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Comments
Where can I get scrod?" The driver replies, "I’ve never heard it in the pluperfect subjunctive before.”
LOL, Those are excellent! See, from a simple grammatical mistake, we get 2 great jokes........the point being, mistakes are not a big deal, and sometimes good things come from them. I also learned some very interesting rules about grammar.
When GM was riding high and was #1, the president said to the executives, "If you aren't making some mistakes you aren't being creative enough".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Harvard guy says, "At Harvard, we're taught to wash our hands afterwards."
State college guy replies, "At state college, we learn not to p#$s on our hands."
Thank you Richard, I appreciate that very much. To you and to everyone here, thanks for making life more enjoyable, interesting, and informative. That is a great gift.....helping to make people's lives a little better.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That’s why I said you’d be good at foxhole work. That’s all you have to know in that biz !!!!
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I should have a Masters Degree in digging by now!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Another belly laugh with my morning coffee again. I love the wit of many folks on this forum.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
WHAT ?? If you believe that you’ve been out in the “hot sun” too long yourself. :P
That reminds me of when I moved to SC and the locals ask me how I liked the weather the first summer I was there. I said, “If it weren’t so hot and humid I’d like it a lot more”. They said, “Everyone says that the first year they’re here. Don’t worry, by next summer your blood will have thinned out and you’ll be just fine”. Huh? I have news for them, your blood doesn’t thin out you just go brain dead and no longer have feelings. :sick:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Anytime I see 33 new posts I know I have a lot of mindless fluff to scroll through.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
See what happens when you can’t tell time? You’re more than a month ahead of the rest of us. It must be that funny clock you have. If you have some “time”, take another bite of that turkey for me.
Seriously, have a great Thanksgiving.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You know about the blonde who got a dent in her car, and she took it to the mechanic.
He thought he would have some fun, so he told her to park the car in the driveway, then blow into the tailpipe and that would push the dents out.
She parks in the driveway, and starts blowing into the tailpipe, and her friend comes along, and asks, what are you doing. She explains how the mechanic told her to blow the dents out. Her friend says, "Well, dah, don't you have to like close all the windows first?".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Don't worry, I'll take another day off to celebrate American Thanksgiving too...always like to give equal time to my American friends.
Thanks, for your Thanksgiving wishes. The dealers are closed today so I can't contribute a sales story.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was in NJ driving over from NYC and the traffic was maddeningly crazy crazy. And the worse was yet to come. The return back was even worse. I was about a mile or two from entering NYC and the traffic was a virtual standstill for almost 30-45 min and I moved about 1/2 mile,I guess. And then my friend calls. My good old friend !LOL! I know about NY/NJ law-no talking and driving-- but at that moment I just totally forgot and instinctively picked it up and was about 30 sec into the call when the officer pulls me over and issues a ticket for cell phone use while driving.
He mentions being out of state or unfamiliar is not an excuse. Agreed. My fault totally. I never talk and drive but it was just that instinctive moment especially as traffic was standstill. So what are my options?
1.Just fess up and pay the fine which is what is their main goal! :shades:
2. Do I fight it ? I hire my lawyer for any speeding ticket I get and he gets them dismissed. So,no points and I pay the lawyer fees and a negotiated fine/court costs. But I am assuming this is a non speeding or parking violation -- so , no points and no report to the DMV. So do I hire a lawyer in NJ? Or is it not worth it for this assumed parking violation? If yes,what are the chances of him getting it dismissed or atleast negotiate to a lesser violation ? :surprise:
Need all your help folks !! :P
To Jmonroe: Those South Carolinians fed you a bunch of bull. I've lived here all of my life, and you never get used to the summers. Your post sparked a memory. During the late '60's, I remember teaching remedial English in summer school when we had no air conditioning. At that time, male teachers were still required to wear coats and ties. I would nearly pass out from the heat. The third summer that I taught, the board of education finally allowed us to remove our coats. I don't know how the poor students learned when the room temperatures ranged from 85-90 degrees. My students became very creative at making those paper fans.
I drove home each day in a car that had no air conditioning ('66 Pontiac GTO convertible) to a house that was not air conditioned. During the Summer of 1971, we purchased a large reconditioned window unit for our house. It had to be one of the most wonderful things that ever happened for us. In 1973, we purchased our first air conditioned car. It was a four door "73 Buick LeSabre---navy blue with a light blue vinyl top and an interior of navy blue cloth. We were worried to death about the car payment---$143 per month for 36 months. After all, we had a huge house payment---$250 per month. I told my wife not to worry. I took an extra job on Saturdays administering the College Board exams. It paid well---$20 each Saturday. Those were the days!
Richard
That is really unfortunate....what are the odds of being stuck in traffic and the police being right there.
Not sure how to turn this mistake into a good thing. My suggestion would be to find out what the fine actually is, and if points are involved.
If it is minor and not too big a deal, just pay it and say it makes up for all the times you could have got a ticket, but didn't. If points are involved, guess you will have to think about lawyering up (always wanted to use that phrase).
Guess, one good thing is, you will remember not to pick up the phone when driving ever again....and that might save you some real money and a possible very serious accident..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you determine that the ticket impacts your standing, hire a lawyer. Be sure to retain an attorney in the same county as the ticket was issued. They are buddies with the officers, prosecutors, judges, etc. Do NOT pay the ticket in advance because that is an admission of guilt. Explain to the lawyer that traffic was at a stand still. Explain also that you only answered the incoming call because you were afraid that there might be an emergency at home. Be sure that your attorney specializes in traffic violations. Call at least three lawyers in the same county to see if their fees are about the same. In addition, ask each attorney if there is a reduction in their fee if they lose the case. Your attorney will want you to write a narrative of exactly what happened. When you write it, state the facts but also indicate how remorseful you are and what an upstanding citizen you have tried to be over the years. Good luck to you.
Richard
(I grew up in NJ a good many years ago. Back then, Jersey had reciprocity agreements only with nearby states: NY, Pennsylvania, Connecticut & a couple of others.)
How many points do you now have? If your license is clean, then a 2 or 3 point violation (depending on how your state calculates points) probably won't hurt you if you can stay out of trouble for the next couple of years.
Have you asked your insurance agent if this will affect your premiums? If so, how much of an increase can you expect & for how many years?
How much will a Jersey lawyer charge you to take this case? Do you have a dollar figure?
You have to do your homework before you can make a decision. Unless the lawyer's fee will be less than the amount of any insurance premium increase & other related costs, you'll probably be better off if you simply pay the fine.
Richard
That's good to know. Thanks. Because I've never been hit with an out-of-state violation, I've never had to worry about this.
Story...
On the first day the cell phone law was in effect, one of our salesmen who drives 30K+ a year and hasn't had a ticket in years, was cited for cell phone use. He simply just forgot about the law.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Also fun fact, that although reciprocity agreements from points are almost entirely nationwide, some states will take most out-of-state violations and just throw them in the garbage when they receive them. Pennsylvania is one of them. If you get a violation outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, unless it is for DUI, reckless driving or vehicular homicide, it will not impact your driving record at all. Pay the ticket to the citing state and it goes away.
Richard
Richard
What tremendous knowledge about how to work the system. See, all those mistakes added up to a wealth of knowledge. I think you have found a whole new career path to pursue.
also indicate how remorseful you are Would tears help at this point?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Driver:Yes,the point issue is the most important.And dont think I will ever pick up a phone while driving. And also,the same day I bought a hands free set-so it`s connected to the phone and I just use my headset. So foolish of me to have not bought that earlier inspite of being so aware of it,especially in NY/NJ. :shades:
Richard: Every single piece of info in your post is so crucial for anyone who gets a ticket. Really vital. Perfect advice . And I am like you -I never ever pay the traffic ticket- as it`s an admission of guilt. I always hire a lawyer to take care of it. The points on the license and the insurance hikes are a pain. And when it rains,it pours. You get a ticket-you pay it,points on the licence,and guess what you get another ticket within a week despite you not getting one for 5 yrs or more. Again all your advice regarding the how's and why's is such great advice. So anyone getting a ticket-- well folks,just save Richard's post! :P
Jimbres: Thanks. I am in NY now visiting and have a TX license. And all states now have reciprocating info. No points on my license-as any ticket I get ,I hire my lawyer to take care of it.Even if the the lawyer's fee is more than the amount of any insurance premium increase & other related costs- I will pay the fee and get it dismissed instead of just paying the ticket. And yes,have to get info on good NY/NJ lawyers incase I need it anytime later!!
Tjc78 & Firefighter28 : Thanks for that info. So it`s a non moving violation and so no points,nor will there be a DMV infraction record. Guess,just paying the 100 fine is better. And $100 is relatively better as I was expecting close to $250!!
Incase I decide to fight it-will any NJ lawyer take it up? Or will he just advice to pay it as it`s non moving? But if he takes it up,how`s he going to tackle this ticket or get it dismissed or a lesser penalty. Just curious as it`s a non moving violation and I have never had one all my life.
I just call his legal assistant - they have my info with them- I just mail the ticket and the checks and he does the rest. I do agree that speeding tickets are for our safety but in reality it's simply for raising funds. Safety concern is an end product, not an initiating cause. If it was just for our safety- then they should have community service or driver ed classes for them so as to make them more aware.Not happening !!
Also, there was a big issue in NYC recently about it. A meeting of police officials in Brooklyn regarding traffic ticket quotas to be met,money to be raised -- was secretly videotaped by I guess , a disgruntled cop and it's been all over the news and a raging debate is going on !! :P
They charge, I think 300.00 but they never miss!
They know the procescutor and kick back 20%! :P
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
Well, if he could get it dismissed, you would still be over $100 for his/her fees. OTOH if it was reduced to some lower no point violation by the time you add court costs and lawyer fees, you are still over $100.
I am not sure if NJ is the same now, however, back my late teens I got quite a few speeding violations. Every time I went to court (by myself) and had them taken down to no point violations, The funny thing is, that fine plus court costs always was more than just paying the ticket. They aren't stupid and know that people will pay more for the ticket to not have your insurance go up.
This practice in NJ was so common at one point I was getting an insurance quote and when asking about tickets etc, I mentioned I had one no point violation for "Failure to observe signal" the agent on the phone mentioned..."lots of people in NJ have those"
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
So the consensus is -- I pay 100 - and get on with it as it`s a non moving offense and so no points.
Richard
Talk about bad timing. How the hell did he get there in a traffic jam? Do they beam them down in NJ.
I have Bluetooth in the Genny. So, it’s hands free if I get a call. If the call isn’t from the boss, a lot of times I don’t even take it. One of the reasons I do is because it might be an important grocery store pickup as I hate having to go out again once I get home. :mad:
Is answering a call with Bluetooth permissible in most states? I never bothered to check here in PA.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Richard
Which boss?
Richard
Take a medicine dropper and drop a few water spots on the letter. Dry thoroughly and then mail. Works like a charm. (Grin)
Richard
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
That being said I know that there are some traffic courts here in IL (mostly rural areas) where they expect you to do this. It's quick, easy and simple. You show up with a lawyer and you just bought yourself a conviction.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
correct..... I was talking about concerns that do not include a check engine light and that are out of factory warranty and are in the extended part of the warranty part..... like the vehicle is making a humming noise.... possible timing chain ..... or transmission..... not a check engine light... and not while under factory warranty.
GP
From a Canadian perspective, I would say since it isn't a moving violation, you shouldn't lose points and your insurance should not go up.
So, yes, it would be better to pay the $100 and move on with your life.
Hopefully, someone with more experience and who lives in the USA will give you a more difinitive answer.
Since you didn't get a response yet, I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth before you call your handy-dandy lawyer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Let's see...
how much less would I have taken? I had decided that morning that, just to get it gone, I would have gone another $300 down if needed.
the rear of the car was facing the street, so I turned it around so she could pull straight out.
You guys make a valid point. I will refrain from contacting the buyer.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
What they are really good at and indeed do it more routinely in almost every case ,is plea bargaining. It just saves them a lot of time and effort. Bottomline,as you said everyone is interested in money. They have got lots of good contacts with the prosecutors and court staff. So,even the prosecutor is amenable to a plea bargain for a lesser penalty,no points and court fees-- win win for everyone.Plus this does not clog the system. :P
If it`s a minor speeding ticket,like say less than 10 over--then the person himself can request a plea bargain with the prosecutor for a fee and no points. If the offense is more serious,then your attorney is the best bet. They will reduce your ticket to a non moving violation or if it's a really serious offense--then try to reduce the penalty. Just as in your case. No attorney can win that case but he plea bargained effectively to reduce your charge and keep your license.No prosecutor would grant a plea bargain to a person going 95 in 55. But they will indeed negotiate with attorneys !!
That`s why , I always like you ,advise to hire an attorney for speeding tickets or any moving violation that can cause points and raise your insurance.. Otherwise,it would be like jumping from a pan into the fire!
No principles involved from the state too. It`s all about the money !! :P
I think that would be 180 degrees, but I don't know if I want to go down that road again.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
As a side benefit, leaving it turned off makes it difficult for the government, your boss, and those pesky little space aliens to track you !
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I am with you on this one. But, people who want to be on their cell 24/7 can't let it go. Do you know how many people I have seen talking while they are in the washroom? (and I mean while "using" the facilities - Guys phone rings, he says "Oh hi Mary, nothing much, how are you?")).
But, with hands free and Bluetooth etc., it shouldn't be necessary to use a hand held phone in the car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
They have side spaces all over the freeways and main roads. They park over there and stay watching the traffic entering NYC- as I said,this was close to entering NYC from NJ!
Bluetooth is a prefect solution-that`s why all cars nowadays have them. Or if you want privacy or have no bluetooth or a simple cell phone-then a hands free calling set is the answer. And ,it's permissible in every state. Just plug it into the phone and place the headset/earpiece over you ! Thinking being--atleast your hand is free and not holding the phone--so lesser chance of a driving distraction!
hmmm, didn't you say you were at "rock bottom" on your price? Perhaps you have a future in automotive sales? (joke) :P
the rear of the car was facing the street, so I turned it around so she could pull straight out.
Well, unless you driveway is set up like a analog watch, that would be 180 degrees.
You guys make a valid point. I will refrain from contacting the buyer.
I wouldn't let a little fear of being scolded by a teenage girl, for selling her a lemon, keep me from checking up on an old beloved friend. You know your car better than any of us. If it had been a lemon, sure, don't call. But, if the ole "Z"ster has been a reliable and fun car to drive, then I wouldn't hesitate to call. I hardly think anything will change over the next 6 months. The buyers surely know the car was taken good care of, and so do you. So, go ahead and send that email or make that call, in six weeks to six months, then report back here. I'll say there's a 99% chance you won't regret it.
Cell phone isn't there. Pay and be done.
There are a bunch of nice non-moving violations you can plead to if you do get a points ticket. I was once obstructing traffic at 75 mph.
This is so good it's got its own topic in here - NJ no points tickets.
I worked with a guy who has had at least six tickets dismissed over the past three years. He calls his lawyer, pays her 300.00 and she go's to court on his behalf.
Then she calls him the next day and tells him the ticket was dismissed.
Are you saying that she pays part of her fee to the court system?
She must be incredible since a few of those tickets were pretty severe. Othrs at work have used her too with 100% success.
How?