I got a speeding ticket on Toronto. Took the exit from Don Valley Pkwy into Richmond St E. I think it was a 60 zone at the top and then a complete downhill where it was a 50-zone. The officer stopped me and told me I was doing 66 on a 50-zone (16 km over the limit). I tried to explain him that it was a downhill before the 50-zone started, but it didn't work out . This is my first ticket since I got my license 3 years ago.

My Ticket says: Offense - Speeding, Section 128. My fine is $40 ($55 total Payable).

It seems there are 3 demerit points associated with it (Section 128)?. I would like to fight the ticket... any excuses I can make ??. If I get convicted my insurance premium would go high

Any advice would be deeply appreciated.

If this is your first ticket (and it's a minor one), your insurance should not increase.

They shoot fish in a barrel all around there both ways east and west.

So the cop is gonna show up.

select option 3

You can either take the bargain for 14 over or:

What I would do.(since the dollar amount is so low)

Show up on the day ordered.(If markham road pay at least 4 hours of parking)

A bit early if you can.

Make sure your name is on the list of cases for the room you were supposed to attend.(if it is not look on the other lists)/

room doors.

Find a seat at the back and don"t say anything until you are called.

You will be the last on the list.(cop is probably long gone)

You will get to see how the thing runs.

When they get to the end they are supposed to call anyone's name who has not been dealt with.

They might ask you if you have business with the court.

You say and if the cop is gone you will have your charge dropped.

This method only works for low $ fines and is not for the faint of heart.

No guarantee but I have won that way.

Luck

Cheers

Viper1

viper1 wrote:

When they get to the end they are supposed to call anyone's name who has not been dealt with.

Be careful. In some courts they do that, but in others, if you have not checked in with the Prosecutor, the Prosecutor announces "the defendant is not present." Then JP simply examines the certificate to see if it is complete and regular, and if so, enters the conviction. Some of the Prosecutors in Toronto will not release the officers until ALL of the defendants have been dealt with, even if the defendant is not present in the courtroom.

To the OP: You should be able to plea-bargain it down to 10 over. 0 demerit points, low chance of an insurance hike, $30-ish fine.

like I said

"This method only works for low $ fines and is not for the faint of heart."

You can object if your name is not called

Cheers

Viper1

Thanks a lot everyone. I took Option 3 (Trial Option)... Depending on circumstance, I will try to plea-bargain it down to 10 over. 0 demerit points or try what @viper1 has mentioned

In all honesty, I couldn't believe it when the officer handed me a ticket for being 16km over the speed limit and especially since the road was a downhill before the 50-zone started.

Not that it matters, but this is where I got the ticket

http://oi52.tinypic.com/10dtpg5.jpg

Ah yes, the famous speed trap where the cop sits right near the gas station and nails you as you come off the ramp. They'll stop you for 10 over coming down that ramp... even though 60%+ of the drivers are going 20 or more over the limit, and the 10% who are going under the limit are going to drive through the red light at Parliament anyway...