NYC Police Officer Tickets Me For Running Red Light
02-01-20, 06:41 PM
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So no video of the actual incident?
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02-01-20, 07:13 PM
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ABCDE...Always Be Capturing Digital Evidence.
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02-01-20, 07:16 PM
#28
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Dude
NYC Police Officer Tickets Me For Running Red LightThis morning I received a red light ticket on Riverside Drive heading back from a 9W ride. While riding I saw another cyclist in the opposite direction shout to me and a few other cyclists that were riding to watch out at the lights, they’re giving tickets. It was funny because when I started the ride to 9W this morning I saw two cyclists get pulled over right in front of me as they blew through the light. So I knew for a fact to stop at them, which I try to do anyhow. Anyway, I got popped on West 145 street and Riverside drive by an officer. Here is what happened in detail.
Approaching the light, I was fully stopped and unclipped from my pedals. I was patiently waiting for the light to change especially after what the other cyclist shouted in the opposite direction to watch out for the cops at the lights. So the light began to change from yellow and I clipped in. At this time, I began to sit down and slowly push forward as all the cars were stopped and underneath the signal my light was green. I get pulled over about a minute later and the officer tells me that I ran the light.
I argued that no I did not officer. I was stopped at the light and when it went from yellow to green I clipped into my pedals and slowly proceeded to go and it was green when I was underneath it. She says, “You know lights change from Red to Green right. I said I understand that, but on the other side of the traffic light it was yellow and that was when I clipped in to get ready to move on my bike. She says “Your story is far different from what you did”. She goes on to say that I was behind two cyclists that were behind you at the light, and YOU WERE STOPPED but then decided to go when the light was still red. I said offer, I did not run that red light because I know I didn’t I wouldn’t have waited all that time at the light just to blow through it. Anyway, she ended up giving me a ticket. I was going to plead not guilty and take her to court to share the details with the traffic court as to what happened. I also have a video above that I managed to pull footage from. Check it out, I wanted some thoughts… Pay the price or plead not guilty.
Approaching the light, I was fully stopped and unclipped from my pedals. I was patiently waiting for the light to change especially after what the other cyclist shouted in the opposite direction to watch out for the cops at the lights. So the light began to change from yellow and I clipped in. At this time, I began to sit down and slowly push forward as all the cars were stopped and underneath the signal my light was green. I get pulled over about a minute later and the officer tells me that I ran the light.
I argued that no I did not officer. I was stopped at the light and when it went from yellow to green I clipped into my pedals and slowly proceeded to go and it was green when I was underneath it. She says, “You know lights change from Red to Green right. I said I understand that, but on the other side of the traffic light it was yellow and that was when I clipped in to get ready to move on my bike. She says “Your story is far different from what you did”. She goes on to say that I was behind two cyclists that were behind you at the light, and YOU WERE STOPPED but then decided to go when the light was still red. I said offer, I did not run that red light because I know I didn’t I wouldn’t have waited all that time at the light just to blow through it. Anyway, she ended up giving me a ticket. I was going to plead not guilty and take her to court to share the details with the traffic court as to what happened. I also have a video above that I managed to pull footage from. Check it out, I wanted some thoughts… Pay the price or plead not guilty.
02-01-20, 07:17 PM
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this is one reason why i hate just missing a light. i am first, not only do i need to pay more attention to when it turns green i also have to be the first to stick my neck out. i am very careful about this and do as ou just described. i even have my 20 year old daughter doing the same. now comes the 15 year old very soon hope i can get this drilled into her head too.
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02-01-20, 07:24 PM
#30
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https://communityjournal.net/epidemi...-unacceptable/
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02-01-20, 07:27 PM
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The big problem for you is the zero tolerance enforcement. There will be a whole lot of people in the same boat as you.
02-01-20, 07:40 PM
#32
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If you're talking about jumping the light -- watching the cross-traffic signal for when it turns from green to yellow -- I do that a lot on some intersections.
But drivers force it. If I wait for my light to turn green, oncoming drivers will invariably cut me off by shortcutting their left turns against oncoming traffic. They won't do that to cars, but they'll do it to bikes and pedestrians, every damned time. So there are some intersections where I'll jump the light for my own safety. And I always watch the crossing traffic to be sure there isn't a Late Louie trying to run the light.
I got ticketed Friday for slow rolling a right turn at a four-way stop with zero oncoming or cross traffic. The only vehicle around was the cop behind me. I rarely do full stops if there's a vehicle directly behind me. I've been hit from behind too many times on my bicycles and motorcycles by idiots who always say the same thing: "I didn't see you!" Right. With multiple taillights, hi-viz colors, riding prominently in the lane. Didn't see me. If that's true they shouldn't be driving.
When I reviewed my front and rear video I discovered that cop had been shadowing me for almost a mile, lurking 50-100 yards behind me, matching my 12-15 mph speed. And he saw me come to complete stops at intersections twice because there was crossing and oncoming traffic. But he pounced the split second I slow rolled a right turn where there were no other vehicles. Maybe an end-of-the month quota to meet, or just trying to make an impression on the supervisors, I dunno. I might get an attorney if the fine is too much.
But drivers force it. If I wait for my light to turn green, oncoming drivers will invariably cut me off by shortcutting their left turns against oncoming traffic. They won't do that to cars, but they'll do it to bikes and pedestrians, every damned time. So there are some intersections where I'll jump the light for my own safety. And I always watch the crossing traffic to be sure there isn't a Late Louie trying to run the light.
I got ticketed Friday for slow rolling a right turn at a four-way stop with zero oncoming or cross traffic. The only vehicle around was the cop behind me. I rarely do full stops if there's a vehicle directly behind me. I've been hit from behind too many times on my bicycles and motorcycles by idiots who always say the same thing: "I didn't see you!" Right. With multiple taillights, hi-viz colors, riding prominently in the lane. Didn't see me. If that's true they shouldn't be driving.
When I reviewed my front and rear video I discovered that cop had been shadowing me for almost a mile, lurking 50-100 yards behind me, matching my 12-15 mph speed. And he saw me come to complete stops at intersections twice because there was crossing and oncoming traffic. But he pounced the split second I slow rolled a right turn where there were no other vehicles. Maybe an end-of-the month quota to meet, or just trying to make an impression on the supervisors, I dunno. I might get an attorney if the fine is too much.
02-01-20, 08:13 PM
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I got ticketed Friday for slow rolling a right turn at a four-way stop with zero oncoming or cross traffic. [..] When I reviewed my front and rear video I discovered that cop had been shadowing me for almost a mile, lurking 50-100 yards behind me, matching my 12-15 mph speed.
02-01-20, 09:20 PM
#34
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The only vehicle around was the cop behind me ...
When I reviewed my front and rear video I discovered that cop had been shadowing me for almost a mile, lurking 50-100 yards behind me, matching my 12-15 mph speed ... I dunno. I might get an attorney if the fine is too much.
When I reviewed my front and rear video I discovered that cop had been shadowing me for almost a mile, lurking 50-100 yards behind me, matching my 12-15 mph speed ... I dunno. I might get an attorney if the fine is too much.
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02-01-20, 09:42 PM
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When I reviewed my front and rear video I discovered that cop had been shadowing me for almost a mile, lurking 50-100 yards behind me, matching my 12-15 mph speed. And he saw me come to complete stops at intersections twice because there was crossing and oncoming traffic. But he pounced the split second I slow rolled a right turn where there were no other vehicles. Maybe an end-of-the month quota to meet, or just trying to make an impression on the supervisors, I dunno. I might get an attorney if the fine is too much.
That footage you have could have the ticket thrown out.
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02-01-20, 10:43 PM
#36
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Thanks for posting this.
For years the NYC police have targeted cyclist for petty infractions. For quotas. Nothing to due with actually enforcing the law. Because, if that were the case, they would have be busy enforcing the 1,000s of traffic violations committed by commercial vehicles and cars daily in the borough of Manhattan.
I know they have targeted cyclists downtown and in Brooklyn mostly. Regular every day commuters. So, now it seems they have moved their quota dragnets to upper Manhattan to target the weekend warriors going and coming from their training rides up 9W.
I personally would fight this ticket. I would force the cop to:
1. Show up for the court date.
2. Admit to the fact you came to a complete stop at the light. A fact she must attest to the judge.
3. Specifically detail where she was located when she saw you run the red light, and specifically state how far into the intersection you were when the light turned green. You want to force her to tell the truth. Or catch her in a lie.
If you were in front of the traffic light or underneath it when it turned green, you could not have been in the intersection while the light was red. So how could you have run a red light if you had stopped and were in front of the traffic light when it turned green. And the only time you were in fact in the street intersection was AFTER the light had turned green.
You want her to fumble if she is asked these type of specific questions by either you or the judge. If she fumbles, then the judge will throw out the case.
At worst the judge rules in favor of the cop. At best the judge throws out the case. In between, the judge lowers the fine to $75 or $50.
Just know that in previous cases such as this, cops have lied, and have created uncertainty by their answers for the judge. When they do this, the judge knows it and just throws out case (EVEN when the cyclist had been guilty of the infraction).
Be respectful of the court, answer truthfully when questioned by the judge if he/she asks a question. But, most importantly force the cop to prove her case. Cops are not trial lawyers. And many times they show up to these court dates unprepared and over confidant thinking they have an open and shut case. And they want you to just pay the fine. Don’t. Fight it. Push the cop into a corner, to force her to come up with an answer she is unprepared to give. The judge will pounce if he/she sees the cop mumble or get flustered answering a direct question.
For years the NYC police have targeted cyclist for petty infractions. For quotas. Nothing to due with actually enforcing the law. Because, if that were the case, they would have be busy enforcing the 1,000s of traffic violations committed by commercial vehicles and cars daily in the borough of Manhattan.
I know they have targeted cyclists downtown and in Brooklyn mostly. Regular every day commuters. So, now it seems they have moved their quota dragnets to upper Manhattan to target the weekend warriors going and coming from their training rides up 9W.
I personally would fight this ticket. I would force the cop to:
1. Show up for the court date.
2. Admit to the fact you came to a complete stop at the light. A fact she must attest to the judge.
3. Specifically detail where she was located when she saw you run the red light, and specifically state how far into the intersection you were when the light turned green. You want to force her to tell the truth. Or catch her in a lie.
If you were in front of the traffic light or underneath it when it turned green, you could not have been in the intersection while the light was red. So how could you have run a red light if you had stopped and were in front of the traffic light when it turned green. And the only time you were in fact in the street intersection was AFTER the light had turned green.
You want her to fumble if she is asked these type of specific questions by either you or the judge. If she fumbles, then the judge will throw out the case.
At worst the judge rules in favor of the cop. At best the judge throws out the case. In between, the judge lowers the fine to $75 or $50.
Just know that in previous cases such as this, cops have lied, and have created uncertainty by their answers for the judge. When they do this, the judge knows it and just throws out case (EVEN when the cyclist had been guilty of the infraction).
Be respectful of the court, answer truthfully when questioned by the judge if he/she asks a question. But, most importantly force the cop to prove her case. Cops are not trial lawyers. And many times they show up to these court dates unprepared and over confidant thinking they have an open and shut case. And they want you to just pay the fine. Don’t. Fight it. Push the cop into a corner, to force her to come up with an answer she is unprepared to give. The judge will pounce if he/she sees the cop mumble or get flustered answering a direct question.
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02-01-20, 10:51 PM
#37
Junior Member
maybe!! I think the official citation was for “disobeying a traffic sign” hahaha!!
Either way, I gotta remember to pay my dang ticket! It was in a small town that literally only accepts cash/money orders 🙄. I went last week with my credit card—and no dice—have to go back this week. Who the heck doesn’t accept credit/debit cards in 2020!?
Either way, I gotta remember to pay my dang ticket! It was in a small town that literally only accepts cash/money orders 🙄. I went last week with my credit card—and no dice—have to go back this week. Who the heck doesn’t accept credit/debit cards in 2020!?
02-01-20, 10:55 PM
#38
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This is what happens when you blow a red light in Chicago.
https://www.newsflare.com/video/1389...raphic-content
https://www.newsflare.com/video/1389...raphic-content
02-01-20, 11:04 PM
#39
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You saved energy by posting it here and not Advocacy & Safety.
Oh, dang, forgot about the other laws of physics.
We need a sub-forum called I got nailed.
Nevermind.
At least they let you film it. That was nice, wasn't it?
PS Police cite. Attorneys prosecute. Courts ajudicate, rule and sentence. A penal system penalizes.
And Della Street looks fine in every episode.
Oh, dang, forgot about the other laws of physics.
We need a sub-forum called I got nailed.
Nevermind.
At least they let you film it. That was nice, wasn't it?
PS Police cite. Attorneys prosecute. Courts ajudicate, rule and sentence. A penal system penalizes.
And Della Street looks fine in every episode.
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Last edited by Rollfast; 02-01-20 at 11:09 PM.
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02-02-20, 08:17 AM
#40
Member
That doesn't work anymore, officers are paid and have scheduled day for court. That was tactic from the 80's and 90's.
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02-02-20, 09:37 AM
#41
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All the office needs to do is show your video to the judge and you lose, you say in it you were under the light when it changed.
02-02-20, 09:51 AM
#42
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This is what happens when you blow a red light in Chicago.
https://www.newsflare.com/video/1389...raphic-content
https://www.newsflare.com/video/1389...raphic-content
Sorry for the threadjack. Let’s get back to the self admitted red light runner, trying to rewrite history and get out of a ticket.
-Kedosto
02-02-20, 10:59 AM
#43
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I got ticketed Friday for slow rolling a right turn at a four-way stop with zero oncoming or cross traffic. The only vehicle around was the cop behind me. I rarely do full stops if there's a vehicle directly behind me. I've been hit from behind too many times on my bicycles and motorcycles by idiots who always say the same thing: "I didn't see you!" Right. With multiple taillights, hi-viz colors, riding prominently in the lane. Didn't see me. If that's true they shouldn't be driving.
https://www.kptv.com/news/new-oregon...3113d7bee.html
I think Idaho has the "Idaho Stop", and apparently has had it for some time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
Perhaps an option is to write to one's local legislator about different safety requirements for bikes and cars. Of course, realizing that bikes still must act in a safe and appropriate manner. And, many of these crackdowns are done in response to bad actors, or accidents in which the cyclist is at fault.
02-02-20, 11:13 AM
#44
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Oregon apparently passed a new rolling stop law.
https://www.kptv.com/news/new-oregon...3113d7bee.html
I think Idaho has the "Idaho Stop", and apparently has had it for some time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
Perhaps an option is to write to one's local legislator about different safety requirements for bikes and cars. Of course, realizing that bikes still must act in a safe and appropriate manner. And, many of these crackdowns are done in response to bad actors, or accidents in which the cyclist is at fault.
https://www.kptv.com/news/new-oregon...3113d7bee.html
I think Idaho has the "Idaho Stop", and apparently has had it for some time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
Perhaps an option is to write to one's local legislator about different safety requirements for bikes and cars. Of course, realizing that bikes still must act in a safe and appropriate manner. And, many of these crackdowns are done in response to bad actors, or accidents in which the cyclist is at fault.
02-02-20, 01:43 PM
#45
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I think if a lot of us are honest we would have to confess to behavior that is ticketable . In a busy city environment it can be deadly, actually can be deadly anywhere. I have been really more vigilant about stopping at intersections when marked with stop signs or red lights. I stay well behind the limit line so cars making a right turn can do so without running me over, unless there is a designated turning box. It sometimes doesn’t seem logical to stop at a stop sign when you are the only one around but it is the law and tickets in California are usually 3-5 times the national average cost wise . All things considered , I don’t want to have to argue with a police officer because chances of coming out ahead are slim to none.
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02-03-20, 01:01 PM
#48
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02-03-20, 01:14 PM
#49
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Thanks for posting this.
For years the NYC police have targeted cyclist for petty infractions. For quotas. Nothing to due with actually enforcing the law. Because, if that were the case, they would have be busy enforcing the 1,000s of traffic violations committed by commercial vehicles and cars daily in the borough of Manhattan.
I know they have targeted cyclists downtown and in Brooklyn mostly. Regular every day commuters. So, now it seems they have moved their quota dragnets to upper Manhattan to target the weekend warriors going and coming from their training rides up 9W.
I personally would fight this ticket. I would force the cop to:
1. Show up for the court date.
2. Admit to the fact you came to a complete stop at the light. A fact she must attest to the judge.
3. Specifically detail where she was located when she saw you run the red light, and specifically state how far into the intersection you were when the light turned green. You want to force her to tell the truth. Or catch her in a lie.
If you were in front of the traffic light or underneath it when it turned green, you could not have been in the intersection while the light was red. So how could you have run a red light if you had stopped and were in front of the traffic light when it turned green. And the only time you were in fact in the street intersection was AFTER the light had turned green.
You want her to fumble if she is asked these type of specific questions by either you or the judge. If she fumbles, then the judge will throw out the case.
At worst the judge rules in favor of the cop. At best the judge throws out the case. In between, the judge lowers the fine to $75 or $50.
Just know that in previous cases such as this, cops have lied, and have created uncertainty by their answers for the judge. When they do this, the judge knows it and just throws out case (EVEN when the cyclist had been guilty of the infraction).
Be respectful of the court, answer truthfully when questioned by the judge if he/she asks a question. But, most importantly force the cop to prove her case. Cops are not trial lawyers. And many times they show up to these court dates unprepared and over confidant thinking they have an open and shut case. And they want you to just pay the fine. Don’t. Fight it. Push the cop into a corner, to force her to come up with an answer she is unprepared to give. The judge will pounce if he/she sees the cop mumble or get flustered answering a direct question.
For years the NYC police have targeted cyclist for petty infractions. For quotas. Nothing to due with actually enforcing the law. Because, if that were the case, they would have be busy enforcing the 1,000s of traffic violations committed by commercial vehicles and cars daily in the borough of Manhattan.
I know they have targeted cyclists downtown and in Brooklyn mostly. Regular every day commuters. So, now it seems they have moved their quota dragnets to upper Manhattan to target the weekend warriors going and coming from their training rides up 9W.
I personally would fight this ticket. I would force the cop to:
1. Show up for the court date.
2. Admit to the fact you came to a complete stop at the light. A fact she must attest to the judge.
3. Specifically detail where she was located when she saw you run the red light, and specifically state how far into the intersection you were when the light turned green. You want to force her to tell the truth. Or catch her in a lie.
If you were in front of the traffic light or underneath it when it turned green, you could not have been in the intersection while the light was red. So how could you have run a red light if you had stopped and were in front of the traffic light when it turned green. And the only time you were in fact in the street intersection was AFTER the light had turned green.
You want her to fumble if she is asked these type of specific questions by either you or the judge. If she fumbles, then the judge will throw out the case.
At worst the judge rules in favor of the cop. At best the judge throws out the case. In between, the judge lowers the fine to $75 or $50.
Just know that in previous cases such as this, cops have lied, and have created uncertainty by their answers for the judge. When they do this, the judge knows it and just throws out case (EVEN when the cyclist had been guilty of the infraction).
Be respectful of the court, answer truthfully when questioned by the judge if he/she asks a question. But, most importantly force the cop to prove her case. Cops are not trial lawyers. And many times they show up to these court dates unprepared and over confidant thinking they have an open and shut case. And they want you to just pay the fine. Don’t. Fight it. Push the cop into a corner, to force her to come up with an answer she is unprepared to give. The judge will pounce if he/she sees the cop mumble or get flustered answering a direct question.
There's another reason to always fight tickets in court: Too many law enforcement divisions get a 'cut' of traffic tickets. By going to court, you make the expenses outweigh or at best come close to breaking even. Don't make it easy on them. If they are legit enforcing laws for safety, that's one thing, but this kind of crap is BS. Did you have your camera running at the light? You might want to review that and see what it shows.
Also, review your local laws. Many cases where people get cited for 'running' a light is because the officer sees your wheels across the stop line, but many municipalities define the intersection based on what they call the curb line, which in most places, gives you about 8 to as much as 20 feet of leeway.
Do your homework.
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02-03-20, 01:16 PM
#50
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I don't understand people. If you know you did it and say you did it, then pay up.
Reminds me of my dumass sister in law. 3 tickets for passing a school bus with red flashing lights. Each time the stupid cop stopped her, not her fault.
She's always running behind schedule so she things she shouldn't have to stop for the bus lights. She tried to fight it all 3 times, really?
I obey the law while driving. Perfect driving record 41 years of driving.
As far as the bike, I may roll through those deserted intersections but I look around. If there is a cop around, I don't play him for a fool. Probably getting cited for insulting the cop more than the infraction itself.
Reminds me of my dumass sister in law. 3 tickets for passing a school bus with red flashing lights. Each time the stupid cop stopped her, not her fault.
She's always running behind schedule so she things she shouldn't have to stop for the bus lights. She tried to fight it all 3 times, really?
I obey the law while driving. Perfect driving record 41 years of driving.
As far as the bike, I may roll through those deserted intersections but I look around. If there is a cop around, I don't play him for a fool. Probably getting cited for insulting the cop more than the infraction itself.
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