So last month, I got pulled over for wearing my seat belt under my arm. I understand completely NOW that this is illegal. Please dont explain to me how I should have known, etc. I have a mitigation hearing in one hour. I really wouldnt be so concerned about a $125 ticket, if that was the end of it I would pay it and go on with my life. However, I have a deferred speeding ticket for $280 that will appear back on my record and that I will have to pay for if I am convicted of the seatbelt violation. Now Im not trying to claim ignorance, although it may sound just like that. But honestly, I had no idea that you can get cited for wearing your seatbelt under your arm. I am short, 5'2, so since the day I got my license, I have worn my seatbelt under my arm because it digs into my neck. Since the day I got pulled over, I havent once worn my seatbelt under my arm. I have no problem following the law, but dont you think it should be made known exactly what is legal and what is not?
2007-09-21 08:46:07 · 21 answers · asked by Ashley V 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Car companies go to great lengths to get people to wear seat belts properly. I don't think you can fight this...
Besides, even if you never wore it like that, & you haven't since, he saw you wearing it like that. You can't fight that! That is what the ticket is for, then, right then.
2007-09-21 08:53:53 · answer #1 · answered by fairly smart 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you know, id just tell them the situation and hope for the best.. say "in my drivers training i was not told that wearing your seatbelt under your arm. I was indeed informed that i must wear a seatbelt but not told how. (only if this is true) and tell them that this was an uninformed mistake because your seatbelt diggs into you neck while u drive, making it not only a distraction but and uncomfort. Although, not being informed of the law I shall wear my seatbelt in the proper mannor but i plead that i be let off with a warning because i was not informed this was against the law." thats what id say, but im no lawyer, ask ur dad, he could give a better answer probably.. well, thats all i can give sorry, good luck!
2007-09-21 08:53:30 · answer #2 · answered by MacDaddy 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do this:
On the day of your hearing dress nice for example if your a woman wear a nice dress with appropriate apparel and go to court looking the best you can.
When your brought before the Judge address him or her as "Yes your Honor or no your Honor" show the utmost respect and tell the Judge exactly what you just told us.
Explain that you only wore the seat belt under your arm to prevent it from digging into your neck but now that you know it's against the law you don't do it anymore and ask that the Judge please understand that you didn't mean to break the law and would appreciate it if it was dismissed.
I know exactly how you feel because we've had 3 brand new vehicles in the past four years and each one did that to me.
But not only do they dig into my neck choking me they tighten up at random locking me in place pinning me to the seat so I can't move which is very dangerous for example as I'm getting onto the freeway I can't lean forward to look into my blind spot before I merge and have to unlock the seat belt so I can breath because it's choking me and there have been many many times where I was almost killed because of it.
I usually drive with the seat belt pulled out and holding it in my hand against the side window while steering with my right hand.
It's absolutely ridiculous that our seat belts are designed to kill us but we have to wear them anyway because it's the damn law.
We're getting rid of our 2007 Chevy Silverado for the same reason we got rid of the 2005 Dodge Dakota and our 2004 Dodge Neon because we have finally had it with the stupid seat belts and having to pay an arm and a leg every month just to drive it.
I'm thinking about buying a vehicle from the early 90's or late 80's when the keys only cost 79 cents and the seat belts were designed to save you instead of killing you.
Good luck with your court appearance and hopefully the jerk cop who gave you that ticket won't show up and the judge will dismiss it.
Don't take anyones advice who says to lie about it.
Never lie to a Judge in a Court of Law that's a very bad idea.
2007-09-21 09:10:14 · answer #3 · answered by Adelaide B 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
What a judge would tell you is that "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." If you're driving, it's your responsibility to know and understand the laws and to adhere to them. Wearing your seatbelt differently than it's intended to be is dangerous as well as illegal. For your safety, you should wear it properly.
If it digs into your neck, you should be able to adjust it. The part where it actually attaches to your car is adjustable on most vehicles, you should be able to slide it up or down.
It sounds like you're going to have to pay for both tickets...
2007-09-21 08:58:22 · answer #4 · answered by gilliegrrrl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in charge! you have no longer any grounds to combat it. it particularly is you're accountability to ensure the motor vehicle you pick topersistent may be pushed collectively as obeying all the guidelines, which comprise seatbelt rules. same is going in case you had your seat belt on properly notwithstanding it interfered with turning your head and you ought to no longer see a vehicle coming and shrink him off ... nevertheless your fault. No distinction than getting a dashing value ticket because of the fact your speedometer grew to become into incorrect.
2016-10-05 03:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by bedlion 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not knowing the law is not a very good defense - your owner's manual that came with the car no doubt shows the proper way to wear your seatbelt. STILL, it can't hurt to try..
2007-09-21 08:51:49 · answer #6 · answered by Bob Thompson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of such a law. I just had open heart surgery and i have to wear my seat belt under my arm or not wear it at all. You can also buy a bracket that converts your seat belt into a lap belt only. If it was snapped you were legally belted !!
2007-09-25 08:23:20 · answer #7 · answered by cblack6540 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why does this country keep producing persons like you,the seatbelts were not created for police officers to harass drivers,they were installed on vehicles because the public demanded them from the car makers to save lives not for looks or confort,I doubt your neck is any different than the millions of other drivers necks
2007-09-21 09:01:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would definitely hire an attorney.
The cost of the attorney will be less than the increase in your insurance rates if you lose.
Over the years I have challenged a few traffic tickets. Every time I hired an attorney that specializes in traffic ticket defense I have won.
Every time I have challenged a ticket without an attorney, I have lost.
Hire the attorney.
In spite of what these other responders say, I would bet that a good attorney will win your case for you and keep that deferred speeding ticket deferred.
I wish you much success!!!
2007-09-21 09:21:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
There is long standing legal principle that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
As far as "it should be made known exactly what is legal and what is not" - that's why we have codified laws that must be put down in writing.
2007-09-21 08:51:11 · answer #10 · answered by Michael C 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋