$170 fine for 53kph

[bert_is_evil]

Last night at about 6pm I pulled onto Lambton Quay and got nabbed doing 53kph in the 30kph zone. There was one officer with the radar gun and one (obviously newbee) officer writing the tickets. While the newb was writing the ticket the other officer inspected my rego etc and closely inspected my tyres before asking me if I was the only rider of the bike. The new officer wrote me a ticket and handed it to me, and while I was reading it and breathing a sigh of relief that it was only $80 the other officer snatched it back off me and gave it back to the newbee saying the amount was wrong. She then crossed out the $80 and replaced it with $170 and signed her initials, then gave it back. "F#ck" I exclaimed, thanked them for pointing out the error of my ways and left. When I got home I noticed that there were no demerit points circled on the ticket, so what I'm wondering is:

- Are they allowed to give you the ticket, then take it back and change it?
- If they haven't explicitly noted demerit points, will they be applied any way?
- Why would they ask if I'm the only rider of the bike?

[vifferman]

I'm surprised there were no demerit points - for 73 in a 50, I won $170 and 35 points.

[Bend-it]

çoz you're a chick and obviously can't be the actual owner of a litre sportbike!

Gutting about the ticket! 30kph anywhere is nutz!! Almost entrapment... blardy ltnz

[Sparky Bills]

Surely they can take it back and change it!..?
Any Law people on here that can clarify this?
There will be demerits, they just didnt circle it. They will automatically go on.

I can think of any reason why they would ask if you were the only one on the bike.
What a pain in the ass either way aye!

[bert_is_evil]

Yeah perhaps he was looking for chicken strips.

I really had to bite my tounge not to get into a debate about the 30k speed limit as I know they don't make the rules - he did make a point of saying "our boss is making us do this"

[bert_is_evil]

Of course all my hopes and dreams of going to the motott trackday on 2 Sept are dashed now:cry:

[RantyDave]

he did make a point of saying "our boss is making us do this"
Fine. My boss is making me ride too fast. Doesn't make it his fault, does it?

Carry the guilt mere bobbies. You joined the force to save the world but ended up as a glorified speed camera. World's smallest violin.

Dave

[skelstar]

Come on BIE...you knew the limit :nono:... Not much point debating whether its ok for a coppa to take a ticket and edit it if it was filled out incorrectly is there? If he hadn't then this might be like the miriad of other threads that wank on about the date filled out being wrong and "can I get off this ticket"?

The "are you the only rider" question is interesting though...

[bert_is_evil]

I don't have any intention of disputing the ticket on a technicality, I'm just curious really and a bit mystified by the only rider question. I felt like saying tounge in cheek "why, did I wheelie past you at some stage" but that would have been misleading, as I can't wheelie.

[bungbung]

I had a similar problem with demerits not circled. LTSA will apply demerits regardless of circled or not based on the amount of speed over the limit.

[magicfairy]

Bad luck! Thanks for the heads up anyway - they must be targeting the 30k zones in the central city. Lets hope they get a few bus drivers, that is what it is all about, idiot pedestrians walking out in front of buses. And I've seen a lot who definately are NOT sticking to the 30k.

[bert_is_evil]

I had a similar problem with demerits not circled. LTSA will apply demerits regardless of circled or not based on the amount of speed over the limit.

Oh poo
10 char

[Ewan Oozarmy]

I got stopped doing 69 in a 50 - $120 fine a the cop circled 20 demerit points. However, I only have a UK licence - would I be right in thinking the points don't count?

[Karma]

Last night at about 6pm I pulled onto Lambton Quay and got nabbed doing 53kph in the 30kph zone.


I don't know much about Wellington, but where abouts exactly on the Quay were you ticketed?

I ask this because it's one of the rules of speeding tickets that they can't ticket you within 250 metres of a change of speed sign, so if you'd only just gone past the 30kph sign you can send them a letter stating that you were actually slowing down to 30 and they can't touch you.

[vifferman]

It's one of the rules of speeding tickets that they can't ticket you within 250 metres of a change of speed sign, so if you'd only just gone past the 30kph sign you can send them a letter stating that you were actually slowing down to 30 and they can't touch you.
Bullshit.
You're supposed to slow down so that when you reach the sign you're going the speed limit. Some 30km/h speed zones'd be lucky to be much bigger'n 250m.

[craigs288]

I don't have any intention of disputing the ticket on a technicality, I'm just curious really and a bit mystified by the only rider question. I felt like saying tounge in cheek "why, did I wheelie past you at some stage" but that would have been misleading, as I can't wheelie.

Perhaps when they cooked you with the laser (compulsory sterilisation of the undesirables?) they thought you might have been a pillion and your invisible friend was actually the one responsible for speeding?

Or perhaps they were just pre-empting the possible fight it in court with the "it's not my bike, I didn't realise how powerful (and fun) it was" argument. Please don't take my licence/birthday/life your honour. I really do love the government and all it does for the lucky people of this country, boo hoo, sob, sob.

[slopster]

I ask this because it's one of the rules of speeding tickets that they can't ticket you within 250 metres of a change of speed sign, so if you'd only just gone past the 30kph sign you can send them a letter stating that you were actually slowing down to 30 and they can't touch you.

I think thats a guideline but not a rule they can still ticket you the moment you enter that 30 zone at over 30 if they really want (just like they can give you a ticket for 31 in a 30 zone if they really want).

[Sanx]

I got stopped doing 69 in a 50 - $120 fine a the cop circled 20 demerit points. However, I only have a UK licence - would I be right in thinking the points don't count?

No - you wouldn't be right. You'll find they mysteriously appear on your NZ licence when (if) you get around to taking the scratch'n'sniff theory test.

[Ewan Oozarmy]

No - you wouldn't be right. You'll find they mysteriously appear on your NZ licence when (if) you get around to taking the scratch'n'sniff theory test.

So best I leave NZ at least once a year then and keep using the trusty old UK licence.

Seems to piss the cops off, mind you. Ho hum.......

[Ocean1]

Bullshit.
You're supposed to slow down so that when you reach the sign you're going the speed limit. Some 30km/h speed zones'd be lucky to be much bigger'n 250m.

How aboouut... we start pulling up at 30K signs, getting off the bike, and pushing it (slowly) for 250M. Be a bunch of restless traffic behind you before you got back on again, bound to cause a stir. "But yeronner, one can't balance a bike at 30K, they're just not designed for it..."

No real reason, I just don’t like the “let’s target X behaviour this month” policy. Reeks of fiscal considerations, whereas a more consistent, even-handed policy might mean better regulated behaviour. Not trying to incite an outbreak of rampant lawlessness here but… well all right, mebe I am. Apparently I’ve got issues with authority, as you were.

[marty]

actually, you'll now have a psuedo nz drivers licence - created to carry your demerits and convictions. that number will now show up every time you're stopped - even if you give over your uk licence.

[imdying]

Anyone that can't ride their bike at walking speed shouldn't have a licenese anyway.

[justsomeguy]

That seems expensive, the ticket should be $80 and no more. Unless there is more than what you tell us.

Unless I'm mistaken the penalty amounts are set in the system. You can't be charged random amounts.

Can a cop please clarify?

[justsomeguy]

"But yeronner, one can't balance a bike at 30K, they're just not designed for it..."

Mate, anyone with a full license should have the skill to balance a bike at standstill for at least 2 seconds and be able to ride at two kmph.

[marty]

nah 170 for 21-25k over is correct.

[Ocean1]

Mate, anyone with a full license should have the skill to balance a bike at standstill for at least 2 seconds and be able to ride at two kmph.

Peace dood, I can balance OK enough. I don't even have a problem with 30K limits around schools. I just don't like some of the enforcement tactics.

As a matter of interest who's happy or otherwise with the level of signage out there. In unfamilliar areas I sometimes miss the sign at the change in speed, could we do with more?

[ceebie13]

Anyone that can't ride their bike at walking speed shouldn't have a licenese anyway.


"Get Licenese... and wash away those pubic lice...dead!!"

[justsomeguy]

Peace dood, I can balance OK enough. I don't even have a problem with 30K limits around schools. I just don't like some of the enforcement tactics.

As a matter of interest who's happy or otherwise with the level of signage out there. In unfamiliar areas I sometimes miss the sign at the change in speed, could we do with more?

No dramas mate - it's all good.


The signage is shit, I agree.

Out here in Sydney we have variable speed zones, 40,60,40,70,80,110,40,80 - could be the same road - f'king ridiculous place.

[justsomeguy]

nah 170 for 21-25k over is correct.

That's ok - I'm as dumb as that poor rookie cop.

We both thought she was doing 53 in a 50 zone. Hence the $80k ticket.

Stupid me.

[Coyote]

Shit, it's 30 through there?! I haven't noticed any signs, I was doing 50 through there the other day :shit:

[Ocean1]

Out here in Sydney we have variable speed zones, 40,60,40,70,80,110,40,80 - could be the same road - f'king ridiculous place.

Last month in Perth I encountered all of those (except the 110) over 12 changes in less than 10K, for no good reason that I could see, (it was all on one out of town road). The locals are convinced it's entrapment. :laugh:

[Grahameeboy]

No - you wouldn't be right. You'll find they mysteriously appear on your NZ licence when (if) you get around to taking the scratch'n'sniff theory test.

Didn't happen in my case........how would they track?

[imdying]

"Get Licenese... and wash away those pubic lice...dead!!":rofl: You made my day dude :rofl:

[Hawkeye]

FFS 30k down the quay. When did that change. So I suppose they are stopping and ticketing all of the buses that go down there at 60k then are they?

They should actually start ticketing the peds for jay walking along there. Most of them think it is their god given right to cross without even looking.

[Grahameeboy]

FFS 30k down the quay. When did that change. So I suppose they are stopping and ticketing all of the buses that go down there at 60k then are they?

They should actually start ticketing the peds for jay walking along there. Most of them think it is their god given right to cross without even looking.

What about cylists...easy do 30kph which is about 20mphish in old lingo.

[Grahameeboy]

No dramas mate - it's all good.


The signage is shit, I agree.

Out here in Sydney we have variable speed zones, 40,60,40,70,80,110,40,80 - could be the same road - f'king ridiculous place.

Geeze that is variable...in UK afew years back I had seem 40mph signs so on way back in dark I stuck to 40mph....in daylight the signs are about plate size so not easy to see......went through a roundabout and saw a flash.

Turns out the speed limit changed to 30mph after the roundabout.

I was clocked at 42mph so I explained that as far as I was concerned I was doing the 40mph speed limit because I had seem the signs on the way to pub, didn't realise the speed changed at the roundabout and that I was not intentionally speeding.

They let me off

[scumdog]

So best I leave NZ at least once a year then and keep using the trusty old UK licence.

Seems to piss the cops off, mind you. Ho hum.......

I'll let you know the first one I hear of that gets pissed off.
A ticket is a ticket.
End of story.

[Cave Cleaner]

I don't know much about Wellington, but where abouts exactly on the Quay were you ticketed?

I ask this because it's one of the rules of speeding tickets that they can't ticket you within 250 metres of a change of speed sign, so if you'd only just gone past the 30kph sign you can send them a letter stating that you were actually slowing down to 30 and they can't touch you.
I dont think so. This happened to me going through Levin, I passed the 50k sign, (but didnt see it as i was looking the other way) and got stung by a speed laser gun just passed the sign. I was doing 63 in a 50k area and that only cost me $120 and 20 demerit points.

[Thunder 8]

Last night at about 6pm I pulled onto Lambton Quay and got nabbed doing 53kph
Out of control revenue gathering b...stds, i mean jeeez its a hanging offence to reach the horendous speed of 53 kmh.

[Conquiztador]

- Why would they ask if I'm the only rider of the bike?

You still have the rego in your mum's name?? ;-)

[bert_is_evil]

FFS 30k down the quay. When did that change. So I suppose they are stopping and ticketing all of the buses that go down there at 60k then are they?

They should actually start ticketing the peds for jay walking along there. Most of them think it is their god given right to cross without even looking.

Yeah, seems like it would address the problem better to focus on the pedestrians, and the busses that are flattening them when they step out in front of them.

I didn't question it but the cop launched into an explanation about how people keep getting hit along there, I resisted but had to say "yeah, it's mainly busses though ay" to which he replied "I was on my police bike the other day when someone even walked out in front of that". I really wanted to say "did you give them a $170 fine?" but there's no point shooting the messenger huh. I just think it's such a shame that the majority of peoples experiences with the police are getting heavy fines for trivial matters - the police do a damn hard job in so many other areas and having to waste time handing out fines to people for doing 53kph kind of gives them a bad image that they don't deserve.

[Coldrider]

I just think it's such a shame that the majority of peoples experiences with the police are getting heavy fines for trivial matters - the police do a damn hard job in so many other areas and having to waste time handing out fines to people for doing 53kph kind of gives them a bad image that they don't deserve.

Traffic infringements & offences are the only crime solved that brings in cashflow. Armed with their laser gun they set out to bring in the cash.

[Coldrider]

I just think it's such a shame that the majority of peoples experiences with the police are getting heavy fines for trivial matters - the police do a damn hard job in so many other areas and having to waste time handing out fines to people for doing 53kph kind of gives them a bad image that they don't deserve.

Traffic infringements & offences bring in the cash. Armed with their laser gun they set out to do just that, oh and public safety too.

[Ewan Oozarmy]

I'll let you know the first one I hear of that gets pissed off.
A ticket is a ticket.
End of story.

Not quite...Yes, a ticket is a ticket but driving on my UK licence only the fine applies, not the points.

When I got pulled and ticketed for speeding the cop got quite excited when he saw my UK licence and warned me that he could issue a much heavier fine if I didn't change to an NZ licence soon. I told him that I thought he was wrong and that I'd had spoken to the AA on the subject. He then went back to his car, spoke to his colleague and returned with my ticket for speeding and the hump.

[Patrick]

- Are they allowed to give you the ticket, then take it back and change it?
- If they haven't explicitly noted demerit points, will they be applied any way?
- Why would they ask if I'm the only rider of the bike?

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. You failed to stop recently? Perhaps s/he noticed your chicken strips???


I got stopped doing 69 in a 50 - $120 fine a the cop circled 20 demerit points. However, I only have a UK licence - would I be right in thinking the points don't count?

No. A NZ licence number would be generated for your name, gathering points, even if you produce your UK licence. You can be suspended from driving for collecting excess demerits too...


So best I leave NZ at least once a year then and keep using the trusty old UK licence.

Seems to piss the cops off, mind you. Ho hum.......

Demerits last two years... piss off cops? You wish...!!! Bwahahahaha...

[Matt]

Didn't happen in my case........how would they track?

They tightened up on it last year AFAIK, friend's just converted his and had his demerits waiting....

[Animal]

...one of the rules of speeding tickets that they can't ticket you within 250 metres of a change of speed sign...

Maybe in your town, but I went to court to try that defense and got nothing but an even bigger dent in my wallet for my efforts. An expensive lesson. :angry2:

[scumdog]

II ask this because it's one of the rules of speeding tickets that they can't ticket you within 250 metres of a change of speed sign, so if you'd only just gone past the 30kph sign you can send them a letter stating that you were actually slowing down to 30 and they can't touch you.


Sure - and if you hang CDs from the mirror they can't get a reading with the laser....

[Sanx]

Sure - and if you hang CDs from the mirror they can't get a reading with the laser....

Another bloody cop trying to be funny. Everyone knows it's radar guns the CDs protect you from.

[Virago]

Another bloody cop trying to be funny. Everyone knows it's radar guns the CDs protect you from.

Yep - and classical music CDs make your speed seem even slower...:msn-wink:

[Frenchy]

It doesn't seem to matter whats on the ticket they seem still able to fine you i had one not that long ago with the wrong licence plate and thought yes i'm in the clear!!! but not so:weep:

[Bloody Mad Woman (BMW)]

As someone commented at the beginning - you got asked the question are you the only rider simply because you are a woman on a big bike. Male cops hate it with vengeance - threatens them big time. Some of the shit I've had from cops and their totally fktard/retarded comments - truly pitiful.

They do ticket cyclists as well - friend of mine got done in town.

I recently went a whole year without collecting some demerit points - a major feat since I started riding again 7 years ago!!

You got about 2-3 months before you pay it.

Admittedly I'd be hard pushed to tell you where the speed signs are located tho.

I was away recently and had a radio alarm and woke to hear 110kph is dangerous speeding. I thought what utter fkg crap. Christ I had hired a cage - 1500CC and actually did the speed limit (didn't have much choice really) and I found myself counting the disjointed white lines in the middle of the road, jesus on a bike I don't even notice them. I can see myself more likely to have an accident due to shear boredom at slow speed.

[Patrick]

and Karma... Maybe in your town, but I went to court to try that defense and got nothing but an even bigger dent in my wallet for my efforts. An expensive lesson. :angry2:

Only if you are entering a lower speed limit area from a faster one (IE 100kmph zone into a 50...) Does not work the other way around... 50k zone heading into a 100, you can be pinged right up to the sign, if one wanted to...


Another bloody cop trying to be funny. Everyone knows it's radar guns the CDs protect you from.

Nah... the tin foil wrap around the head is better....