Showing posts with label traffic tickets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traffic tickets. Show all posts

Cedar Rapids Mobile Speed Cameras

Cedar Rapids Mobile Speed Camera
Aggressive Mobile Speed Cameras Now Running In CR

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has taken significant strides to improve road safety through the implementation of mobile speed cameras. These devices play a crucial role in monitoring traffic speeds, deterring reckless driving, and ultimately reducing accidents. In this article, we’ll explore how Cedar Rapids mobile speed cameras work, their impact on community safety, and important information for residents and drivers.

What Are Mobile Speed Cameras?

Mobile speed cameras are portable devices deployed by law enforcement agencies to monitor vehicle speeds in various locations. Unlike fixed speed cameras, which are permanently installed, mobile cameras can be easily moved to different sites throughout Cedar Rapids, allowing for flexible enforcement of speed limits where they are most needed.

How Cedar Rapids Mobile Speed Cameras Operate

  1. Identification of High-Risk Areas: Cedar Rapids authorities analyze traffic patterns and accident data to identify locations with high instances of speeding and accidents. Mobile speed cameras are then strategically placed in these areas.

  2. Speed Monitoring: When a vehicle exceeds the designated speed limit, the mobile speed camera captures an image of the vehicle along with its speed. The system is designed to ensure accuracy and minimize false readings.

  3. Issuance of Citations: If a driver is photographed exceeding the speed limit, a citation is issued. The citation typically includes details such as the vehicle’s speed, the location, and a photograph of the vehicle.

Benefits of Mobile Speed Cameras

  1. Deterrence of Speeding: The presence of mobile speed cameras serves as a deterrent for drivers, encouraging them to adhere to posted speed limits. Studies have shown that simply knowing there is a chance of being monitored reduces speeding behavior.

  2. Reduction in Traffic Accidents: With lower speeds, the likelihood of accidents decreases. The goal of Cedar Rapids’ mobile speed camera program is to enhance safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

  3. Flexibility and Responsiveness: Mobile cameras can be moved to different locations based on real-time data, allowing law enforcement to address emerging traffic issues swiftly. This flexibility ensures that enforcement efforts are directed where they are needed most.

  4. Cost-Effective Enforcement: Mobile speed cameras can be a cost-effective tool for traffic enforcement. They reduce the need for continuous police presence while still effectively monitoring speeds and promoting compliance with traffic laws.

Public Response and Community Impact

The introduction of mobile speed cameras in Cedar Rapids has received mixed responses from the public. Many residents appreciate the enhanced safety measures, especially in high-traffic areas where speeding has been a concern. Others express frustration over the perceived intrusive nature of surveillance.

City officials aim to balance these concerns by ensuring that the program is transparent and focused on improving safety rather than merely generating revenue. Public education campaigns often accompany the implementation of mobile speed cameras, informing drivers about the program’s objectives and emphasizing the importance of road safety.

Tips for Drivers in Cedar Rapids

To avoid citations from mobile speed cameras and ensure safety on the roads, drivers in Cedar Rapids should:

  • Know the Speed Limits: Familiarize yourself with speed limits in different areas, especially in school zones or residential neighborhoods where limits may be lower.

  • Stay Aware of Your Speed: Regularly check your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly. Utilize cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed.

  • Look for Signs: Watch for signs indicating areas where mobile speed cameras may be in operation. These signs can serve as a reminder to adhere to speed limits.

  • Be Informed: Stay updated on the locations where mobile speed cameras are being deployed. Local news outlets and the city’s official website often provide information about active camera sites.

Conclusion

Cedar Rapids mobile speed cameras represent a proactive approach to enhancing road safety and reducing traffic violations. By understanding how these cameras operate and their benefits to the community, residents and drivers can work together to promote safer roadways. Whether you are a local resident or just passing through, being aware of mobile speed camera enforcement can help ensure that you drive responsibly and contribute to a safer Cedar Rapids for everyone.

Call to Action

For more information about Cedar Rapids mobile speed cameras, including updates on locations and safety tips, visit the city’s official website or follow local news sources. Let’s keep our roads safe together!

Understanding Parking Ticket Photo Enforcement: What You Need to Know

parking tickets on wiindshield

Parking ticket photo enforcement has become an increasingly common practice in many cities across the United States and beyond. This automated system captures images of vehicles parked in violation of local regulations, making it easier for municipalities to enforce parking laws without the need for a parking attendant. In this article, we will delve into how parking ticket photo enforcement works, its benefits and drawbacks, and what drivers should know to avoid getting ticketed.

How Parking Ticket Photo Enforcement Works

Parking ticket photo enforcement systems use automated cameras and technology to monitor parking violations. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

  1. Camera Installation: Cities install cameras in high-traffic areas, near parking meters, or at locations with a history of parking violations. These cameras are often equipped with license plate recognition software.

  2. Monitoring: The cameras continuously monitor parked vehicles. When a vehicle is detected in a restricted area or when time expires at a metered space, the camera captures images of the vehicle, including its license plate.

  3. Ticket Generation: Once a violation is detected, the system automatically generates a parking ticket. The images captured by the camera, along with relevant details such as the date, time, and location of the violation, are typically included in the ticket.

  4. Notification: The vehicle owner is then notified of the parking ticket, usually by mail or through an online portal. This notification includes instructions for payment or contesting the ticket.

Benefits of Parking Ticket Photo Enforcement

Parking ticket photo enforcement systems offer several advantages for cities and drivers alike:

  • Increased Efficiency: Automated systems allow cities to enforce parking regulations without the need for parking attendants. This can free up resources for other important city functions.

  • Reduced Human Error: Automated ticketing reduces the chances of human error that can occur with manual enforcement. This can lead to more accurate ticketing.

  • Consistency: Automated systems provide consistent enforcement of parking regulations. This helps deter violations and promotes compliance among drivers.

  • Improved Revenue: For municipalities, photo enforcement can lead to increased revenue from parking fines, which can be reinvested into local services and infrastructure.

Drawbacks of Parking Ticket Photo Enforcement

Despite the benefits, parking ticket photo enforcement is not without its drawbacks:

  • Public Outcry: Many drivers feel that automated ticketing systems can be unfair and may lead to excessive ticketing. This has sparked debates about the ethics of photo enforcement.

  • Lack of Human Judgment: Automated systems cannot take into account the unique circumstances of each violation, which may lead to tickets being issued for legitimate situations, such as emergency stops or vehicle malfunctions.

  • Privacy Concerns: The use of cameras to monitor parking can raise privacy issues for some individuals, leading to concerns about surveillance and data security.

Tips to Avoid Parking Tickets from Photo Enforcement

To minimize the risk of receiving a parking ticket through photo enforcement, consider the following tips:

  1. Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations, including time limits, restricted zones, and metered parking requirements.

  2. Pay Attention to Signage: Always check for parking signs that indicate restrictions in the area. These signs will inform you of the rules in place and help you avoid violations.

  3. Set Timers: If you park at a metered space, consider setting a timer on your phone to remind you when it’s time to move your vehicle or add time to the meter.

  4. Use Alternative Transportation: When possible, consider using public transportation, carpooling, or ride-sharing services to avoid parking challenges altogether.

What to Do If You Receive a Parking Ticket

If you receive a parking ticket from a photo enforcement system, here are the steps you can take:

  1. Review the Ticket: Check the ticket for accuracy. Ensure that the details, such as the date, time, and location of the violation, are correct.

  2. Examine the Evidence: Most tickets issued through photo enforcement will include images of your vehicle. Review these images to confirm whether the violation occurred.

  3. Consider Contesting the Ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it. Follow your city’s procedure for appealing a parking ticket, which may involve providing evidence or attending a hearing.

  4. Pay the Fine: If you decide not to contest the ticket, make sure to pay the fine promptly to avoid late fees or additional penalties.

Conclusion

Parking ticket photo enforcement is an effective tool for municipalities to manage parking regulations and enhance compliance. While it offers benefits like increased efficiency and reduced human error, it also raises questions about fairness and privacy. By understanding how these systems work and taking proactive steps, drivers can minimize their chances of receiving a parking ticket and navigate city streets more confidently. Always stay informed about local parking regulations and pay attention to signage to ensure a hassle-free parking experience.

Cities Trying To Use Photo Ticketing For Parking

Drivers be warned: In the perpetual cat-and-mouse war between parking enforcement and motorists trying to park without getting a ticket in this city, the cat just got a powerful new weapon. The city of Newton, a suburb of Boston, is installing video cameras that can detect when a car has been parked in a metered spot too long. According to a story in The Boston Globe, the devices alert parking enforcement officers if a ticket needs to be written.

Automatic license plate recognition — a kind of RoboCop of the parking world that uses a panoramic video camera, laptop computer, and sophisticated software — detects cars that have been parked too long and sounds an alert to write a ticket.

The city bought three systems for $50,000 and plans to install them in parking enforcement vehicles this month. Officials believe the technology could double the number of parking tickets the city writes each year and sharply increase the $1.8 million in annual parking fees it collects.  

Related posts:
Photo Enforced Parking Tickets Are Coming
Parking Ticket for Street Sweeping

Traffic Ticket Scam A93820014BS


Watch Out For These New Speeding Ticket Scams

We have found several users of our site searching for the term "A93820014BS" recently from the following cities.  

Springfield, Indianapolis, Town and Country, Pensacola, Des Plaines, Hillsboro, Allen, Stevens Point, Fayetteville, Chicago, Baltimore, Ballwin, Cassville, Maryland Heights, St. Louis, Bartlesville, Nashville

Scams continue to be an issue as new ones appear every day. Law enforcement warns of the latest phishing scam involving faking traffic violation tickets.

The email stated a vehicle registered to the person had been caught speeding on a stationary traffic camera. They were then given a link to pay a fine of $275 with the police department.

The department explains how scammers are always trying to outsmart email spam filters to make it to your inbox, making it more likely for you to fall victim to a phishing scam.

Phishing emails often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link of opening an attachment. Some email phishing may:

What Is A Trial By Written Declaration?

trial by written declaration form

When people are told they can fight a ticket with a written declaration, the most common question is often how to fight it. But most people have never heard of it, so how does it work and how can it help you?  

Choosing to have your trial by written declaration means that instead of going to court to contest your case, you file statements and any evidence in writing. Evidence may a sworn declaration of the citing officer and a written statement or letter signed by the defendant. 

What happens if you contest your ticket by trial by written declaration?
Choosing to have your trial by written declaration means that instead of going to court to contest your ticket, you and the officer file statements and any evidence in writing. 
Evidence may include:

  • The "Notice to Appear" ticket;
  • A business record or receipt;
  • A sworn declaration of the citing officer;
  • A written statement or letter signed by the defendant; and/or
  • Any written statements or letters signed by witnesses.
  • Photos & video 
By filing a declaration in a trial by written declaration, you are waiving and giving up the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself, and the right to a public and speedy trial. You are also waiving the right to appear in person before a judicial officer, except that you will have a right to a new trial in court if you disagree with the court’s decision in your trial by written declaration.

The advantage of a trial by written declaration is that the judge can review the arguments in the case privately and without the court's influence or having to go to court. All evidence and statements can be submitted in writing, which in itself dramatically increases your chances of success. However, this form of trial has several crucial disadvantages, as it has the potential to bring each person to a second trial if found guilty.     

Most states have a simple way of dealing with traffic matters, using easy-to-fill-out forms in which you state — and please be brief — why you are not guilty of the traffic offense. Experience shows that in most situations, the driver is going to lose the case. But where it is a question of identity — who was driving the car — or a change in ownership, the chances are very good that your ticket will be dismissed.

How do you ask for a trial by written declaration?

You can ask for your trial by a written declaration in person at the clerk’s office or by mail sent to the courthouse address listed on your ticket.

If you mail your request and enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope, the court will mail you instructions and a form entitled Request for Trial by Written Declaration (court form). The top portion of the form you receive should be filled out by the court clerk with important information; read it carefully. Once you get the form and instructions, you can fill out the paperwork.

Are you eligible to request a trial by written declaration?

If you have received a traffic violation, you can request a trial by written declaration unless you were issued a ticket for an offense involving alcohol or drugs or the violation requires a mandatory appearance in court.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

  • You were issued a ticket for infraction violations only;
  • The due date to take care of your ticket has not passed; and
  • Your ticket or courtesy notice does not say that you must appear in court.

Red Light Camera Tickets Are Going Unpaid


Some people may choose not to pay the fines for various reasons, such as disagreement with the program, financial constraints, or other personal factors. Unpaid red light camera tickets can have consequences depending on local laws and enforcement practices. In some jurisdictions, unpaid tickets may lead to additional fines, late payment penalties, or other legal actions such as vehicle registration holds or potential impacts on credit scores. However, the specific consequences can vary by jurisdiction, so it is advisable to consult the traffic laws and regulations in your specific area to understand the implications of unpaid red-light camera tickets.

A growing percentage of drivers caught by red-light cameras around town aren't paying for their tickets. But beyond sending their names to a collection agency, there's little the city of Columbus can do to collect that money.   Nearly $1.6 million in Columbus, Missouri much of which would go to the city's public safety department. The department has used these fines to pay for new police cruisers and the city's summer-crime strike force.

Last year, 28 percent of all red-light-camera citations issued by Columbus were sent to a collection agency, up from 12 percent in 2007. Part of any funds collected now would go to the collection agency and Redflex, which operates the cameras for the city. The poor economy might be one reason why drivers aren't paying, said Deputy Public Safety Director George Speaks. A $95 ticket is a big hit.  But once your ticket is sent to a collection agency, the fine grows to $120. If you don't pay, the city will send you a notice. After 90 days, your case is sent to Capital Recovery, a collection agency. Running a red light is a civil infraction that doesn't add points to your license.

Capital Recovery collects about 17 percent of the delinquent violations the city sends its way, said Craig Klein, the company's president. He said the national collection rate in civil cases such as these is less than 10 percent. "The only way to attack it is to file lawsuits," Klein said. But that would likely cost the city more than it's worth, said City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer. If the problem grows, he'll consider it. Speaks said city officials are discussing reporting scofflaws to credit agencies.

Stephanie Palmer, a victims advocate in Pfeiffer's office, has three unpaid tickets. Two offenses were captured by the camera at Livingston and Fairwood Avenues. The tickets say Palmer didn't stop completely before turning on red. "I'm not sure if I didn't come to a complete stop," she said. "Usually I'm pretty good." In all, there are 169 individuals, companies, and agencies with three or more outstanding citations, totaling close to 900 unpaid tickets.

The biggest offender is the holding company for Avis and Budget rental cars. That company is responsible for 144 unpaid tickets. University Area Commissioner Ahmed Ebady has five unpaid tickets. He said contractors who maintain his residential properties and drive vehicles registered in his name must be responsible. "If the city is going to come after me for a moving violation, let them come up with proof who was driving," Ebady said.

Speaks said the cameras reduce crashes. He said right-angle crashes have fallen by 73 percent at the 18 intersections where cameras have been installed. "The system works," he said.

Houston Man Pays Red Light Camera Ticket With $137 In Origami Pigs

$137 in Origami Pigs
Origami Pig
Origami Pigs
$137 in Origami Pigs Took Him 6 Hours

How to Tell if You Got a Red Light Camera Ticket


Red light camera tickets typically take from 3-7 business days to process and are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.  We recommend waiting until the ticket arrives in the mail before trying to find out ahead of time.  Some people just don't have the patience to wait and if the matter is urgent we recommend calling one of the local police departments listed in the directory below or by dialing 311 on your phone.  Please do not dial 911 on your phone as the operator will not accept your call because getting a ticket is not an emergency requiring dispatch.  Unfortunately, most Police departments are not equipped to handle this type of customer service so expect the worst when you take on this endeavor.  You can also try searching the databases of PhotoNotice.com and Atsol.com.   Also, PhotoEnforced.com does not own, operate or run any of the cameras and we are simply a database of the locations.  Please do not email us with questions asking if you received a ticket because we do not currently have any way of verifying them.  

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Fines May Be Reduced From $450 To $250

San Mateo, California Fines May Be Reduced from $450 to $250

Drivers caught by traffic cameras for taking an illegal right turn at a red light would face much cheaper fines than they do now under a bill introduced by a Peninsula legislator on Friday.  The bill from Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, would lower from about $450 to $250 the fine drivers caught on camera pay for turning right on red without fully stopping.

The exact fine varies slightly in different areas of the state. Although it would provide relief for drivers who roll through right turns, it would cost cities enough money that they may have to yank their cameras altogether. Currently, police fine drivers caught on camera the same amount whether they run a red light through an intersection or make a right turn on red without fully stopping. Assembly Bill 909 would make the illegal right turn penalty the same as what drivers pay when they are pulled over by police for not fully stopping at a stop sign.

In other cities, however, it's less of a concern. Already, Burlingame and San Carlos officials in the past two months voted to take down their cameras because they were not generating enough fine revenue to pay for themselves, and officials in San Bruno voted not to install the devices for the same reason.

Read more

Process Servers for Tickets

Arizona citizens and out-of-state visitors should be aware by now, mailed traffic citations aren't valid under Arizona state law. In order for the ticket to be valid, it either must be delivered personally or the motorist must sign a waiver of proper service. If you choose to find out if a process server will deliver the ticket, and the process server finds you, it may cost up to $40 extra on top of your ticket penalty. If the process servers don't always come out. And if they don't, the ticket gets dismissed 120 days after it enters the court system. Court officials say when that happens, it's as if you never got the ticket at all.

Scanners to Catch Uninsured Motorists Are Coming

Are you paying your auto insurance premiums every month?  If you are not, watch out because Nevada and a few other states are considering adding photo enforcement as a tool to catch the near 20% of drivers who are on the road without it.  

InsureNet, a Chicago-based company, has offered to pay Nevada $30 million upfront for the privilege of setting up scanners and providing the necessary software to nail drivers without insurance. The company would keep a yet-to-be-determined percentage of the fines paid.

If approved by legislators, cameras would be installed at intersections and scan license plates as vehicles pass through. If 20 vehicles zip through an intersection in a 3-second period, the scanner will capture each vehicle's plate information and run it through a national database to determine the insurance status of the driver, Gibbons spokesman Dan Burns said.

"The company will decide where they want to put the cameras, but obviously you would put them in a high-traffic area," Burns said. "They sit there and scan all day." About 22 percent of Nevada drivers are without insurance, Burns said.

Legislators have shot down supporters of red-light cameras three times since 2005. Critics aired concerns about the cost and whether cameras violate motorists' rights to privacy and due process.

Insurance companies notify the DMV of insurance lapses every month. Under Nevada LIVE, the DMV will be notified immediately. The offender will receive a verification request in the mail and can dispute the citation online or in person. Motorists who fail to respond will receive a registered letter notifying them of their suspended registration.

"We don't really know too much about it," Tom Jacobs, a DMV spokesman, said of the InsureNet proposal. Burns touted the InsureNet system for its ability to catch out-of-state offenders, but Jacobs questioned the process because not all states have insurance verification programs.

It is unknown how effective InsureNet's system is. No other state has implemented the program. According to the Chicago Tribune, InsureNet representatives told Chicago officials that the company planned to have "three or four states" signed on within months. That was a year ago.

Burns said InsureNet told the governor it planned to have two other states sign on soon.

Failure to Stop on Red Ticket

stop here on red photo enforcement

How much does a Failure to Stop on Red ticket cost?  We have over 170 locations in our database (as of February 2010) around the US in and the fine ranges from $50 on the East Coast and up to $350 on the West Coast in California.   The amount of the fine is set by each city and would recommend you search for "Right Turn Cameras" in our open database at PhotoEnforced.com to get a better idea of what it will be in your city.

Illegal rolling right turns are when a driver does not come to a "complete stop" before making the turn. These turns result in a ticket when the driver makes a right turn on red regardless if they came to a complete stop. It's a very "grey area" what a "complete stop" is but I have been told it's anything under 7MPH.  If you are traveling over 7MPH measured by the camera pictured above you will likely get a ticket.

Photo enforcement of illegal right turns or failure to stop on red is becoming a very popular revenue source among many cities around the US. Illegal right turns are made when a sign clearly states "no right on red" or "after stopping a right turn is permitted on red' or "stop here on red" (pictured above).

We would appreciate any feedback from drivers around the Country to clarify this below under comments.

Traffic Lawyer Reviews

We have noticed a growing trend of law firms and attorneys advertising their legal services on Google to help you fight traffic tickets in court.  Below is a list of traffic lawyers that advertise on Google Adwords.  We started this list to get your feedback on their performance and services in our comments section below.  As we receive feedback from users both positive and negative they will be posted on a separate page and link provided.  Please send us any attorneys that we may be missing and we will add them to this list. Thanks in advance for your help!

TicketBust.com
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TicketClinic.com
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Trafficticketbust.com
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Theticketfixer.com
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866Speeding.com
5% Case Dismissal Rate Come See Our Victory List! Call Today for a Free Consultation

LATrafficAttorneys.net
Beat Your Traffic Ticket! Attorney Robert Hakim in CA.

2fixyourtrafficticket.com
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4mrticket.com
Traffic Tickets Dismissed 20 Years Of Fighting Tickets In CA. Call Us Now To Fight Your Ticket.

TrafficTicketPros.com
Got Speeding Ticket? High Dismissal Rate. Free Consultation, Call Now!

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Attorney Search Network Certified Attorney Referral Service