Here's a list of the worst states for issuing traffic tickets...be careful

[Highbinder]

National Motorists Association rankings, from worst to best:
Rank   State   Rank   State   Rank   State
1   New Jersey   18   Florida   35   Hawaii
2   Ohio   19   Pennsylvania   36   Arkansas
3   Maryland   20   North Carolina   37   Alaska
4   Louisiana   21   Alabama   38   Kansas
5   New York   22   Rhode Island   39   Mississippi
6   Illinois   23   West Virginia   40   Wisconsin
7   Delaware   24   New Hampshire   41   Utah
8   Virginia   25   Arizona   42   South Dakota
9   Washington   26   New Mexico   43   Indiana
10   Massachusetts   27   Missouri   44   Minnesota
11   Colorado   28   Texas   45   North Dakota
12   Oregon   29   Oklahoma   46   Kentucky
13   Tennessee   30   Nevada   47   Nebraska
14   California   31   Georgia   48   Montana
15   Michigan   32   Connecticut   49   Idaho
16   Vermont   33   South Carolina   50   Wyoming
17   Maine   34   Iowa      

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I got me a fast driving award last week ...72 in a 55 ...Driving a 22 wheel tractor-trailer in Chattanooga,Tennessee.

[Highbinder]

We'll have to bump Tenn. up to number 12  ...we may try to meet up with Britmans ride at Shady Valley on sunday, we'll call someone there sat. nite to maybe get an idea when you'll be in that area...ride safe..

[Big IV]

Live in NC(20), staying in PA (19)this summer. I get enough tickets as it is, so I need to stay in the mid numbers.
I renewed my license before I came up to PA. I dropped my CDL. Wasn't using it, didn't want to pay more for it. Glad I finally dropped it because you can't talk your way out of shite when you're carrying a CDL. I had talked the cop down to a warning one Sunday afternoon, and he was jovial as he asked for my license just to check me for outstanding warrants. His demeanor and attitude changed when he took my license and saw that class B instead of the class C.

[JimL]

I'm a little shocked to see that Alabama is only ranked 21, however now that I think about it...New Jersey has a larger population and probably 10 times the number of LEO's handing out "awards".  The others on this board from the great state of Alabama will agree, if you manage to get through northern Alabama (between TN state line and Huntsville) on I-65 without a ticket, you have done well indeed!

[Highlander]

Illinois raks high because of the former Govenor who will soon reside in a federal prison.  Seems he spent all the money and bought new police cars that were not in the budget.  He told them to go forth and write tickets to make the monthly payments or lose the cars.  They did, they are, and they will continue to ticket.  Don't blame the troopers.  They cannot do their jobs afoot.   we also have a large motorcycle contingent who hunt in packs.  One has the radar, the others do the capture.  They usually keep to the interstates--more big rigs with bigger fines.  As I said, it is not their fault.  They just don't want to do thier job aboard bicycles. 

[MP]

Joe:
Ain't that a pain dropping down to 55 thru Choo-Choo?  Used to be thru there a couple times a week between MN and FL hauling frozen in a reefer.MP

[Bagger John - #3785]

I'll tell you the funny thing about living in Ohio and our LEO community (a lot of area types whom I know and ride with):

If you're driving a car, truck, semi, whatever and are much over the limit, you are going to get pulled over and at least get a warning.

On the other hand: If you're on a bike, are acting like you know what you're doing...are geared up...not showing off...you'll draw about as much attention as yesterday's newspaper, even if you're significantly over. The exceptions being in school zones and residential neighborhoods, and a rider should always err on the side of caution when riding through a locale where children might be around.

There are "packs" of motor officers in the area, most of whom are associated with the sheriff's department but there are a few municipal mounted units as well. When together, they won't return a wave from a fellow rider. Singly - and when no one's looking - they enjoy a bit of freeway racing as much as we do. But you didn't hear that from me ...   

[Highbinder]

I-77 thru Va. from Rocky Gap to Wytheville is a highly targeted area, so if your coming to the Blue/Grey Ride on 77 hang around the speed limit because the Sheriff's Dept and the state police work this area together and its only a 25 mile stretch of road...and Va. is in the top 10...you don't want any un-wanted souvenirs

[Huey]

I paid for part of the wv trunpike near charlseton wv back in the day. I hope they don't miss me lol. I got four awards in three weeks up there.  77 in a 65 they just loved me lol 

[Stuntman]

I start my 24th year in August as a motor cop and crash investigator. I have done to many motorcycle fatalities including 2 freinds and a co-worker.  I also have a CDL as I work an occasional day at the NJ MVC when my time comes around (It goes thru about 45 different guys) and I took my tests for different endorsements while on lunch breaks. When I issue, someone's class of license never comes into play. Neither does color of car or any other nonsense. Just behavior. I never "look" for violations, they occur right in front of me. I have no "Quota", I can write as many as I want. Drive like an idiot, get a summons. Attitude goes along way. Motorcyclists usually get a pass unless of course they are standing on the seat, cranking a wheelie down the Blvd. If I can catch them (Sometimes yes, sometimes no) they get my autograph. I had a girl on the NJ Turnpike extention eating a bowl of Raiman noodles with a forkl while driving. I had a guy playing the gutair, and bunch of newspaper readers. (Actually reading the N.Y. TImes). I had a guy standing up with his head thru his sunroof steering with his feet, the list is long. I try to think I make a difference but I know it's like peeing in the ocean.

Stuntman

Here is one I did last Jan. Telling the father his son passed was a real crappy job.

North Bergen crash	powered by Aeva

[Stuntman]

I dont think I suck....

[asfltdncr]

Eastern Washington is the worst place I've ever been for tickets.It seems like the ratio is 1 cop for 1 bike.
If you can afford the time and have the stomach for it, I recommend going to court on any tickets.I have found that the cop usually doesn't show and if he does, you took one speed taxer out of circulation for a few hours or ruined his day off.I like to think that the cost of ticketing me will cost the county more than they would receive.
When you show at court, the ticket is almost always mitigated down to a lower dollar amount or forgiven.
Ask to see your speed on their radar.Ask the court to have police provide documentation of the officers training w/ radar,calibration records,maintenance records of said radar.Many times the conditions would have made it impossible to determine your speed with a radar-the cop just thinks that stating "you were clocked" will not be questioned.
If all else fails, there are programs here that you may defer one ticket every 7 years if you don't have an infraction within 6 months from the court date.In some states, traffic school can also be taken online.
As for the cop on this forum,read the HURT report and try and correct the behavior that actually leads to injury and death.

[Stuntman]

RADAR is just a small part of my units enforcement. Personally, I don't write many RADAR summonses. In my entire career (except for plea deals) I have never lost a RADAR summons. 

I have read the HURT report. I have also put body parts in baggies.  I am also an Accident Reconstructionist. Almost of the motorcycle-automobile fatalities that I have handled are left turning autos. The usual statement of the auto driver is "I did not see the motorcycle until he crashed into my passenger side". Here are some stats for you. You are ten times more likely to die driving a motorcycle than if you are driving any other motor vehicle. MVC's (Motor Vehicle Crashes) are the leading cause of deaths in teenagers.  120 people a day die in crashes.

I issue for compliance not revenue.

 I ride my 99 Standard Valkyrie as much as I can.
 
Tell me asfltdncr what would you issue for that I already don't? How would you try to make the planet safer? Are we/I a necessary evil? If all enforcement went away, do you think you'd be safer? I'm sure you are very safe, sensible operator that never deserved a summons,  but would you agree others are not?  I'm not trying to be a wise guy, just trying to gain more insight.

I have has people curse me after receiving a summons and have had others thank me. It's just the way it is.
I am not the bogeyman.

[Jabba]

I have had more than my fair share of tickets.  Mostly when I was a kid... because back then... if I got stopped, I was getting a ticket.  Now that I am a grown man... I get released for more often than written. 

I always try to pull off somewhere safe for both me and the officer.  Get him out of the traffic.  I oull into a parking lot if possible.  I turn my engine off.  Take my keys out of the ignition and put them on the dash.  Have my windows open and my hands on the wheel where he can see them and know where they are.  I wait until he approaches before I  go digging for my wallet or registration.  I give him my carry permit along with my license so he knows I am packing.  I will not handle my firearm in his presence.  I have had one ask me to hand it to him before.  I refused and asked that he allow me to exit my vehicle, and cuff me instead.  He complied. 

If I deserve the ticket.  I man up and pay it.  If I think it is a crappy one... I go to court and fight it.  I have been to court 2 times and left both times scott free.  Admittedly, the 2nd time was because the prosecutor was not woman enough to face me in front of the judge, and sent the officer home (I SAW it with my own eyes) and then dismissed the case ecause the office was not present in court.

The way I look at it... they are people too, with lives, and families and everything else.  I do whatever I can to keep them safe, and make the situation as easy for both of us as possible.  I still get stopped about 1 time per year... but I don't get written very often any more.

And the theory that they look right thru you if you're on the bike seems to be true in my case too.  When I am on the bike... it's like cops don't even see me.  I dunno.

Jabba

[Stuntman]

Jabba
You sounds like a gentleman. Although some perceive me as the enemy, I'm not. Although there are assclowns in every profession. You can't paint all with the same brush.

How I wish New Jersey had CCW. It is asinine how backwards we are when it comes to firearms. We have lovely Sen.  Lautenberg who never saw a gun restriction he didn’t like. It takes me anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to get a pistol purchase permit and I carry a weapon at work.  I am not a huge gun guy but I do carry fairly often. (S&W 642 Air weight) (Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it) It boggles my mind where law abiding citizens can't protect their families but the crackheads all pack. I live in a fairly nice neighborhood but 20 minutes south of me is a war zone. I feel for the good people there that can't protect themselves.
I remember a sign I saw on Rt 80 once, it said "Welcome to Pennsylvania, America Starts Here!) How true. I guess it just one of the many reasons to flee the Garden State.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe:
Ain't that a pain dropping down to 55 thru Choo-Choo?  Used to be thru there a couple times a week between MN and FL hauling frozen in a reefer.MP

Yep that sucks its a speed trap and I fell right in the middle of it sad thing is I come through that area all the time and I should have knew better  ???  It will be 3 to 4 weeks before I can get the total on what its gonna burn me 

[MP]

Joe:
And that would be 17mph over, a major cdl offense.  I sure hope you get that plead down to 14 over.  Do what you can to do that, even a bigger fine.  Otherwise a vacation if you have another.  Good luck.
MP

[98valk]

How I wish New Jersey had CCW. It is asinine how backwards we are when it comes to firearms. We have lovely Sen.  Lautenberg who never saw a gun restriction he didn’t like.  I guess it just one of the many reasons to flee the Garden State.

If u agree, I would say most of the tickets in nazi jersey are from the drug and other illegal actions on the NJ turnpike and the parkway, both used btwn new york and the southern states. And of course the last wk of the month in most local towns around here including the STs on RT42.
Talk about the goofy weapons laws in NJ, its a real shame that all law enforcement personel are not allowed the tazers. Although a state trooper in my family said that might change soon. the unions are fightning hard on this one.
just in case anybody might need a lawyer http://www.evannappen.com/nappenii/  I also have his nj weapons law book. very eye opening. bottom line IMO the laws are written to make money (more jobs) for the lawyer mafia and the insurance company mafias also.
And Thank you for your service and May God Bless u and keep u safe out there.

[FLAVALK]

I lived in North Alabama (Huntsville) for 43 years and got 2 tickets...deserved a bunch more. I have now lived in Central Florida for 13 years and received one ticket (70 in a 45 during bike weeks, good cop reduced it to 54 in a 45) and deserved a boat load more. All boils down to situation and attitude of cop and self. I have been blessed.

[Stuntman]

CA Exhaust, you are right that the State Police have their hands full with the Parkway and Turnpike.
I only got pepper spray about 8 years ago. Some of the old times (Hell, I'm an old timer) wont even carry it cause they didnt want to get sprayed. We just put our PR 24's out to pasture but we still use the archaic ASP's. I never understood the logic with the impact weapons as opposed to the TASER. Every time I would have to utilize my impacts I would always get a complaint.
I have heard of Evan Nappan, he wrote a few books and defended quite a few cops. I think he was signing some of his books at a gun show I went to.
I am the President of my Local, PBA Local 18. It is the Attorney General that is resistant to arming us with TASERS. I know the TASAR company is lobbying hard to get New Jersey to see the light so to speak. The only state left. Perhaps one day. I put my papers in and will hopefully pull the pin July 1st. Now I gotta get a real job.

[Dogg]

When you show at court, the ticket is almost always mitigated down to a lower dollar amount or forgiven.
Ask to see your speed on their radar.Ask the court to have police provide documentation of the officers training w/ radar,calibration records,maintenance records of said radar.Many times the conditions would have made it impossible to determine your speed with a radar-the cop just thinks that stating "you were clocked" will not be questioned.



let me tell you something abou tmaking demands on callibration and training on lazer or radar guns in court...If you get a ticket, ask teh judge if the officer is qualified, show YOU proof of calibration dated and signed by officer. I bet the only thing you will get is max fine, points and a pay on the way out/next!! statement.  Ive known too many judges and LEO's to try taht kind of crap. You go in like a normal day, tell ur side right or wrong. be honest. simple as that. I live in Md and havent had a ticket in over 10 years because I am honest and sincere when I say if I deserve it, then I will pay for it.

 All that side talk about proof of this or that is a bunch of crap. Ive seen guys go to jail over a speeding ticket because of attitudes like that. Not picking on you. just being honest. I live ina crooked little town but, the guys who work for our finest are all upstanding guys and I respect them for doing their job.

[asfltdncr]

I lived in California most of my life and I never saw evidence of tickets being written for revenue.In Washington State,it appears to be all revenue.I have seen the State Patrolmen in their vehicle desperately pointing their radar to the left and then to right like they were playing a video game...and loosing,all while hiding.
I'm of the opinion that the revenue is outweighed by the bad taste it leaves in not only the tourists in this area but locals as well.To top that off,Washington puts people in jail for failure to pay court costs.Again, this is a very poor area of the state and the fines,in many cases,simply can't be paid.I've seen the same speed taxer write 3 tickets while I'm filling up with gas-that's a lot of "nice days".