Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

So I made a stupid mistake on the I-15 carpool lane (speed limit 65) (traffic speed was 75ish) and I was pulled over for going 93mph. I know... ouch.... I'm 17 and I got my license in December 2011. This is my first ticket and I just don't know what to expect. My question is, what is the worst I should expect and is there any chance that there could be a forgiving, good outcome? Again it was really stupid for me to do this, but I just don't know what to expect, that's why i'm asking. Thanks for your time.

Location: San Diego, CA
Court Date: August 18th

Here's the deal. Most traffic violations are not intentional. Instead, they are the result of inattention, particularly when it comes to speed. Many folks tend to drive at a speed they feel comfortable with, which is often above the limit. It's only when you see those red and blue lights in your mirror, look at your speedometer and then see that you're are doing Warp 10 that you have that "Oh sh*t" moment and realize that you screwed up.

The problem is, it's the inattention that cause accidents which result in property damage, injuries and death. To be forgiving is to tell you that it's OK to be inattentive and not be a careful driver. To be forgiving is to tell you that it is OK to go out there and unnecessarily put other drivers at risk. No one is going to send you that message, particularly because you are a new and inexperienced driver. So, set money aside for a bus pass.

For adults, the penalty is usually fixed and based on the number of miles per hour you were going over the speed limit. If an adult had been doing just 7 MPH more (100 MPH) they would have been looking at up to a $500 fine and a 30 day license suspension.

Because you are under 18 the juvenile court has some latitude, but given that you were doing 28 MPH over the limit and just a hair's breath under 100 MPH, I would look for a hefty fine and the possibility of some limitation on, or brief suspension of your license.

Come back after your court date and let us know what happened.

Because you are under 18 the juvenile court has some latitude, but given that you were doing 28 MPH over the limit and just a hair's breath under 100 MPH, I would look for a hefty fine and the possibility of some limitation on, or brief suspension of your license.

Thank you for your time and response. On my ticket, the superior court is checked marked. Does that change anything that you have said about the juvenile court? Also, my birthday is on September 5th, about two weeks after the court date. If I were to get my license suspended, will this change anything because I'm turning 18? I've heard some stories about records getting cleaned once when turned 18, and or getting privileges back when 18. Thanks in advance.

I'm not a CA LEO, but I can say for certain that juvenile records, be it driving or criminal arrests etc. Are never "wiped" clean. Most juveniles and a lot of adults are under the impression what they did when they weee under 18 gets "sealed" or their record gets "cleared" or the basic idea its a "fresh start". While juvenile records are "confidential" meaning they are not public record, they stay with you for life. Obviously a traffic violation when you were 17 may not "show up" after a "set time frame" in some states you still need to be aware that it will still be on your license history and it may affect your insurance (when you get it in your name as an adult). And with you being only months away from turning 18 and being a legal adult it may actually hurt your case instead of helping it, because you are basically a adult (legally in months) you are expected to drive like a responsible adult driver.

I'm not bashing you, I am sure you are already doing that to yourself. Its
obvious you are worried about this and it sounds like you will be paying more attention to your speed in the future. Basically its going to be up to the judge to determine the fate of your license and fine etc. So all you can do is show up to your court date with the same respectful and apologetic demeanor you are showing now and hope its not too harsh.

Regardless of the outcome, just remember you are a
soon to be adult and you have to make every effort to be a safe driver and law
abiding adult.

I only know of a handful of adults, LEO's included who have never been issued a speeding ticket. I for one recieved one when I was your age (the only time I was issued a speeding ticket) and its still on my record and I am in my 30's!

Good Luck.

Thank you for your time and response. On my ticket, the superior court is checked marked. Does that change anything that you have said about the juvenile court? Also, my birthday is on September 5th, about two weeks after the court date. If I were to get my license suspended, will this change anything because I'm turning 18? I've heard some stories about records getting cleaned once when turned 18, and or getting privileges back when 18. Thanks in advance.

I am guessing you got cited to the court on Meadowlark. That is the juvenile court in San Diego

If your license is suspended, turning 18 will not cancel the suspension. Similarly, turning 18 will not remove the citation and court disposition from your DMV driving record. It will remain there for a fixed number of years (I don't remember how many) before it is automatically purged.

Expect your parent's auto insurance to jump by a considerable amount. If you are not on their policy and have your own insurance, your carrier may cancel it, in which case you may have to go on the Assigned Risk program.

As a side note, it is essential that you not get any more citations or be involved in any "at fault" accidents before your 18th birthday. DMV is especially hard on under 18 drivers who fall within this category. Take a look at Unsafe Driver Consequences (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/teenweb/more_btn6/unsafe/unsafe.htm#) to see what can happen if you have further problems.