[macavelli]

My friend visiting Georgia received a speeding ticket for going 92 MPH. He showed his license from his home country in Europe. What should he do? He returned home after a 7 day stay. He is not sure what to do. I don't think the ticket states fine.

[RAILhead]

Uhh...pay the ticket for being a dumbass and going 92 MPH?

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by RAILhead

Uhh...pay the ticket for being a dumbass and going 92 MPH?

What he said.

Pay the damn ticket!

[PurpleGiant]

Curious, why would he receive a pardon?

[Rumor]

Shouldn't have driven that fast. It's pointless on public roads. I drive a sports car and have no speeding tickets. Save it for the track.

[Spliffdaddy]

Don't bother paying the ticket. There's no way it'll ever matter.

Seriously. They can't issue an arrest warrant that's valid in another country. And I doubt any 'points' will appear on a license issued in another country.

If he gets pulled over in Georgia again, he might have to clear it up, however.

[olePigeon]

I doubt any country would extradite your friend over a speeding ticket.

However, if he ever returns to the states, he'll most certainly have a warrant out for his arrest on his record.

[residentEvil]

and what does being a mac user have anything to do with the speeding ticket?

[d4nth3m4n]

good you mentioned he's a mac user. otherwise i'd tell him to just pay the damn thing.

instead i'll just point you to what spliffdaddy said.

[davesimondotcom]

Just curious, but was this a 75 MPH zone or a 35 MPH zone?

I think he should pay the fine anyway.

[Spliffdaddy]

If Georgia *does* issue an arrest warrant - and there's no guarantee they will - it won't matter in any state except Georgia. Besides, it's a misdemeanor offense - and they don't even have the money to incarcerate real criminals...so even if he gets caught in Georgia *again* he'll be a free man within minutes.

I've been there done that. Too many times.

[ghporter]

And why was he going so darn fast anyway? Didn't he notice how many cars he passed?

[turtle777]

They can't enforce the ticket, let alone points for foreigners.
[/serious]

BUT: He might be arrested as a terrorist the next time he enters the US.

-t

[d4nth3m4n]

yeah, they'd kinda see that he hadn't paid it as soon as he hit customs. is there a statute of limitations on something like this?

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by d4nth3m4n

yeah, they'd kinda see that he hadn't paid it as soon as he hit customs.

Well, not customs. If it would come up, then at immigration.

But I sort of doubt it. I don't think their systems are THAT connected. And again, this is just a minor offense, not a felony.

-t

[DigitalEl]

The systems aren't that connected. We can't catch terrorists, let alone speeders. As for the issuance of a warrant, it's unlikely one would be entered. Even if it were, misdemeanor warrants are purged after 5 years.

[residentEvil]

actually, when a speeder hits x over the limit, it does...and i believe that is 21mph over. so anything over 90 would be (since the max limit is 70, 91+ would qualify)

it becomes intent with a deadly weapon in michigan. i believe that is a felony. now, not every 21mph + offense over is actually written that way (my over 21mph+ was written as 79 in a 70, cause i was given a break). but he could have hauled me to jail right then. (it is my only ticket, ever). and over by that much = enough points to have your license taken away for a very long time.

edit: digging it up right now; the discussion here at home thinks it might be 31mph +, not 21mph. i can't confirm yet, still searching.

[d4nth3m4n]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Well, not customs. If it would come up, then at immigration.

But I sort of doubt it. I don't think their systems are THAT connected. And again, this is just a minor offense, not a felony.

-t

right, that's what i meant.

[macforray]

Two wrongs don't make a right. He was wrong to be doing 92 mph and he would be wrong in not paying the fine. Whether he just had a bad case of "dumbass" or was just being too cocky for his own good, he still needs to take responsibility and make it right.

Frankly, it is somewhat troublesome that the question was even posted. Pay the fine.

[Mastrap]

Go home and forget about the ticket. Nothing will happen.
Next time, stick to the speed limit.

[KeriVit]

Don't mess with the visa- pay the ticket.

If not on a visa, just pay the damn thing. Dumb going that fast. Parking ticket? I might have a dif opinion.

[Ozmodiar]

I'm a US citizen and I don't even pay parking tickets if I get them in a State I don't live in.

[meelk]

you should thank your friend for endangering everyone he remotely came into contact with one the roads in Georgia. Seriously, even not being American, it had to occur to him "wow these other cars are going nowhere near as fast as I am."
What a damn moron. He should have been thrown in jail. I'm not the least bit lenient on people who needlessly endanger others lives.

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by meelk

you should thank your friend for endangering everyone he remotely came into contact with one the roads in Georgia.

92mph is legal in many European countries. Chances are the guy just didn't notice that he was over the limit.

Apart from that I agree with you, I can't stand speeders myself.

[meelk]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

92mph is legal in many European countries. Chances are the guy just didn't notice that he was over the limit.

Apart from that I agree with you, I can't stand speeders myself.

BS. he had to have noticed he was passing every car on the road.

[Doofy]

What a bunch of pansies you lot are. 92 MPH is nothing - certainly not much different from 70 in terms of safety for other road users. The only reason you're all getting uppity about it is because the government set a number and someone went over it.

Unless you were there you certainly can't say that he was endangering other people's lives simply because he was over the speed limit. There's a multitude of other factors besides the "one size fits all" number written in the law books - traffic density, vehicle type, vehicle condition, road condition, driver ability, etc., etc.. Live in Germany and your mom will be driving quicker than this guy was.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by meelk

BS. he had to have noticed he was passing every car on the road.

You're assuming that there were other cars on the road.

[Mastrap]

He's also assuming that everybody else wasn't doing a minimum of 85, which is the norm on most highways with a 75mph limit.

[d4nth3m4n]

Originally Posted by Doofy

What a bunch of pansies you lot are. 92 MPH is nothing - certainly not much different from 70 in terms of safety for other road users. The only reason you're all getting uppity about it is because the government set a number and someone went over it.

Unless you were there you certainly can't say that he was endangering other people's lives simply because he was over the speed limit. There's a multitude of other factors besides the "one size fits all" number written in the law books - traffic density, vehicle type, vehicle condition, road condition, driver ability, etc., etc.. Live in Germany and your mom will be driving quicker than this guy was.

he still got a ticket and needs to pay it. jesus.

edit: ah, didn't see the two posts above yours.

[meelk]

Originally Posted by Doofy

What a bunch of pansies you lot are. 92 MPH is nothing - certainly not much different from 70 in terms of safety for other road users. The only reason you're all getting uppity about it is because the government set a number and someone went over it.

Unless you were there you certainly can't say that he was endangering other people's lives simply because he was over the speed limit. There's a multitude of other factors besides the "one size fits all" number written in the law books - traffic density, vehicle type, vehicle condition, road condition, driver ability, etc., etc.. Live in Germany and your mom will be driving quicker than this guy was.

Its not Germany, its America, where the limit is clearly posted, and yes, 92 is a hell of a lot different than 70. Were it not, he would not have been stopped, huh? American interstates are not designed with that kind of speed in mind for the average driver, your whole argument is meaningless. His sorry ass needs to be deported.

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by meelk

His sorry ass needs to be deported.

No trooper with even an ounce of sense will stop anybody doing 10 above the limit. Which takes us to 85, 75 being the limit in Georgia. Seven more are hardly reason for deportation. Get a grip.

[meelk]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

No trooper with even an ounce of sense will stop anybody doing 10 above the limit. Which takes us to 85, 75 being the limit in Georgia. Seven more are hardly reason for deportation. Get a grip.

so its 7 over the limit by your screwed up reasoning instead of 17, right? how stupid is that?
its more than dangerous.

[torsoboy]

Originally Posted by macavelli

My friend visiting Georgia received a speeding ticket for going 92 MPH. He showed his license from his home country in Europe. What should he do? He returned home after a 7 day stay. He is not sure what to do. I don't think the ticket states fine.

Is the question "What should he do to pay the fine?" The post makes it sound like he is already back in Europe and is trying to figure out how to pay it. At least that is what it sounds like to me. If so, you can usually get online now days and pay your speeding tickets. He should try that.

[King Bob On The Cob]

Originally Posted by meelk

you should thank your friend for endangering everyone he remotely came into contact with one the roads in Georgia. Seriously, even not being American, it had to occur to him "wow these other cars are going nowhere near as fast as I am."
What a damn moron. He should have been thrown in jail. I'm not the least bit lenient on people who needlessly endanger others lives.

Yes, driving fast is what endangers other's lives, not idiots who swerve around lanes...
(Take a look at the fatalities on the Autobahn, they're lower than the Interstate, and they drive WAY faster on the Autobahn)

[Goldfinger]

I'd be worried when he returns to the US. In most european countries your not getting out or back in before you've paid your ticket. In Belgium non-Belgian citizens have to pay immediately. And a wise tip for people visiting France: never ever speed in France these they, they will nail your sorry ass no matter what.

I must agree with Doofy. Speed limits on highways are bull.

[meelk]

Originally Posted by King Bob On The Cob

Yes, driving fast is what endangers other's lives, not idiots who swerve around lanes...
(Take a look at the fatalities on the Autobahn, they're lower than the Interstate, and they drive WAY faster on the Autobahn)

The Autobahn is built and maintained with its speedier usage in mind, American interstates are not, and American drivers are not Autobahn drivers. Again: You people are completely missing the facts. Here, lets spell it out, since you dont get it:
He was a dangerous driver. How about I go to Europe, drive on the "wrong side" of the road somewhere, then tell them "hey, its ok, I'm American!" That is the kind of stupidity you are defending.


The general rule for design is to provide for unimpeded, high-speed traffic flow. Unimproved older segments aside, most Autobahns feature the following design elements:

* Two, three, or occasionally four lanes per direction. Lanes on rural sections are generally 3.75 meters wide except the left lane of newer three lane segments-- it's 3.5 meters wide. On urban sections, all lanes are 3.5 meters wide.
* A landscaped "green" median 3.5 or 4 meters wide (3 meters in urban areas). A double-sided guardrail runs down the middle. Blinders are often used on curves. Some newer sections have concrete barriers instead of green medians.
* Outside emergency shoulders and long acceleration and deceleration lanes.
* Full grade-separation and access control, generally provided by half cloverleaf interchanges at exits and full cloverleafs or directional interchanges at Autobahn crossings. Interchanges are generally well-spaced, sometimes exceeding 30 km between.
* Grades of 4% or less. Climbing lanes are provided on most steep grades.
* Gentle and well-banked curves.
* Freeze-resistant concrete or bituminous surface.
* Roadbed and surface measuring about 68 cm (27 inches) in thickness.

In addition, Autobahns also feature the following amenities:

* Reflector guide posts at 50 meter intervals.
* Frequent parking areas, often equipped with toilet facilities.
* Extensive and ample service areas featuring filling stations, restaurants, and hotels.
* Automated traffic and weather monitoring and electronic signs providing dynamic speed limits and/or advance warning of congestion, accidents, construction, and fog.
* Emergency telephones at 2 km intervals.
* Pre-signed detour routes to facilitate emergency closures.
* Standardized signage.
* Wildlife protection fencing, crossover tunnels and "green bridges".

Maintenance is superb. Crews inspect every square meter of the system periodically using vehicles with high-tech road scanning equipment. When a fissure or other defect is found, the entire road section is replaced. Signs, barriers, and other features are also well maintained.



Many sections do indeed have posted limits ranging from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph), particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, near major interchanges, or with unusually constant heavy traffic. In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph). Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below). Still, about half the Autobahn system has no speed limit, but there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph).

***********81mph? hey...guess what, thats significantly under 92mph, even though its just an "advisory"*********

http://gettingaroundgermany.home.att.net/autobahn.htm

[d4nth3m4n]

*cue student 55mph protest vid*

[Goldfinger]

Originally Posted by meelk

Maintenance is superb. Crews inspect every square meter of the system periodically using vehicles with high-tech road scanning equipment. When a fissure or other defect is found, the entire road section is replaced. Signs, barriers, and other features are also well maintained.

No. Maintenance is not superb. There are some shitty Autobahns out there. Want the best roads in the world ? Go to France. Too bad you can only do 130-135 there.


Pretty weird you don't have this stuff in the US:
* Reflector guide posts at 50 meter intervals.
* Frequent parking areas, often equipped with toilet facilities.
* Extensive and ample service areas featuring filling stations, restaurants, and hotels.
* Automated traffic and weather monitoring and electronic signs providing dynamic speed limits and/or advance warning of congestion, accidents, construction, and fog.
* Emergency telephones at 2 km intervals.
* Pre-signed detour routes to facilitate emergency closures.
* Standardized signage.
* Wildlife protection fencing, crossover tunnels and "green bridges".

You've got a point that the infrastructure in the US is a joke (and 99% of the drivers as well).

[moonmonkey]

Georgia is pretty hostile country, bribery is commonplace with the police force.
I find it very strange they would give you a ticket, they are much more likely to demand immediate payment and escort you to an ATM. Unless you plan to return there is nothing they can so.

The immigration system is also unlikely to be computerized so don't worry too much about passing through next time.

[subego]

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

* Emergency telephones at 2 km intervals.

Y'all heard of cell phones?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

But I sort of doubt it. I don't think their systems are THAT connected. And again, this is just a minor offense, not a felony.

-t

Yeah it's that connected.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

No trooper with even an ounce of sense will stop anybody doing 10 above the limit.

Well there are lots of troopers out there with no sense Mastrap. I've been stopped doing 10 over many times.

Before I got my radar detector.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

No. Maintenance is not superb. There are some shitty Autobahns out there. Want the best roads in the world ? Go to France. Too bad you can only do 130-135 there.


Pretty weird you don't have this stuff in the US:
* Reflector guide posts at 50 meter intervals.
* Frequent parking areas, often equipped with toilet facilities.
* Extensive and ample service areas featuring filling stations, restaurants, and hotels.
* Automated traffic and weather monitoring and electronic signs providing dynamic speed limits and/or advance warning of congestion, accidents, construction, and fog.
* Emergency telephones at 2 km intervals.
* Pre-signed detour routes to facilitate emergency closures.
* Standardized signage.
* Wildlife protection fencing, crossover tunnels and "green bridges".

You've got a point that the infrastructure in the US is a joke (and 99% of the drivers as well).

Uh Gold, we DO have lots of these things. Atleast the places in the US I have been to. And there have been TONS of places here I've been to.

How long has it been since you been here?

[Powerbook]

Originally Posted by Doofy

What a bunch of pansies you lot are. 92 MPH is nothing - certainly not much different from 70 in terms of safety for other road users. The only reason you're all getting uppity about it is because the government set a number and someone went over it.
...
Live in Germany and your mom will be driving quicker than this guy was.

Indeed. Many, I repeat many limits in Germany are more or less enforced as an easy way of making money. Although you should always know where and how to speed - I just went back from the CeBit fair and got flashed with doing 140 in a 100 zone. Three lane Autobahn without traffic, ridiculous...


PB.

[ghporter]

The way the U.S. highway system is structured, you're going to encounter a number of different levels of quality on the long distance drive from point A to point B. You could leave your home and travel on fair city streets to a state-maintained Interstate Highway, or you could leave your home and travel on county roads that are anywhere from fantastic to abysmal, only to reach crappy, unmaintained city streets that eventually get you to the Interstate. The situation at the distant end is similar.

As I understand it, the German Federal Government handles all the Autobahn maintenance-at least contracting for it. Here in the States, the Federal government provides funds to the states and THEY contract highway maintenance. This allows for a WIDE variety of skill and quality in road maintenance.

And then there's the everpresent "highway construction." The slogan for that should be "Building the highway of the last decade!" U.S. highways almost never get even started before there's a huge need for them, and by the time "today's design" gets built, it's way out of date.

This isn't a knock against the U.S. or even against road construction crews. It's more about lack of imagination and planning on the part of government highway departments here.

And NO U.S. road is really designed for speeds above 80MPH. Why should they be? American drivers have problems with parking lots; I certainly don't want them to think they're allowed to drive much faster than 70!

[Ω]

Originally Posted by subego

Y'all heard of cell phones?

Great come back.

[OB1]

Originally Posted by Doofy

What a bunch of pansies you lot are. 92 MPH is nothing - certainly not much different from 70 in terms of safety for other road users. The only reason you're all getting uppity about it is because the government set a number and someone went over it.

Unless you were there you certainly can't say that he was endangering other people's lives simply because he was over the speed limit. There's a multitude of other factors besides the "one size fits all" number written in the law books - traffic density, vehicle type, vehicle condition, road condition, driver ability, etc., etc.. Live in Germany and your mom will be driving quicker than this guy was.

[Nivag]

Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. Your normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side. This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop-heart. Make the bastard chase you. He will follow.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yeah it's that connected.

I think that's more wishful thinking.

The US doesn't even have a chance to track somebody who moves from one state to another. Yeah, they tell you they got it all under control to keep the terrorists out, but they don't.

Remember that Germany kid who got brought to the US many years ago by his granddad, but the granny didn't file the immigration papers. It took them (authorities) like 10 years to figure it out. That kid had a drivers license, went to school, went in and out of the US and had no clue himself. He thought he was a US citizen. Did they catch him at the border ? No. A random thing got him caught.

-t

[macaddict0001]

Yeah they won't catch you, unless a chase has advanced to the federal level they stop chasing you when you go across the border of a state.