Speed Cameras on Rt. 29 South????
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Clifton, VA;Arlington, VA
Originally posted by 4theheckof_it
Well considering I used to be a police officer in Virginia, the cameras that were used were the kind to take front, back, and side photos along with a 7 second video clip of the vehicle in violation. Even if you have the plastic thing on your license plate to try and discourage the camera's from recording your tag it;s useless, due to the fact that there is a police officer that reviews each violation and zooms in to make the tag readable. Once the police officer figures the tag not only will you get a violation notice in the mail but you will also get another violation notice for obstruction of license plate on registered vehicle.. and everyone that I know of that tried to fight it in court just pretty much wasted their time, because the judge will review the video clip, picture of driver and tags, and could possibly raise the fine if the judge deems neccessary +/- $500 (which judges are allowed to do).. anyone else have any questions about VA law I'd be more than willing to help out.
Well considering I used to be a police officer in Virginia, the cameras that were used were the kind to take front, back, and side photos along with a 7 second video clip of the vehicle in violation. Even if you have the plastic thing on your license plate to try and discourage the camera's from recording your tag it;s useless, due to the fact that there is a police officer that reviews each violation and zooms in to make the tag readable. Once the police officer figures the tag not only will you get a violation notice in the mail but you will also get another violation notice for obstruction of license plate on registered vehicle.. and everyone that I know of that tried to fight it in court just pretty much wasted their time, because the judge will review the video clip, picture of driver and tags, and could possibly raise the fine if the judge deems neccessary +/- $500 (which judges are allowed to do).. anyone else have any questions about VA law I'd be more than willing to help out.
I don't go out of my way to run lights. But if I accidentally extend a yellow I will play spy vs. spy. I'll take my chances with the ticket. If they add on for no front plate that's fine with me, it's worth that money to not have a front tag. It is just my opinion, but there are circumstances where it is safer to run a late yellow than slam on my brakes. That's not to say a judge would agree, but I would rather pay a fine or go to court than be rear-ended.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Clarksville
I've flown by the Rt 29 camera several times, and since my radar detector has never complained, I agree that it must be a traffic camera.
As for speed cameras, I got nailed in DC last month for $50. I've since noticed this cop quietly hanging out on the outbound New York Avenue bypass/local lane near the National Arboretum working his radar/camera. Over the years, I've gotten dozens of parking tickets (some for just 5 minutes over expired meter), got a ticket for no front tags, got a ticket for speeding 15 mph over the limit--can't get away with anything in DC so WATCH OUT!
As for speed cameras, I got nailed in DC last month for $50. I've since noticed this cop quietly hanging out on the outbound New York Avenue bypass/local lane near the National Arboretum working his radar/camera. Over the years, I've gotten dozens of parking tickets (some for just 5 minutes over expired meter), got a ticket for no front tags, got a ticket for speeding 15 mph over the limit--can't get away with anything in DC so WATCH OUT!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Virginia and Baltimore
oh yea.. as for it being fought in the courts.. it's pretty much a waste of time.. I have been in court and watch defendants fight it tooth and nail and they get no where based upon the evidence that the vehicle is yours pictured and on video tape... the best thing is to just pay .. no need to waste time and sit in court for nothing.. it's pretty much a money generating thing for the city/county that the camera is placed in.. I know for a fact, one jurisdiction brought in over $300,000 in one year.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Everywhere
Thanks for the info 4theheckofit. Always glad to hear from someone w/ first hand knowledge on these matters. 
Care to share where that successful jurisdiction is so we can all go drive our S elsewhere?
Care to share where that successful jurisdiction is so we can all go drive our S elsewhere?
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Rockville
Hehe I think everyone knows not to speed anywhere near Fairfax County 
I think the key thing to note about speed and redlight cameras is (and correct me if I'm wrong 4theheckof_it) is that you don't get points for the violations. I'm pretty sure that we all agree that speeding tix aren't so bad provided that we just have to pay the fine and don't get points
I think the key thing to note about speed and redlight cameras is (and correct me if I'm wrong 4theheckof_it) is that you don't get points for the violations. I'm pretty sure that we all agree that speeding tix aren't so bad provided that we just have to pay the fine and don't get points
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Virginia and Baltimore
[QUOTE]Originally posted by 1AP12NV
Hehe I think everyone knows not to speed anywhere near Fairfax County
I think the key thing to note about speed and redlight cameras is (and correct me if I'm wrong 4theheckof_it) is that you don't get points for the violations.
Hehe I think everyone knows not to speed anywhere near Fairfax County
I think the key thing to note about speed and redlight cameras is (and correct me if I'm wrong 4theheckof_it) is that you don't get points for the violations.