Autoblog

Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:29:00 EST

Count this one as a big victory for motorists. A Florida man has won his First Amendment case against the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, who wrongfully ticketed him for flashing his lights to warn other drivers of a speed trap. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a Circuit Court judge not only said that the deputy who ticketed Ryan Kintner had misapplied a state law banning aftermarket flashing emergency lights, but also ruled that flashing your lights to communicate with other drivers qualifies as constitutionally protected speech.

But this victory for Kintner is just a stepping stone towards a larger case. According to the report, his attorney has filed a class action lawsuit that charges the Florida Highway Patrol with willfully violating a 2005 court order prohibiting the police from ticketing motorists for flashing their brights. The report says that case has a hearing scheduled for next month, so this is certainly not the last we'll hear on the issue.

Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

Now we're not suggesting that you're a lawbreaker, but if you're a social networker and you'd like to know where speedtraps are - for no reason at all - then Escort might be able to help. Makers of the Passport line of detectors, Escort has started a mobile app-supported network called Escort Live that features Bluetooth notifications.

When an Escort detector using a special Bluetooth-enabled cord - called SmartCord Live - registers a trap, it sends that info to the cloud, which then forwards that location to your smartphone to warn you of the trap if you're about to be in range. It can also identify red light cameras and other types of road surveillance systems.

The app works with certain Apple iPhone and Android handsets, and a subscription to the service through 2012 costs $79.95. That strikes us as rather pricy, but we suppose it's cheaper than a speeding ticket. Check out a video of it in action after the jump.

Continue reading Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video]

Escort marries social networking and radar detection with Android/iPhone app [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Florida sued for ticketing motorists who warn others of speed traps

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Videos, Police/Emergency

Florida is facing a class-action lawsuit from drivers who have been ticketed for attempting to warn other motorists of hidden speed traps. According to WTSP 10 News, Eric Campbell was recently cited for just that, despite the fact that there is no law against using one's headlights to communicate with other drivers. The officer who ticketed Campbell used Florida State Statute 316.2397, even though the courts ruled that the police were wrongfully applying the law to crack down on vehicle-to-vehicle communication in 2005. Now Campbell wants his $100 ticket refunded and $15,000 in damages.

Since 2005, over 10,429 drivers have been cited for flashing their high beams, and if Campbell wins his case, Florida could be facing over $1 million in ticket refunds. But that's nothing compared to the $156.4 million the state could have to pay out if each driver is awarded $15,000 each. Hit the jump to take a look at news report on the lawsuit.

Continue reading Florida sued for ticketing motorists who warn others of speed traps

Florida sued for ticketing motorists who warn others of speed traps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: LA police officers who alleged ticket quota system win $2M judgment

Chris Shunk — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

For the average motorist, dealing with law enforcement usually amounts trying to get out of a traffic citation. So it's understandable that we sometimes are less than thrilled to see them on our roads. But keep in mind that the police are the first responders whenever there is trouble, and the men and women in blue are looking out for our best interests more than many of us realize.

Case in point? Los Angeles police officers Howard Chan and David Benioff sued the city for instituting a ticket quota system (we knew it!). According to the Los Angeles Times, the officers alleged that they were instructed to write up 18 tickets each per shift. And not just any ticket - we're talking high-dollar offenses like blowing stop signs and other major moving violations.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the officers won their civil case by an 11-1 vote and were awarded a $2 million judgment due to a loss of reputation and work actions that resulted from the officers' refusal to meet that quota. Gregory Smith, Benioff's lawyer, says that he hopes the decision helps eradicate quotas, adding that the practice is "a direct violation of the vehicle code and this case was about these officers being asked to break the law."

The city's defense was that the department had broad goals for tickets, but only to improve safety and decrease fatalities. Former LAPD Commander Paul Kim tells a different story, testifying that weather, paramedic response times and the price of gas were more likely more significant reasons for traffic deaths. Hat tip to Bo!

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Corbis]

Report: LA police officers who alleged ticket quota system win $2M judgment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Texas man becomes human speed-trap warning sign

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

Running into a speed trap is a gut-wrenching feeling. Regardless of whether you are going two or 20 mph over the limit, you always have to glance in your mirror to make sure Johnny Law isn't on your tail. In that spirit, a Lakeway, Texas resident is fed up with the traps in his town and has decided to fight back against them all by his lonesome. Lance Mitchell, co-founder of the website SpeedTrapAhead.org, is taking to the streets and warning other motorists about nearby speed traps.

If he's out on the road and spots a police officer in a speed trap, Mitchell will backtrack to a spot ahead of the trap, then don a bright orange "Speed Trap Ahead" t-shirt in order to alert other motorists of the waiting radar run around the bend. While the Austin American-Statesman notes that it's illegal to warn others of an enforcement action, it is not illegal to warn others when the enforcement pertains to matters of the traffic code. In fact, Mitchell believes he is doing the same work as the officers initiating the speed traps but also saving everyone money in the process. People slow down when they see him thus avoiding a ticket and a raise in insurance premiums.

Needless to say, the Lakeway Police Department doesn't exactly agree with Lance Mitchell's methods. It's fined him, jailed him and eventually the two went to court. Mitchell won and then turned around and sued the town and a few of its police officers. A confidential settlement was reached and the unemployed Mitchell can now breathe easy for a few months thanks to the cash infusion. We're guessing that it also gives him some more free time to wear his orange t-shirt...

[Source: Austin American-Statesman | Image: Corbis]

Report: Texas man becomes human speed-trap warning sign originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Navteq acquires Trapster

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Technology, Earnings/Financials

Earlier this week, the ink dried on a deal for Navteq to acquire Trapster, the speed trap and road hazard tracking company that makes GPS apps for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Navteq's interest in Trapster is obvious: One of the world's largest mapping and sat-nav software companies needs more crowd-sourced traffic information. With over nine million downloads, Trapster has both the reach and programming knowledge to expand the depth and breadth of the firm's traffic data.

According to Autoblog sources familiar with the matter, five companies were interested in acquiring Trapster, and an outright bidding war was waged by three of the startup's suitors. In the end, Navteq brought home the brass ring for an undisclosed amount.

Trapster was established in 2003, growing considerably once it received funding in March of 2009 which allowed it to bring on a handful of employees.

Trapster users can expect their service to remain intact, and with the engineering resources of Navteq integrated with the current apps, traffic, road hazard and maybe even police data stands to increase considerably.

Exclusive: Navteq acquires Trapster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Radar guns adapted to detect suicide bombers?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology

Researchers at the Naval Postgraduate School and the University of California, Santa Cruz may have found a new use for most drivers' worst nightmare. William Fox and John Vesecky have discovered that with a little tweaking, a run-of-the-mill radar gun can become an instrument for detecting suicide bombers. The duo found that at a specific frequency, the gun can pick up on patterns of looped wire typically used in bomber suicide vests. Testing is in the beginning stages right now, but thus far, the gun has been able to accurately pick out volunteers dressed in replica suicide vests 85 percent of the time at a distance of around 33 feet.

There are some hang-ups, though. Most noticeably, the gun yields a high rate of false alarms, with things like underwire bras and jewelry yielding the similar radar cross sections as a suicide vest. Both Fox and Vesecky are hoping that the U.S. Military will invest in their research, allowing them to fine-tune the device moving forward.

[Source: New Scientist via Engadget | Image: Matt Carty/Getty]

Radar guns adapted to detect suicide bombers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Biker lowsides on Mulholland, gives CHP an excuse

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Safety, Videos, Motorcycle, Humor

How not to ride your Kawasaki - Click above to view the video after the jump

We all know the crap-your-pants sensation that comes along with seeing one of the boys in blue when you're doing something you shouldn't. It's usually accompanied by a phobia-like aversion of the throttle and an over familiarity with the brakes at the same time. If you're tearing it up on four wheels, inducing plenty of stopping power mid-turn will just make you look a fool. But, as our intrepid hero found out, grabbing a handful of brake on your favorite Kawasaki ZX-6R will have you kneeling at the asphalt altar in a hurry. Despite this guy's impressive slide, he's no Tanner Foust. This CHP officer hasn't had it this easy since training. See what we mean after the jump.

[Source: Hell for Leather via Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Video: Biker lowsides on Mulholland, gives CHP an excuse

Video: Biker lowsides on Mulholland, gives CHP an excuse originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: AZ residents revolting against speed cameras, only 38% pay tickets

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Arizona is the first state in the U.S. to utilize photo enforcement of traffic laws on state highways. The cameras are paired to radar detectors that snap an image of offending vehicles traveling at 11 mph over the speed limit, and the ticket is then mailed to the home of the registered auto. And not just any old fine, either. We're talking $181.50, so we're sure you can see why Arizona residents aren't too excited about the state's fledgling revenue stream.

After nearly two years with photo enforcement, motorists have begun covering the cameras with Post-it notes, boxes and even silly string. One man reportedly gave a camera a beat-down with a pick ax. A report by the Los Angeles Times claims that only 38 percent of fines have been paid thus far, and the revenue generated from big brother law enforcement is closer to $20 milllion rather than the expected $80 million per year. The report shows that an overwhelming number of ticketed drivers are looking to fight their fines in court, and in some cases the courts are reportedly booked up through 2011. A local judge has even sided with speed camera haters. John Keegan, a judge for the Arrowhead Justice Court, has thrown out all 7,000 violations that he has presided over, saying that the cameras were a violation to constitutional rights.

So after all the trouble these cameras have caused, why haven't they been removed from the road? Arizona law enforcement apparently like the cameras, for one. Lt. Jeff King of the Arizona Department of Public Safety reportedly told the Times that traffic fatalities are down to the lowest point in 15 years as a result of the cameras and tougher drinking and driving laws. All the pressure coming from citizens to get rid of the speed traps could be weighing on politicians, though, as some lawmakers are looking into the possibility of altering the current photo radar system. Governor Jan Brewer is even encouraging legislators to put the speed cameras to a vote in November.

We're guessing if the speed cameras make their way to the ballot, the cameras could well be the biggest reason voters hit the polls this November.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Report: AZ residents revolting against speed cameras, only 38% pay tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bring on the heat: Njection updates Speedtrap site

Michael Harley — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets

The team at Njection have updated their Speedtrap site with new features and more detailed speed trap information. After introducing the ability to upload speed trap information to Garmin GPS units in March, Njection has now added color-coded maps on its website. Locations of user-reported police radar, or other speed enforcement devices, are displayed as colored dots based on the threat level. Low level threats are yellow, while medium threats are orange. The highest level threats are displayed in red. In addition to the map upgrades, a new "speed trap heat map" visually charts the day and time of the week when the threats are the highest. As before, all database information for the free service is provided by registered users on the site who report on their local enforcement tactics. Check out the press release after the jump for a special incentive for new registered users that may or may not be of any value to you.

[Source: Njection]

Continue reading Bring on the heat: Njection updates Speedtrap site

Bring on the heat: Njection updates Speedtrap site originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Njection and Garmin partner to identify speed traps

Michael Harley — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Technology

Njection is a website for guys like us. In addition to their forums and picture resources, they have compiled a database of more than 50,000 speed traps worldwide -- areas with high radar use and speed cameras -- that works with Microsoft Live Maps. Njection is now offering owners of Garmin GPS units the ability to download speed trap and red light camera information to their portable navigation units.

A SpeedTrap-enhanced Garmin portable GPS unit will be a great companion on a road trip, long commute, or while traveling in unfamilar areas. However, as sophisticated as the technology is getting, GPS still won't find your lost keys.

[Source: PRNewswire via Winding Road]

Njection and Garmin partner to identify speed traps originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed traps be damned! Cobra unveils first radar detector with GPS

Chris Shunk — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Safety, Technology

The feeling one gets when they receive in the mail a hefty ticket for speeding is extremely bad, but the cop-dodging experts at Cobra have come up with a terrific tool. Cobra's XRS R9G is the first US laser and radar detector that utilizes GPS Navigation to warn drivers of known speed trap cameras. Cobra is keeping track of traps all over the US, and anyone that purchases the $449 device can also load updates from the Cobra website. Cobra is also working towards using GPS to alert drivers of upcoming school or construction zones, as well as giving owners notice when they're about to enter a high risk accident zone.

The XRS R9G also signals the driver of any laser or radar guns, finally giving drivers the trifecta of protection against the unwanted ticket. Like it or not, speed cameras are on the rise, and with smaller cameras being produced all the time, they're getting harder to detect. Cobra's XRS R9G is the first product to market to come up with a solution that gives drivers a fighting chance... to speed and get away with it.

Hit the jump to view the press release

Continue reading Speed traps be damned! Cobra unveils first radar detector with GPS

Speed traps be damned! Cobra unveils first radar detector with GPS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 cities in which NOT to speed

Chris Shunk — Wed, 30 May 2007 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, First Drives

Few moments in life are less welcomed than when a sprightly sprint in your automobile is cut short by flashing red lights in your rearview mirror. In that moment, you know that you're out well over $100, you'll have to take time off work for court, and your insurance is likely to go up by 10 percent or more.

The Speed Trap Exchange was created to alert drivers of speed traps, and to tip off locations where traffic patrols are heaviest. The folks over at Speed Trap compiled a list of the 10 worst places in the US in which not to speed based on the input of over 10,000 site users. Lucky for me, my hometown is in the Detroit suburbs, which took the No. 1 spot. Hit the jump to view all top 10 sites, and let us know if you know of an area where speed traps run ramped.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Top 10 cities in which NOT to speed

Top 10 cities in which NOT to speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Couple faces charges for busting a speeding cop

Dan Roth — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, First Drives

Let's set the scene here. You're a homeowner on a street with a chronic speeding problem. Short of "accidentally" dropping a box of roofing nails in the street, there's not much recourse. You could pester the local constabulary to park one of their radar trailers in your neighborhood to remind folks they're speeding; or better yet, station one of their servants there on a regular basis to write tickets. That won't be much help if one of the egregious speeders is part of the thin blue line that separates order from chaos.

A Georgia couple trying to keep speeds down for the safety of their son opted to set up their own speeding sting. Lee and Teresa Sipple mounted a radar unit and three video cameras outside their home in hopes of reminding neighbors to drive carefully. They managed to nab local officer Richard Perrone doing nearly 20 MPH over the limit. Possibly suffering from injured pride, a guilty conscience or a sense of self-righteous indignation, Perrone went whining to the local authorities when he was one-upped at his own game. The Sipples, in turn, received a visit from the police alerting them that Perrone intended to press charges for stalking and had filed a warrant application for their arrest. Whiner.

This is like a home invader suing you for shooting his larcenous ass. Where's the sense of accountability? Perrone got what he deserved for flouting the very statutes he's entrusted with enforcing. Before we get too indignant, Perrone has had a change of heart and withdrawn his complaint. We wonder if he's had a change of heart, or if more subtle harrassment tactics than arrest warrants will be more satisfying?

[Source: Daily Tribune News via Digg]

Couple faces charges for busting a speeding cop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not again: Blind man caught going 100 mph in Barcelona

John Neff — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

A blind man was recently caught by a speed camera doing 98 mph on public roads in Spain. The man had lost his sight in a car accident in 1996, and, as he explained to the court, wanted to drive just one more time. So, just like the last time we heard about a sightless driver, the man had his wife sit shotgun and dole out verbal directions on which way to turn the wheel.

In this case, however, the courts tried to strip the man of his disability benefits, citing the fact that he successfully drove the car as proof his accident didn't leave him blind. In the end, however, a Barcelona court believed the man truly had an earnest desire to hop behind the wheel one more time and threw out the case.

Frankly, we're surprised at how many times people who have lost their sight felt it's a good idea to get behind the wheel. We can understand wanting nothing more than to feel the power and control that driving offers, especially when a disability does so much to remove those feelings from your daily routine. Nevertheless, there are other innocent people on the road, and sight is one of those gotta have senses when it comes to driving. Smell and taste on the other hand...

[Source: Piston Heads]

Not again: Blind man caught going 100 mph in Barcelona originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New navi in UK guarantees no speeding tickets

John Neff — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Technology

Though the isle of Britain isn't that large in terms of square miles, it still contains 24,000 potential speed traps (about the same number in Ohio, we think). The Rossini Navigator and Camera Spotter is a satellite navigation unit that has each one of those traps plotted on its digital topography and will audibly warn a driver if one is fast approaching. The unit also does the whole door-to-door, turn-by-turn navigation thing, but the addition of such comprehensive camera spotting technology moves it to the head of the class. The distributer of the Rossini Navigator, Car Parts Direct, has also decided to guarantee the device will keep you ticket free in the UK by offering £60 cashback if the device offers no warning of a speed trap and a ticket is issued. Those purchasing the Rossini Nav system will also get free camera updates emailed to them through January of 2009, since most people don't bother to go get updates on thier own when they're made available. The unit costs £399 and is ready to use right out of the box.

[Source: Car Parts Direct]

New navi in UK guarantees no speeding tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New speed clocking system could exhaust radar/laser detectors

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Government/Legal, Technology

New Scientist magazine reports that researchers at the University of Tennessee and Batelle Institute have applied for patents on a system that detects the speed of a passing vehicle based on its exhaust note.

The system uses microphones to capture the sound of a passing car, and then filters out all but the sound made by the engine. By measuring the doppler shift of the engine sound as it moves past the speed trap, the system can calculate the vehicle's speed.

While the sound detector is unobtrusive and completely passive (therefore undetectable by a conventional radar/laser detector), identifying speeders will require something a little less stealthy, like a traffic camera. Of course, other early detection systems are possible, like the subtle warning in the accompanying picture.

Hmmm. Sounds like better muffler technology is in order.

[Source: New Scientist]

New speed clocking system could exhaust radar/laser detectors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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