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Estoril_BlueM3 t1_iybguxv wrote

That is perhaps the weakest and silliest excuse for a traffic violation I have ever heard (and I've heard some really dumb ones). If you tried it, the judge is going to ride you like a pony.

If a flash/reflection of a light is enough to cause you to fail to drive safely, you should surrender your driver's license. There are lots of lights everywhere that could trigger your claimed traffic ptsd.

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LattaCooties t1_iybh4j1 wrote

I've been driving for two months. Honestly, fair.

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Estoril_BlueM3 t1_iyblhtz wrote

There are far, far more difficult and dangerous things you will encounter driving. Many. Every day. Most intersections.

Keep your head in the game, focus on what is important and be safe.

Serious recommendation: If you qualify (age limit), sign up for "Tire Rack's Street Survival School". Costs almost nothing. You will leave the day a far better, factually more aware and better driver with some serious car control skills that can save your life. The car control exercises are incredibly valuable and you'll get great time feeling your car lose traction (and then you'll regain it) in a safe, consequence-free environment.

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sl8rfan2 t1_iybdbf6 wrote

> It's true, I didn't come to a full stop but

But nothing. Pay it, scofflaw.

edit: a flashing light startling you that much does not inspire confidence in your ability to handle driving in a city.

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LattaCooties t1_iybehb6 wrote

Maybe I would have come to a full stop if I wasn't scared for my life! Jeezus. I ALWAYS stop at stop signs and I had every intention of doing so, but I'm not going to come to a full stop if I'm scared! It's literally a human reflex to run when you think you are in danger. It was really dark out and the flash scared me. Even if it is embarrassing, I will still admit that I was scared.

Anyway, this encouraged me to contest it because I stand by that I would have stopped if the camera wasn't faulty. Apparently that camera is known to not be accurate: Here

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oxtailplanning t1_iybfx7a wrote

The cameras are all reviewed by a real person. You also admitted you didn't stop so....

In this city we've all been nearly hit, injured, maimed, and/or killed by drivers that refuse to follow the basic laws. You'll find little sympathy for stop light cameras here. You might get some pity points from Nextdoor though.

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LattaCooties t1_iybh0wj wrote

I have actually been hit by a car on my bike and was sent flying, twice.

I did not refuse to follow basic laws. That is simply not true. If you are scared for your life, are you still going to follow the law??

I'm absolutely not trying to get sympathy! I'm sincerely trying to understand if anyone has had luck with contesting a ticket by admitting with an explanation.
Additionally, I am unfortunately not surprised by the responses here. I've noticed that a lot of people on this sub love to tell other people to pay tickets when they probably can try to contest it.

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sl8rfan2 t1_iybkwcq wrote

You make me feel unsafe on the road. Please find alternate transportation before you kill someone.

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LattaCooties t1_iyblngc wrote

If I could bring 2 dogs on the bus/metro, I would have never bought this stupid car 2 months ago in the first place!

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AxillaRocks t1_iyccuqi wrote

This makes it worse! Just pay the ticket. Take some driving classes too. PAINFUL!

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keyjan t1_iybd7lc wrote

Pay it.

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SDC83 t1_iybhxrl wrote

If the flash went off, you didn’t stop where you are supposed to. Learn the rules and you won’t get tickets or harm anyone. Pay it.

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Oaktownbeeast t1_iyckfb0 wrote

Pay it so you don’t embarrass yourself any further with this absolute dogshit excuse. You’re mom might accept your weaseling out of responsibility with the blame everything-else tactic but the courts will either have a huge laugh and make you pay, or excoriate you in front of a room of people and make you pay. Either way, just pay and learn to stop 2 feet sooner and stop blaming the blinking lights for your inability to control your vehicle.

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Psychological-Emu287 t1_iybm5bf wrote

Wtf? Send me your cash app or Venmo and I’ll pay the damn thing 😆

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Rscaroll t1_iyddyv3 wrote

you received a "$100 ticket"..... dispute it. in person. Here's how you'll win: Per § 50–2209.02 you should have been issued a notice of infraction and summons if you were in fact just blowing through photo stop sings. It would have been mailed to you by or under the direction of the mayor. This is the entire basis of the photo enforcement system, is that you are cited via a NOI sent to you, by the mayor. I've never seen those ticket mailers with the ridiculous generic web sites actually say or resemble a NOI.

Does yours? Maybe its changed. I doubt it.
Remember A NOI is DPW parking ticket form and its almost the same as the uniform citation MPD writes for moving violations. It is a standard form, it is not a 8.5x11 print out from a color laser printer. DC DMV Adjudication services needs to dismiss whatever cazy papers lockheed martin or ACS whomever they call themselves mailed you.

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LattaCooties t1_iydhysq wrote

After reading that statute, I did receive a notice of infraction but not a summons, as far as I know. However, section (d) does hold me liable, I think, which does lead me to conclude that I should just pay it. Having this ticket over my head doesn’t seem worth it to save $100.

Thank you for trying though! I think the overwhelming response from my query is that there is a (seemingly very) low chance of getting this ticket thrown out, which is really all that I was asking (even if embarrassing, idgaf.)

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Rscaroll t1_iydmeja wrote

Its good to make a decision and execute! i'm sure that the city will find a worthy expenditure for the revenue,, probably shareholders of the photo ticket contractor.

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LattaCooties t1_iydvf5z wrote

Ugh. Yes. Which is why I don’t want to give the city money but I have no choice if I want to keep driving my dog to her sitter.

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Complex-Marzipan-218 t1_iybjpsx wrote

If a deer can do it, so can you

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LattaCooties t1_iybkchq wrote

This is probably the most confusing comment, as I've seen deer on Nebraska Ave definitely not stop for any reason.

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Ninjroid t1_iyc523y wrote

Do you live in DC? Then feel free to try to appeal it if you want, it at least buys you six months or so while that plays out.

If your vehicle is not registered in DC there is no need to pay it. Just don’t get another ticket, as two unpaid tickets makes your vehicle boot-eligible.

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