First Ticket 79/65 MN Please Advise

[CMJDT]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota

I got my first ticket on 5/29 at about 9 PM driving on Highway 371 about 10 miles from Fort Ripley. The stated statute I broke was 168.14 (safe and prudent speed for conditions-prima facie speed limit in MN). The cop stated he had me going 83-84 in a 65 and 78 in a 55 (371 suddenly goes one lane for several miles, then goes back to two lanes). He wrote the ticket for 79 in a 65, however. I never saw him (and I'm vey observant), so I wonder how he got so many supposed readings on me (can a cop be in about three different spots at the same time)? I have heard you should always attempt to contest your first ticket. When the cop stopped me, I stated I was not aware that I was speeding (because I did not wish to admit guilt). Like I said, it's the first ticket I've ever gotten (never got a warning before either).

If I do go to court on this one, I will have to drive 96 miles one way just to go to court. I am concerned about my driving record, however. I am willing to do what it takes to clear my record if I can. I am not so much concerned about the fine but my insurance costs (I hardly ever drive, and I was driving back-5 hours each way-from up North). I am not very familiar with the road I was driving on, since I've only driven on 371 one time before, so I was not aware of the speed change. It was very busy--Memorial Day Weekend traffic, and there were many cars on the road that were similar to mine. Also, how could I speed on a two lane highway that was clogged with traffic? If I was speeding, so was everyone else. Is it worth fighting?

If anyone has any info on what State Farm policies are on surcharges for tickets, I would like to know. It was 14 miles over the limit as he wrote the ticket. I am about to turn 25 as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

[Crazed98]

You could have been caught by planes/helicopters that have radars.

If I were you I would go to court and talk to the DA to dismiss the points. If they don't you can always take a defensive drivers course to reduce the points.

[CMJDT]

If I were you I would go to court and talk to the DA to dismiss the points. If they don't you can always take a defensive drivers course to reduce the points.

Supposedly when I called the courthouse, they stated that Minnesota does not allow driving school to reduce points (I can't even find information on Minnesota points on licenses).

[Crazed98]

Originally Posted by CMJDT

Supposedly when I called the courthouse, they stated that Minnesota does not allow driving school to reduce points (I can't even find information on Minnesota points on licenses).

I don't know about that but here is a school that says it will [URL]http://www.auto-fleet.com/traffic-school/mn-minnesota.html[/URL] it is an online defensive driving class.

[Curt581]

Originally Posted by CMJDT

He wrote the ticket for 79 in a 65, however.

In other words, he gave you a break... probably saving your license. And you're still complaining.

I never saw him (and I'm vey observant),

Since you didn't see him, obviously, he wasn't actually there.

so I wonder how he got so many supposed readings on me (can a cop be in about three different spots at the same time)?

Since you never saw him, and he wasn't actually there, obviously he couldn't have.

I have heard you should always attempt to contest your first ticket.

That is true. Everyone needs a lesson in humility.

When the cop stopped me, I stated I was not aware that I was speeding (because I did not wish to admit guilt).

In other words, you knew you were speeding.

I am not so much concerned about the fine but my insurance costs

I take it that means you won't be one of the people who complain about cops being revenue generators?

I am not very familiar with the road I was driving on, since I've only driven on 371 one time before, so I was not aware of the speed change.

How familiar do you have to be with the area, to be able to read a speed limit sign?

It hardly matters, since you were speeding in both zones.

Also, how could I speed on a two lane highway that was clogged with traffic?

Obviously, you couldn't be. Especially since the cop wasn't actually there.

If I was speeding, so was everyone else. Is it worth fighting?

Based on everyone else speeding? No.

[CMJDT]

Actually, I've never been one to complain about law enforcement individuals doing their job, which is why I did not argue with the Sgt. about my ticket. I was just following advice I had read before that I should not admit guilt. I am not a law-breaker--I've never done drugs, I don't drink, and I've never really broken any other laws before. Which is why this is so confounding to me. I am not used to dealing with this sort of thing, that's all.