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Re: Ticket hell
In article <kp47-0709951736360001@symons-102.umd.edu>, kp47@umail.umd.edu wrote:
> I received $25 ticket on July 28 [in DC]
[snip]
> A few days ago, I received a "delinquency" notice that said I owed an
> add'l $25 for not paying on time.
[snip]
> Has this ever happened to anyone else out there?
Not exactly the same situation, but I got such a notice in the mail one
time, saying I had parked illegally on some DC street I'd never heard of,
on a date when I was *in France.* Not only that, but the plate number
cited did not belong to my car. I sent Public Works a letter explaining
the situation, together with copies of my registration (showing a
different plate number) and my plane ticket stub (showing I was out of the
country for 7 days before and after the "incident"). After several months
of no reply, I figured everything was hunky-dory.
However, a year and a half (!) after the date of the "infraction," I got
*another* notice in the mail saying my fine had been doubled again for
non-payment. I sent the same letter and copies again, and have again heard
nothing. The "violation" is now 3-1/2 years in the past, but I'm holding
on to my documentation just in case!
> What are my chances?
You can probably beat it if you care to expend the time end energy, but
you must also ask yourself, "is it worth it?" The latter is, of course,
what the DC gov't (and your friendly insurance company) is counting on.
But remember that this would be considered a "moving violation," and so
would come back to haunt you in the form of outrageous car insurance
premiums for years to come. I don't know what your personal situation is,
but I would fight it even if my chances were slim, especially if I were
male, single, or under 30. To just pay the fine could cost you literally
thousands of dollars in insurance.
> I
> am going to check the no-turn sign tomorrow, in hopes that the 7--9:30
> restriction is Mon. through Friday only. If so, since July 8 was a
> Saturday, I will have a speck of proof in my favor.
Not "proof," but pretty ironclad grounds for throwing it out.
> But if the restriction is week-long, I don't know what to do. Produce
> people who will testify that I told them I received a ticket on July 28?
Absolutely, if they're willing. The sign is very likely a rush-hour
restriction. If you still have the ticket *with the date,* make a clear
photocopy and mail it to Public Works with a letter. Also send a copy of
your cancelled check, showing the date it was cashed. Any other supporting
documents? Throw 'em in.
> I haven't lived down here that long. I have never received a ticket
> before--anywhere. Any advice would be welcome.
That's about all the advice I can give. Good luck!
---
Chris jchill@gueuze.dgsys.com
What would happen if I pulled the plug on the Reality Engine?
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