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Message

LIDAR Speeding Ticket

Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:28 pm
Posted by Beer Genius
Lafayette
Member since Jan 2013
233 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:28 pm
I need some advice on what I should do. I feel like I have been wronged in this by a Lt. that wanted to just meet his "Quota".

I feel I have a decent chance fighting this ticket in court, before I talk to a lawyer friend of mine, I wanted to see other side of perspective that I may have missed or not.

Please refrain from the obvious comments such as "Stop Speeding"...because that does not contribute to my initial question.

Finally, here is the scenario. I was traveling I-49 southbound from Harry Guibeau Exit in Opelousas. At that sharp descent hill few miles after the merging ramp, there was a State trooper standing outside of his SUV with LIDAR radar pointing at the apex of the hill. He was on a level ground when I was at top of the hill, in the left lane. I was traveling alongside with group of 3 cars. 2 in Right lane and I was in the middle of the pack. Obviously, he pointed at the left lane where I was.

Before the apex, I admit that I was going at 80 mph. But knowing this bottom of hill was a speed trap. I slowed down to 76 mph before crossing the apex. I saw the cop pointing in my direction, he got in his suv and took him about a minute to stop me. He said I was going over 80 mph, I said "Oh wow, that is not right, I believe I was not going at that speed, maybe 75-78 mph but not 80 mph."

I asked to see his LIDAR read out, he refused and told me to subpoea it. I asked when was the last time he calibrated it. He went back to his SUV, 10 seconds later, a quick walk back and told me 4:30 AM. I took the ticket and got in my car.

Okay, here is why I think I can fight this is because there is few things wrong in this ticket and the situation.

In the "DOB" line, he put the year 67 where I was actually born in 87.

Secondly, in the "Unlawfully Operated" space, he put the year 2015.

Thirdly, he did not take down my VIN number.

Fourth, He did not put specific location where he took the LIDAR reading. No milepost indicated or whatsoever, only "Southbound".

Fifth, He did not write the distance how far he took the LIDAR reading to where my car was "considered" to be in excess of 80 mph. Which I thought was required to record with the LIDAR violation.

That's just all from the citation. Now let me get into the technical aspects. When the Lt. told me he calibrated the LIDAR at 4:30 AM. I knew that was shady because to calibrate that radar, it has to be in daylight and clear conditions to record the speed accurately. I checked the weather data for June 26 4:30 AM. It was still dark and slight rain. He used the LIDAR THAT he calibrated at 4:30 AM to record me at 7 AM where the conditions were overcast. Which is a HUGE difference. For one, the difference in light conditions can cause problems with the light refraction algorithm in the LIDAR.

Secondly, The LIDAR must be stationary, using a tripod is highly recommended. However in this case, this Lt. was pointing up at an angle that possibly could have caused an error in its readout. Your arms and hands will no matter what weave and bob at an evaluated angle without the use of tripod. Remember I said I was traveling in a group of cars alongside me. This could have caused a error readout.

Thirdly, what I read, LIDAR is already calibrated out of the box/shop and no need to re-calibrate. I would have to subponea the data report to confirm that.

That's pretty much it. Before you say anything that I was speeding and I should pay for it. Consider this, interstate is seen as "Relative Speed". In other words, it is acceptable to drive within in reason from 70-75 in a safe way as in a way to not impede traffic flow. I know I was definitely at 76mph when I crossed the APEX, the Lt putting 80mph on my ticket is just wrong and possibly would make my insurance rate go up if I dont fight this.
Posted by CT
Kate Upton's back
Member since Sep 2004
21054 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:31 pm to
Posted by Slinky
Member since Dec 2013
3118 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:31 pm to
Go to court.

ETA: slow down.
This post was edited on 6/28/14 at 12:33 pm
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
56052 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:36 pm to
that all sounds very scientific and well thought out. frankly however, you are arguing over whether you were going 78 mph (as you say) or 80 mph (as he says)...

now, do yourself a favor...call in and ask them if you can just pay the fine and keep it off your record...if so, pay it and forget about it and move on with your life...

Posted by damnedoldtigah
Middle of Louisiana
Member since Jan 2014
4275 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:36 pm to
You could get an attorney to fight it, which is not going to be free. You could fight it on your own, and you will probably lose. Talk with the Assistant DA who has your case, if you cannot get the charge dropped, try to negotiate getting it dropped to a non-moving violation. You are still going to pay something, but it will probably be cheaper than hiring an attorney to go into court, and a non-moving will not hit your insurance. You might also want to look into getting a decent radar detector. One other thing, when you are meeting with the Assistant DA handling the case, be humble and contrite, not arrogant.
This post was edited on 6/28/14 at 12:37 pm
Posted by TROLA
BATON ROUGE
Member since Apr 2004
12350 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:36 pm to
God damn that's a lot of info... I'd go to court just to justify that information in my memory bank
Posted by SG_Geaux
Beautiful St George
Member since Aug 2004
78005 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:39 pm to
quote:

Beer Genius



How much is your time worth ? I would just call the DA, explain the thing, get it changed to a non-moving, and send them a money order.
Posted by Tigerlaff
FIGHTING out of the Carencro Sonic
Member since Jan 2010
20880 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:40 pm to
quote:

Please refrain from the obvious comments such as "Stop Speeding"...because that does not contribute to my initial question.


Stop speeding.
Posted by TexasTiger39
Member since Mar 2009
3671 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:41 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 8/8/20 at 11:08 am
Posted by Beer Genius
Lafayette
Member since Jan 2013
233 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:42 pm to
I have couple of friends who are lawyers so I'm sure I can ask in for a favor.

I guess I can try and get my charges dropped to non moving violation.

I do have ESCORT detector. That's how I knew I was getting hit by a laser and not going at 80 mph. Laser is instant, hard for the detector to pick it up.
Posted by SPEEDY
2005 Tiger Smack Poster of the Year
Member since Dec 2003
83374 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:43 pm to
quote:

I need some advice on what I should do. I feel like I have been wronged in this by a Lt. that wanted to just meet his "Quota".

I feel I have a decent chance fighting this ticket in court, before I talk to a lawyer friend of mine, I wanted to see other side of perspective that I may have missed or not.

Please refrain from the obvious comments such as "Stop Speeding"...because that does not contribute to my initial question.

Finally, here is the scenario. I was traveling I-49 southbound from Harry Guibeau Exit in Opelousas. At that sharp descent hill few miles after the merging ramp, there was a State trooper standing outside of his SUV with LIDAR radar pointing at the apex of the hill. He was on a level ground when I was at top of the hill, in the left lane. I was traveling alongside with group of 3 cars. 2 in Right lane and I was in the middle of the pack. Obviously, he pointed at the left lane where I was.

Before the apex, I admit that I was going at 80 mph. But knowing this bottom of hill was a speed trap. I slowed down to 76 mph before crossing the apex. I saw the cop pointing in my direction, he got in his suv and took him about a minute to stop me. He said I was going over 80 mph, I said "Oh wow, that is not right, I believe I was not going at that speed, maybe 75-78 mph but not 80 mph."

I asked to see his LIDAR read out, he refused and told me to subpoea it. I asked when was the last time he calibrated it. He went back to his SUV, 10 seconds later, a quick walk back and told me 4:30 AM. I took the ticket and got in my car.

Okay, here is why I think I can fight this is because there is few things wrong in this ticket and the situation.

In the "DOB" line, he put the year 67 where I was actually born in 87.

Secondly, in the "Unlawfully Operated" space, he put the year 2015.

Thirdly, he did not take down my VIN number.

Fourth, He did not put specific location where he took the LIDAR reading. No milepost indicated or whatsoever, only "Southbound".

Fifth, He did not write the distance how far he took the LIDAR reading to where my car was "considered" to be in excess of 80 mph. Which I thought was required to record with the LIDAR violation.

That's just all from the citation. Now let me get into the technical aspects. When the Lt. told me he calibrated the LIDAR at 4:30 AM. I knew that was shady because to calibrate that radar, it has to be in daylight and clear conditions to record the speed accurately. I checked the weather data for June 26 4:30 AM. It was still dark and slight rain. He used the LIDAR THAT he calibrated at 4:30 AM to record me at 7 AM where the conditions were overcast. Which is a HUGE difference. For one, the difference in light conditions can cause problems with the light refraction algorithm in the LIDAR.

Secondly, The LIDAR must be stationary, using a tripod is highly recommended. However in this case, this Lt. was pointing up at an angle that possibly could have caused an error in its readout. Your arms and hands will no matter what weave and bob at an evaluated angle without the use of tripod. Remember I said I was traveling in a group of cars alongside me. This could have caused a error readout.

Thirdly, what I read, LIDAR is already calibrated out of the box/shop and no need to re-calibrate. I would have to subponea the data report to confirm that.

That's pretty much it. Before you say anything that I was speeding and I should pay for it. Consider this, interstate is seen as "Relative Speed". In other words, it is acceptable to drive within in reason from 70-75 in a safe way as in a way to not impede traffic flow. I know I was definitely at 76mph when I crossed the APEX, the Lt putting 80mph on my ticket is just wrong and possibly would make my insurance rate go up if I dont fight this.





Posted by TexasTiger39
Member since Mar 2009
3671 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:45 pm to
(no message)
This post was edited on 8/8/20 at 11:08 am
Posted by SPEEDY
2005 Tiger Smack Poster of the Year
Member since Dec 2003
83374 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:45 pm to
quote:

I need some advice on what I should do. I feel like I have been wronged in this by a Lt. that wanted to just meet his "Quota".

I feel I have a decent chance fighting this ticket in court, before I talk to a lawyer friend of mine, I wanted to see other side of perspective that I may have missed or not.

Please refrain from the obvious comments such as "Stop Speeding"...because that does not contribute to my initial question.

Finally, here is the scenario. I was traveling I-49 southbound from Harry Guibeau Exit in Opelousas. At that sharp descent hill few miles after the merging ramp, there was a State trooper standing outside of his SUV with LIDAR radar pointing at the apex of the hill. He was on a level ground when I was at top of the hill, in the left lane. I was traveling alongside with group of 3 cars. 2 in Right lane and I was in the middle of the pack. Obviously, he pointed at the left lane where I was.

Before the apex, I admit that I was going at 80 mph. But knowing this bottom of hill was a speed trap. I slowed down to 76 mph before crossing the apex. I saw the cop pointing in my direction, he got in his suv and took him about a minute to stop me. He said I was going over 80 mph, I said "Oh wow, that is not right, I believe I was not going at that speed, maybe 75-78 mph but not 80 mph."

I asked to see his LIDAR read out, he refused and told me to subpoea it. I asked when was the last time he calibrated it. He went back to his SUV, 10 seconds later, a quick walk back and told me 4:30 AM. I took the ticket and got in my car.

Okay, here is why I think I can fight this is because there is few things wrong in this ticket and the situation.

In the "DOB" line, he put the year 67 where I was actually born in 87.

Secondly, in the "Unlawfully Operated" space, he put the year 2015.

Thirdly, he did not take down my VIN number.

Fourth, He did not put specific location where he took the LIDAR reading. No milepost indicated or whatsoever, only "Southbound".

Fifth, He did not write the distance how far he took the LIDAR reading to where my car was "considered" to be in excess of 80 mph. Which I thought was required to record with the LIDAR violation.

That's just all from the citation. Now let me get into the technical aspects. When the Lt. told me he calibrated the LIDAR at 4:30 AM. I knew that was shady because to calibrate that radar, it has to be in daylight and clear conditions to record the speed accurately. I checked the weather data for June 26 4:30 AM. It was still dark and slight rain. He used the LIDAR THAT he calibrated at 4:30 AM to record me at 7 AM where the conditions were overcast. Which is a HUGE difference. For one, the difference in light conditions can cause problems with the light refraction algorithm in the LIDAR.

Secondly, The LIDAR must be stationary, using a tripod is highly recommended. However in this case, this Lt. was pointing up at an angle that possibly could have caused an error in its readout. Your arms and hands will no matter what weave and bob at an evaluated angle without the use of tripod. Remember I said I was traveling in a group of cars alongside me. This could have caused a error readout.

Thirdly, what I read, LIDAR is already calibrated out of the box/shop and no need to re-calibrate. I would have to subponea the data report to confirm that.

That's pretty much it. Before you say anything that I was speeding and I should pay for it. Consider this, interstate is seen as "Relative Speed". In other words, it is acceptable to drive within in reason from 70-75 in a safe way as in a way to not impede traffic flow. I know I was definitely at 76mph when I crossed the APEX, the Lt putting 80mph on my ticket is just wrong and possibly would make my insurance rate go up if I dont fight this.




Posted by Beer Genius
Lafayette
Member since Jan 2013
233 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:46 pm to
I am not going in court and say I was speeding. That's idiotic. I am just going to invoke my 5th amendment when they start asking how fast I was going. My argument is that he did not measure my speed correctly. I am just casting doubt on his evidence.

I thought LIDAR uses pulse laser, if so, light and weather conditions plays a BIG role in the accuracy to it. Overcast lighting is not same as clear day. Nor 4:30 AM lighting.
Posted by CT
Kate Upton's back
Member since Sep 2004
21054 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:46 pm to
Posted by SPEEDY
2005 Tiger Smack Poster of the Year
Member since Dec 2003
83374 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:46 pm to
quote:

I need some advice on what I should do. I feel like I have been wronged in this by a Lt. that wanted to just meet his "Quota".

I feel I have a decent chance fighting this ticket in court, before I talk to a lawyer friend of mine, I wanted to see other side of perspective that I may have missed or not.

Please refrain from the obvious comments such as "Stop Speeding"...because that does not contribute to my initial question.

Finally, here is the scenario. I was traveling I-49 southbound from Harry Guibeau Exit in Opelousas. At that sharp descent hill few miles after the merging ramp, there was a State trooper standing outside of his SUV with LIDAR radar pointing at the apex of the hill. He was on a level ground when I was at top of the hill, in the left lane. I was traveling alongside with group of 3 cars. 2 in Right lane and I was in the middle of the pack. Obviously, he pointed at the left lane where I was.

Before the apex, I admit that I was going at 80 mph. But knowing this bottom of hill was a speed trap. I slowed down to 76 mph before crossing the apex. I saw the cop pointing in my direction, he got in his suv and took him about a minute to stop me. He said I was going over 80 mph, I said "Oh wow, that is not right, I believe I was not going at that speed, maybe 75-78 mph but not 80 mph."

I asked to see his LIDAR read out, he refused and told me to subpoea it. I asked when was the last time he calibrated it. He went back to his SUV, 10 seconds later, a quick walk back and told me 4:30 AM. I took the ticket and got in my car.

Okay, here is why I think I can fight this is because there is few things wrong in this ticket and the situation.

In the "DOB" line, he put the year 67 where I was actually born in 87.

Secondly, in the "Unlawfully Operated" space, he put the year 2015.

Thirdly, he did not take down my VIN number.

Fourth, He did not put specific location where he took the LIDAR reading. No milepost indicated or whatsoever, only "Southbound".

Fifth, He did not write the distance how far he took the LIDAR reading to where my car was "considered" to be in excess of 80 mph. Which I thought was required to record with the LIDAR violation.

That's just all from the citation. Now let me get into the technical aspects. When the Lt. told me he calibrated the LIDAR at 4:30 AM. I knew that was shady because to calibrate that radar, it has to be in daylight and clear conditions to record the speed accurately. I checked the weather data for June 26 4:30 AM. It was still dark and slight rain. He used the LIDAR THAT he calibrated at 4:30 AM to record me at 7 AM where the conditions were overcast. Which is a HUGE difference. For one, the difference in light conditions can cause problems with the light refraction algorithm in the LIDAR.

Secondly, The LIDAR must be stationary, using a tripod is highly recommended. However in this case, this Lt. was pointing up at an angle that possibly could have caused an error in its readout. Your arms and hands will no matter what weave and bob at an evaluated angle without the use of tripod. Remember I said I was traveling in a group of cars alongside me. This could have caused a error readout.

Thirdly, what I read, LIDAR is already calibrated out of the box/shop and no need to re-calibrate. I would have to subponea the data report to confirm that.

That's pretty much it. Before you say anything that I was speeding and I should pay for it. Consider this, interstate is seen as "Relative Speed". In other words, it is acceptable to drive within in reason from 70-75 in a safe way as in a way to not impede traffic flow. I know I was definitely at 76mph when I crossed the APEX, the Lt putting 80mph on my ticket is just wrong and possibly would make my insurance rate go up if I dont fight this.



Posted by Beer Genius
Lafayette
Member since Jan 2013
233 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:47 pm to
LIDAR is laser pulsing. Your radar can pick it up but only after it hits your car.
Posted by biglego
Ask your mom where I been
Member since Nov 2007
76377 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:48 pm to
You write a lot of words
Posted by Tigerlaff
FIGHTING out of the Carencro Sonic
Member since Jan 2010
20880 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:49 pm to
quote:

I am not going in court and say I was speeding. That's idiotic.


Thinking you will beat this in court is idiotic.

quote:

I am just going to invoke my 5th amendment when they start asking how fast I was going. My argument is that he did not measure my speed correctly. I am just casting doubt on his evidence.


Ok, counselor.
Posted by DanTiger
Somewhere in Luziana
Member since Sep 2004
9480 posts
Posted on 6/28/14 at 12:52 pm to
Lidar does not need to be calibrated as it is a laser beam. Doesn't matter if he filled out a few fields on the ticket incorrectly. You are not getting out of this one.
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