Traffic Stop

[rnschltz]

Just a quick note of thanks for all the great info that is available on this forum.

I was pulled over for speeding. Before the officer approached my vehicle, I had my license and CHL in my hand on the steering wheel. He asked the location of my firearm, and then for proof of insurance. Came back a few minutes later with a "warning" ticket.

I believe because I followed expected procedure it was an easy stop and I got off with a warning - I owe the folks here who posted about routine traffic stops and suggestions on what to do.

[gigag04]

Maybe...many officers already have their minds decided on a warning or a ticket prior to the stop.

Either way it was a good outcome for you!

[rnschltz]

Maybe...many officers already have their minds decided on a warning or a ticket prior to the stop.

Either way it was a good outcome for you!

Indeed. I travel that route fairly often, and I had mentioned to the officer I did not observe a speed limit sign (70MPH on the toll road) after the toll road ended. He insisted there was one and said regardless that it is 65mph as soon as you hit Austin city limits. I did check and there is no sign for several miles past the point I was pulled over. So my guess is he knew there is no posted speed limit, he was just trying to slow down traffic.

Also worthy to note I observed many other officers in Austin handing out tickets that day.

[Rex B]

So, the last sign you passed was 70 mph, and he stopped you for speeding between there and the first posted 65 mph sign?
If I understood that right, I'd be pretty steamed, warning or no.

[tallmike]

So, the last sign you passed was 70 mph, and he stopped you for speeding between there and the first posted 65 mph sign?
If I understood that right, I'd be pretty steamed, warning or no.

He was probably going more than 70mph too.

[rnschltz]

So, the last sign you passed was 70 mph, and he stopped you for speeding between there and the first posted 65 mph sign?
If I understood that right, I'd be pretty steamed, warning or no.

He was probably going more than 70mph too.

Yes, correct, there are no posted signs between the last 70mph and where I was stopped.

And yes, also correct...clocked me at 77.

[Pinkycatcher]

So, the last sign you passed was 70 mph, and he stopped you for speeding between there and the first posted 65 mph sign?
If I understood that right, I'd be pretty steamed, warning or no.

He was probably going more than 70mph too.

Yes, correct, there are no posted signs between the last 70mph and where I was stopped.

And yes, also correct...clocked me at 77.

Take it to a judge, show that there was no 65 mph sign. The difference between 77 in a 65 and 77 in a 70 is huge, the 10% rule comes into play, it's no longer a moving violation if it's 10% or less over (or is it less than 10% over) which means no points on your license and a cheaper ticket, especially if you can get out of it altogether.

[LaserTex]

I-10 ticket outside of Luling coming back from Katy. Hit with LIDAR (2.5%) at 77 in 70. Caldwell Co declares that 10% over. Defensive Driving (25), driver license check (12), Court Fees (108), 6 hours of my life for DD Class (100 MILLION DOLLARS). No points with an insurance discount....Priceless.

Doug

Mailed stuff back to them last week.

[Grog]

I-10 ticket outside of Luling coming back from Katy. Hit with LIDAR (2.5%) at 77 in 70. Caldwell Co declares that 10% over.

10% of 70 is 7.

[Commander Cody]

A warning cost nothing. Let it go as a good stop.

[Charles L. Cotton]

What's this 10% rule? Did something change? It used to be that anything under 20 mph over didn't impact your insurance rates. Corvette drivers unite!!!

Chas.

[mctowalot]

Does the above apply to my alleged 39 in a 30? (Houston, HPD)

[srothstein]

What's this 10% rule? Did something change? It used to be that anything under 20 mph over didn't impact your insurance rates. Corvette drivers unite!!!

Chas.

Yep, when the state decided to raise money by imposing surcharges on driver's license things changed. They wrote into section 708.052 that you get points for all moving violations except for speeding that was less than 10% over the speed limit. Most insurance companies now go with if the ticket gets points on your license (easy excuse to change policy and get more money as the law changed).