I live in Portland, Oregon. Last night I was driving across the burnside bridge when I was pulled over for going 43 in a 25. He said that the speed limit was recently changed from 40 to 25 on the bridge because of construction but that the speed limit is posted on both ends. I'm sure this is true but here's my case. Due to the construction they have tried to wash over lane lines and replace them with cones. When I was crossing over the bridge it was I was paying attention to the lanes so that I wouldn't drive in to oncoming traffic. Therefore I had no idea of the new speed limit. Do I have a case?
2007-02-21 03:47:03 · 8 answers · asked by KN 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Definitely go to court on this one. It was raining/hailing last night on the coast, so I suspect it was raining and hailing in Portland. Combining the weather with the cones, I don't think you could have been driving 43 on the bridge. I would mention all this and that you couldn't see the new signs. Take pictures - and show where the cones start and where the speed limit signs are.
You really want to fight this because in Oregon we have a 'fines are double' in construction zones law. The speeding ticket will cost you twice as much as normal. And no, there isn't a set speed in construction zones - they vary by location.
2007-02-21 07:05:02 · answer #1 · answered by An Oregon Nut 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably have no case in the totalitarian Northwest. You've heard "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." You are responsible for paying attention to speed zones. Besides, if the bridge was as hazardous as you suggest, you were driving too fast for conditions. Pay the ticket.
2007-02-21 03:57:13 · answer #2 · answered by SA Writer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Sorry. They have signs posted, so you have no case. Normally it's double fines in a construction zone too. You are supposed to pay better attention in a construction zone because there are generally people on or very near to the road.
2007-02-21 03:56:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you're screwed. It's up to the driver to be aware of all traffic controls. A friendly judge might give you the benefit of the doubt, but there's not too many of those in traffic court.
2007-02-21 03:55:12 · answer #4 · answered by thegubmint 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You always can go to court and tell the judge your side of the story. Take pictures of the area and just contest it and let the judge decide. Good luck.
2007-02-21 03:52:20 · answer #5 · answered by woodyhou 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...you don't have a case.
Ignorence of the law is not a valid defense.
2007-02-21 04:45:12 · answer #6 · answered by Jack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can try that defense, but I would bring my checkbook, cuz it ain't gonna go over too well...........
2007-02-21 04:39:28 · answer #7 · answered by tallerfella 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OBVIOUSLY YOU WERENT AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. TAKE RESPONSIBILTIY FOR YOUR ACTIONS
2007-02-22 00:14:55 · answer #8 · answered by Flanman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋