DC/NoVA) Director, National Events ///M Chapter Become a BMW CCA member; Click HERE to join and use my member #339225 for a referral Join our NCC Facebook Page
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03-31-2009, 06:54 PM	#12
FrankoQ Deny everything 217 Rep 11,378 Posts Drives: 2006 330i; 2015 X6, S1000RR Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Beautiful MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2015 BMW X6 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	lucky! Last time I went to court, the cop showed up, but I was still able to get it removed from my record. __________________ I need a drink
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03-31-2009, 07:39 PM	#13
zaxjax Major 43 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2008 Crimson Red 335i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Annapolis iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 335i [9.00]	Good to hear about your luck Always go to court and you can represent yourself. All you is ask the plead guilty with an explanation. You simply ask the judge if he could reduce or get rid of the points. Normally, he will do this and raise the fine. __________________ Detailed Image
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03-31-2009, 08:44 PM	#14
MTrizzy Lieutenant 28 Rep 449 Posts Drives: 2008 AW M3 Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Potomac, MD iTrader: (1)	love it when that happens....i seem to be in court more then i like....always best to delay the hearing by writing to the judge in my experience too... __________________ AW E92 M3\|E92 LuX\|Piaa GTX H3\| Rear Fog Light Mod \| Ventureshield (Raja) \|Eisenmann Race Exhaust \|Macht Schnell Filter \| Black Grills \| Black Sides \| H&R Springs \| Fabspeed X-Pipe & High Flow Cats\| CF VRS II rep diffuser\|Most powerful Scoops in the world\|
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04-01-2009, 12:39 PM	#15
ase2dais //Mdicted 346 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	same here! postpone or continuance from the Judge and let your case be heard when the judge is more lient __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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04-02-2009, 03:05 PM	#16
VoiD Private First Class 14 Rep 199 Posts Drives: Z4MC >>> C63 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 M Coupe [0.00]	quick question.. Does 20mph over limit speeding ticket in maryland transfer over to VA as a reckless ticket? IIRC, in VA there is a speeding ticket and then there is a reckless ticket, if you're over 20mph speed limit or going 80mph, which stays on the record longer..
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