celj1234 t1_j9b6fgc wrote on February 20, 2023 at 5:22 PM

Were you speeding?

dirtybloodyleaves OP t1_j9b6yha wrote on February 20, 2023 at 5:25 PM

I saw the sign that said 50mph, I was going 41. The speed camera said that I was in the 25mph zone. Im just asking if it’s worth contesting the ticket since the signs are pretty much within 40meters of each other and kind of confusing. Thanks

jednorog t1_j9bhn97 wrote on February 20, 2023 at 6:34 PM

I have not been in that area recently. If the signs are as confusing as you claim, it may be worth it to contest it. However, another commenter says that the camera and lower limit are clearly marked, so it's up to you whether you truly think you didn't have appropriate warning.

For what it's worth, going 41 in a 25 zone is potentially very dangerous. "The average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle reaches 10% at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25% at 23 mph, 50% at 31 mph, 75% at 39 mph, and 90% at 46 mph. The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at 58 mph." (source).

ninasymone44 t1_j9cbxet wrote on February 20, 2023 at 9:51 PM

Welcome to DC! I’ve contested many tickets at that light. You should contest every ticket you receive in DC. Yes, we do have an issue with aggressive drivers but that doesn’t change the fact the whole city is one massive speed trap. The 50mph sign you saw is for the traffic on 295. You got off on the Kenilworth Ave exit which abruptly lowers the speed to 25 mph. Believe it or not, the markings that are there now are fairly new and were done after MANY community complaints. They might not let you off because of the markings, but I would still argue that they have a 50 mph sign still there meant to purposefully confuse you. Good luck!

dirtybloodyleaves OP t1_j9ccvxe wrote on February 20, 2023 at 9:57 PM

Thanks for responding! Do you have any advice on how best to contest it? Is in person better? Any thing that I should definitely mention? Such a hefty fine as well

ninasymone44 t1_j9dpvz0 wrote on February 21, 2023 at 4:07 AM

I actually took LITERAL measurements and contested the ticket in person and lost. I was really pissed about it because it was before the markings were put in and that abrupt drop in speed limit is ridiculous. You first want to contest the ticket online first. Then it takes a couple weeks for them to respond with a decision. Don’t admit to anything. Don’t submit payment with an explanation. Just straight up be like, this was my first time on this road and the signs dont make any sense. And the markings are bullshit too because if you’re inexperienced with the exit, you pass over them too quickly to realize you need to slow ALLLLLL the way down within like 2 seconds. Don’t get me started!