How can I fight a loud music ticket when I have a stock radio and speakers and my windows were up?

Question

FL statute says it can't be plainly audible at 25 or more ft away. No decibel reading required for them to ticket me but I got a reading done to show them proof of stock speakers. I am hoping he won't show up even though I know I am right. It is a BS ticket because he couldn't get me for anything else.

Answer 1

First of all, 25 ft is utter bullshit. The standard is 100 ft, and "tough" cities use 50 ft (in most states, there is no law; just civil codes for each town/city). Anyway, it's highly unlikely that the prosecutor will even see you. If he does, he's not going to drop the ticket. The most he will do is offer you a "plea bargain": you plead guilty, and he'll make the fine lower.

So, plead not guilty, then do most of the things that William suggests. Just remember, traffic court is designed to get your money out of your pocket, and into theirs. That means that you have to use all of the things you have at your disposal to defend yourself. Getting your stock system looked at/measured was a good start, but I'd personally buy two pair of these: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7e9YPIHrAQk/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=760&I=127BB150A2&search=blocker to remove most of the bass from your factory speakers. If it's got a factory sub, cut one of the wires to it, then splice it back together after the trial.

Just don't be surprised if the judge refuses to leave the courtroom, and finds you guilty. Tell him the moment he says the word "guilty" that you request a retrial, since you couldn't have a fair trial, because he refused to hear your stereo. After the second or third time you make them have another trial, they'll want to drop the charges, because it's costing them more money than they would have made from the fine. That's how you beat traffic court.

Answer 2

Ticket For Loud Music

Answer 3

Plead not guilty. Take it to trial and present your car as evidence. Besides the cop may not show up hoping you will just pay the ticket and go on. Look up the law/statute/ordinance. Does it have a decibel limit or just a distance stated in it? If it has a decibel limit ask the cop if he keeps a decibel meter with him and at what decibels your car was at. If its distance ask him how far away he was from you when he determined it was your car and then see if the judge will let you set up a demo of your car the distance the cop says he was from you and see if he thinks its too loud at that distance. Because its only the cops "opinion" if it was too loud or not unlike being clocked by a radar where he has "proof" you were speeding

Answer 4

Going to court is a waste of time and money. I went for exactly the same reason and I did exactly what you all are recommending. And also discuss how the ticket is subjective. I was driving 20MPH, all my windows and sunroof were open, and the cop was in a motorcycle turned off. Of course he would hear my music. Anyway... I went to court to defend myself. Cost me more with court fees. Moral of the story: just pay a ticket. Pointless to even argue with the police. Everyone always sides with them. That butthole had 6 people in there for loud music including me. We all lost.

Answer 5

A lot of times if you take the ticket to court, explain what happened, and remember to remain completely calm and polite, they'll drop/lower the ticket (if it's a first offense/ticket). Just remember that you're in THEIR courtroom at THEIR mercy, and they might not take kindly if you become uppity or upset. Be mature and responsible and you should be okay!

Answer 6

Talk to the prosecutor before trying to take it to court. You will have a good chance of getting it dropped if you do.

Answer 7

Play what you were listening to for the judge. You can be sure that he will not call that "music". Therefore, he must find you not guilty.

Answer 8

tell it to the judge...really!!!!!