Autoblog

Cordon multi-target speed camera is terrifying

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, Videos

We're not big fans of speed cameras. The tickets are expensive, there is no facing the accuser, there are questions of accuracy, and in some cases, these cameras don't even appear to be helping out the governments that install them financially. And don't even get us started about many cases in which red light signals are manipulated to increase ticket counts. While we'd like for these cameras to go the way of the dodo, the fact is that these devices are only getting better.

The latest device to strike fear in motorists is Simicon's Cordon seen in action here. This device will be able to follow up to 32 vehicles across four lanes at the same time. It can deliver both wide-angle and close-up shots of every car, and it can simultaneously gauge speed and map vehicle position. It even has an available advanced license plate recognition system. Sound scary? It gets worse. The Cordon is also more difficult to spot, as it can be mounted on a tripod or road sign. The devices will be easy to update as well, as it can use WiFi, 3G or WiMAX to quickly sync with databases.

Cordon isn't on U.S. streets yet, but our sister site, Engadget, says that the devices will begin landing in North America by the first quarter of 2012. Hit the jump to watch video of the Cordon in action during a field trial, and feel free to join us in fear.

Continue reading Cordon multi-target speed camera is terrifying

Cordon multi-target speed camera is terrifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One-third of red light camera violators in LA opting not to pay voluntary citations

Chris Shunk — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Red light traffic cameras can be a real pain in the butt. The fines can be outrageous, the points lead to higher insurance rates and the programs can even take hard-working police officers off the streets. But what happens if you simply throw the ticket in the trash? In Los Angeles County, the answer seems to be a whole lot of nothing.

The Newspaper reports that red light camera revenue is down by one third after LA Police Commissioner Alan Skoban called the cameras "a voluntary citation program" back on June 7. The cameras have already been shut down in Los Angeles, but surrounding cities are losing boat-loads of dough. Since that June announcement, photo enforcement vendors are reportedly losing $1 million per month.

Still, while red light camera tickets are down, they're certainly not out. Drivers still paid 25,693 tickets at nearly $500 a pop from May through September. That's nearly $30 million over the course of a full year, which gets split between municipalities and the traffic camera system companies.

We're not sure what is more noteworthy - red light cameras that dole out $500 tickets, or ticked motorists that continue to pay outrageous fines even though the program is "voluntary." It appears the moral fiber of this country is still high... or not enough motorists know that the tickets don't have to be paid.

One-third of red light camera violators in LA opting not to pay voluntary citations originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red light-runner has ill-advised change of heart

Chris Shunk — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Videos

We've all done it before. The light is red, but you're turning right, so you stop and then proceed as soon as traffic clears. But then, just as you've committed, you spot a Crown Victoria, and your mind starts to race. Was there a no turn on red sign back there? Is that a cop? Oh snap, there goes my insurance premiums!

It's not a pretty feeling, but once you're committed, you know it's too late. Well, it's too late for most, but apparently not everyone in Russia agrees. Hit the jump to see video that illustrates what not to do after deciding to turn right on a red light. We don't speak Russian, but we'd like to think that the video's narrator is calling this driver a, uh, buffoon.

Continue reading Red light-runner has ill-advised change of heart

Red light-runner has ill-advised change of heart originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massachusetts Supreme Court upholds policy of charging $70 fee to innocent motorists

Chris Shunk — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

Getting a ticket can ruin even the best of days, but at least American motorists have the ability to fight moving violations in court. Challenging a ticket at least gives drivers a shot at avoiding or reducing fines and/or points charged to their records.

In Massachusetts, however, a new state Supreme Court ruling means drivers have to pay, win or lose. The Newspaper details the case of Ralph Sullivan, who was charged $70 in non-refundable fees even after he successfully fought a lane violation ticket ($20 for appealing the summons to a clerk, then another $50 to get the case in front of a district court judge). Sullivan argued to the Massachusetts Supreme Court that the policy violates the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution, as motorists are saddled with fees that offenders in more serious cases are not required to pay. The court disagreed and ruled against Sullivan.

In the ruling, Justice Ralph D. Gants writes, "Where the legislature provides greater process that imposes greater demands on the resources of the District Court, it is rational for the legislature to impose filing fees, waivable where a litigant is indigent, to offset part of the additional cost of these judicial proceedings."

Yeah, we get it. The courts are busy and they're expensive to run, so the $3,678,620 Massachusetts courts received as a result of fines in 2010 is needed to keep the doors open. We're of the opinion that anyone found not guilty should never have been pulled over in the first place, so the fine is levied as punishment for no crime committed. Isn't wasting half a day in court punishment enough?

Massachusetts Supreme Court upholds policy of charging $70 fee to innocent motorists originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

The roadside siren -- Click above to watch video

The prospect of getting a ticket can make you do a lot of things you wouldn't normally do -- beg, plead, be charming, anything goes, really, when it comes to fending off points and higher insurance premiums. Well, not anything, unless you're this woman, who went nuts at the idea of being ticketed. Like, crazy nuts.

We don't know who she is or what she did or what ungodly nightmare she was trying to avoid, but we do know she's got a set of pipes. If anyone can tell us what she's saying, please let us know in the comments. Follow the jump for the video, and keep your hand on the volume knob for this one.

[Source: Live Leak via Ryan O'Keefe]

Continue reading VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop

VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car.

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, India

David Coulthard demonstrates for Red Bull Racing in Mumbai, India - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can't blame an F1 driver from driving fast. That's what they're supposed to do. Evidently authorities in India feel differently, however, as they've slapped David Coulthard with an enormous £20,000 (approx $33k) ticket for breaking the speed limit. The kicker? It was for a Formula 1 demonstration on a closed-off section of roadway.

The winner of thirteen grands prix (and one of the top points scorers of all time) retired from active racing at the end of last season, but remains a consultant and test driver for the Red Bull Racing team which he helped form. The team recently held a demonstration run in Mumbai, India, drawing a crowd of some 50,000 racing fans.

Part of the route took Coulthard across the Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link. The bridge has a maximum speed limit of 62 miles per hour, and even drops to 31 MPH in some parts. DC, however, was clocked at 162 MPH. As a result, the local authorities are reportedly withholding the £20,000 deposit which the team put down for the event, making for one mammoth speeding ticket. But at least Coulthard isn't stuck paying out of pocket.

Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Mumbai, India

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Don't mess with Arizona...license plates

Noah Joseph — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

If you live in Arizona, you might want to take a run down to the garage and check your license plate, because as of January 1, a new law has been implemented that makes it illegal to cover the word "Arizona" on your tags.

The state legislature initially passed the law way back in 2006, but delayed its implementation until now. Fines for covering the state's name on a number plate will vary from city to city, but they're expected to average around $135 plus court fees. Many aftermarket license plate frames pose the risk of turning drivers into ~~ATM machines~~ instant lawbreakers (check out the warnings/disclaimers posted with these items the ASU bookstore). While other states have similar laws in place, the proliferation of more than 60 different specialty plates available in Arizona may complicate matters, but something tells us that Arizona police will find a way to make drivers pay.

Rest assured, this debate's not over, either. State Senator Jay Tibshraeny (R-Chandler) is working on legislation that would repeal the law. Tibshraeny points out that the fines are exorbitant (the no-seat-belt fine in AZ, by contrast, is a paltry $10), and he feels that the law will simply lead to more "pretext stops" by police officers. Thanks for the tip, Robby.

[Source: azcentral.com]

PSA: Don't mess with Arizona...license plates originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trapster exposes speed traps on your mobile device

Michael Harley — Sat, 24 May 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, First Drives

"Your mobile phone alerts you as you approach speed traps." That's the idea behind Trapster, an innovative service that uses technology, not the age-old flashing headlamps approach, to notify other drivers of a police speed trap. Motorists who come across an enforced speed zone are encouraged to report the location via an application running on their cell phone, PDA, and other types of devices. The notification is then broadcast to other Trapster members who receive audio or text message warnings as they approach the area.

There are four default alerts: police, speed camera, red light camera, and usual hiding place. Each is displayed in a color that alters from green to yellow to red, based on the "confidence" of the trap (more reports on a single trap increase the confidence). In a helpful move, known traps can be viewed on a Google-powered map on the Trapster web site before you leave the house or office and jump behind the wheel.

According to the inventors, Trapster works with any kind of phone. However, it is optimized with devices that support GPS or WiFi. While you'd think law enforcement would oppose the exposure of their speed traps, it hasn't been met with much resistance, as it actually encourages motorists to slow down. Unfortunately, as others point out, it also requires drivers to take their eyes off the road as they fumble to send alerts with their electronic devices.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Trapster exposes speed traps on your mobile device originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 May 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irony: Red light cameras a safety impediment

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Safety, First Drives

Red light cameras are nothing more than a surreptitious tax. Oh sure, they're sold to municipalities as a safety benefit, but what else would you say if you wanted to be paid to install, administrate, and monitor your little ticket-writing bots? The cities and towns that put the cameras greedily snap up the extra revenue generated by dangerously short yellow lights and overzealous cameras. Patrick Bedard has been poking holes in the theory that traffic cameras are the salve for behind the wheel idiocy, and a recent study by the University of South Florida Public Health agrees that the cameras actually cause accidents. Other studies also back up the findings that drivers are quicker to slam on their brakes at yellow lights when they spot the cameras. While it should not play out with a rear ending, nobody maintains a safe following distance, or even pays attention. In some cases, the rate of red light running is low enough that the cameras cause a spike in incidents, proving that the cure can sometimes be worse than the sickness.

[Source: Kicking Tires, Photo: Morning Chu Hi]

Irony: Red light cameras a safety impediment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How To: Talk your way out of a ticket... respectfully

John Neff — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:32:00 EST

An old friend of mine used to have a trick for getting out of tickets. She would flick her long blonde hair back over her shoulder, blink a lot and emphasize the ending of any word that concluded with a long "e" sound. "Sorryyyyyyy," she would say, and the cop's pen would never touch pad. Unfortunately, my bag of tricks is missing a few of those tools, so I've gotten a ticket for every time my car has been motioned to the shoulder.

Perhaps, however, there are strategies to get out of a ticket for those of us who are not blessed with long blond hair and a cute voice. Our brand new sister site, DIY Life, has somewhat of an ex-cop on staff who offers his own How To on getting out of a ticket by being respectful. Yes, respectful. If you've been pulled over, you should suck it up and own your mistake, then go about seeing how the officer's attitude towards you can be improved. Among DIY Life's best pieces of advice is submitting to the cop's authority by having both hands on the wheel before he or she arrives at your window. That gesture alone will make the cop feel much more comfortable approaching the situation, and a comfortable cop that sees you don't intend to be confrontational may be more lenient. There's plenty more good advice available by clicking the Read link below, but let us know in the comments some of your own tips that have proven successful.

[Source: DIY Life]

How To: Talk your way out of a ticket... respectfully originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British man gets a Slow Ticket for Fast Driving

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, First Drives

The police make mistakes with traffic violations all the time, and we've all heard plenty of stories on top of the ones that have happened to ourselves personally, but this one takes the proverbial cake.

Derrick Thomas, 71, of Ipswich, Englad, received a ticket a few days ago from police claiming he was speeding on a local road, allegedly clocked at 60 mph in a 40 zone. Fair enough, but the ticket took nine years to arrive, covering a distance of just 52 miles from the police station in Essex, at a speed which our friends at Carscoop calculated at about 0.0006 mph! What's more is that the car which Mr. Thomas, a professional master of ceremonies, was allegedly driving was a Mercedes C250, when he's only owned BMWs since 1989.

British police and postal officials are now competing to see who messed up more. Mail carriers insist that they couldn't have had the letter for that long and that it must have been re-introduced to the system at some point. Meanwhile police say it's not their responsibility to ensure that the mail has arrived, but in nine years they failed to follow up on the infraction, despite the letter threatening the imposition of a fine and demerit points if the driver didn't follow up within 28 days.

Enough excuses, Thomas. Were you speeding or weren't you? "I can't remember what I was doing last night let alone in 1998." Good answer.

[Source: East Anglian Daily Times via Carscoop]

British man gets a Slow Ticket for Fast Driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good bye baby: Speeder pays ultimate price, loses Viper

Chris Shunk — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Government/Legal, Supercars, Dodge

If you're going to wrecklessly disregard traffic laws in the state of Illinois, make sure to do it in a Dodge Stratus.

The driver of a black 2000 Dodge Viper learned this lesson the hard way when he was clocked doing 127 MPH in a 35 zone. The clueless motorist was caught red-handed, but he decided that his 450 HP beast was quick enough to evade the long arm of the law. The driver then hid in a parking lot where he was later captured. The local law enforcement knows a compromising situation when they see one, so the fuzz decided to keep the pricey snake for their own as a promotional vehicle for D.A.R.E.

This is no doubt an extremely steep price to pay for a moving violation, but since the driver of the Viper disregarded the lives of others during the chase, the consequences could've been far worse.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Good bye baby: Speeder pays ultimate price, loses Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to Indiana, home of the $1,000 speeding ticket. And that's just the beginning...

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 May 2007 15:32:00 EST

States have come up with some neat little quips to get people to slow down for work zones on freeways. "Slow for the cone zone" comes to mind. The Hoosier State has shunned the soft sell and gone straight for the I-double-dog-dare-you-to-speed-here school of prevention by serving up a $1,000 ticket.

Starting July 1, the Indiana DOT can lower speed limits without previous any study in highway work zones. Then, they can send five-0 to the scene to make sure Joe Q. Driver isn't trying anything funny, even if there aren't any workers present. The first time Joe's foot slips after he passes the 45 mph sign, it's $300. The second infraction is $500. And if that doesn't cure his wayward ways, then his gracious donation of $1,000 will gladly be accepted by the good state of Indiana. Oh yeah, and if he fights it and loses it's another $70.

Our favorite provision is the "aggressive driving" misdemeanor. If you drive 46 mph in a highway work zone and perform any aggressive action on a driver in front of you, such as flashing your headlights, and you get caught, you get a $5,000 fine that probably comes with its own Howitzer sound effects. If you do it again, the officer will apply a Rowdy Roddy Piper sleeper hold, then pin you to the mat with a $10,000 ticket, three years in jail, and a felony on your record. Don't mess with ~~Texas~~ Indiana.

[Source: The Newspaper]

Welcome to Indiana, home of the $1,000 speeding ticket. And that's just the beginning... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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They do it different in Texas: Speed cameras banned statewide

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:37:00 EST

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

Finally, someone's fighting back against the fleecing of the general populace. Famous for liking things big, Texas lawmakers have laid the smackdown on red light and speed cameras in a large manner. HB.922 states "A municipality may not implement or operate an automated traffic control system with respect to a highway under its jurisdiction," which means that cameras, automated radar or laser, or anything else designed to snag an image of a car, driver, or license plate and record its speed is now forbidden. The even larger racket of red-light cameras have had the brakes applied by HB.1052, which requires giving motorists notice of the devices at least 100 feet out.

These bills have passed through the legislature and are awaiting Governor Rick Perry's inscription. If the measures do make it into law, we hope that other states follow suit. Ticketing egregious speeders and actual red-light scofflaws is one thing, but the systems have been calibrated in a cynical manner to generate loads of revenue (and kickbacks) for the companies that sell and administrate the systems for municipalities. Rather than keeping people safe, random ticketing amounts to a tax, and that really sticks in our craw. We're pleased beyond words that Texas has taken up the motorists' cause, and we hope that the new legislation can stand as a precedent.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: caradvice]

They do it different in Texas: Speed cameras banned statewide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police Chief tickets himself and docks 4 points off license

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:11:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

If you've ever blown past a school bus with its lights flashing, here's proof that there is absolutely no excuse. Even Kewaskum Wisconson Police Chief Richard Knoebe isn't above the law as the officer gave himself a $235 ticket and 4 points on his driving record for passing a flashing school bus while in his patrol car. What's amazing is that the officer even had a good excuse for passing the bus. He was approaching a stopped dump truck when he saw a vehicle passing from behind. He was busy passing the truck when he belatedly noticed the school bus. Since Knoebe was the only officer around, he wrote himself up and paid the fine the next day. We're guessing Knoebe received his Cub Scout honesty badge without any issues.

The incident occurred back in September but went unnoticed until recently when a local newspaper noticed the infraction in the court records.

[Source: MSN]

Police Chief tickets himself and docks 4 points off license originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Townsfolk react to red light rigger on video

John Neff — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.

The story of the Colorado man who got fined $50 for using a device to change traffic lights on his way to work from red to green has made its way around the internet already. As much fun as it is to read about the man's eventual capture after two years of playing god in traffic, it's more fun to watch this CNN video of townspeople pissed off that the guy got off virtually scott free. Hilarity also ensues watching the authorities explain how after fielding two years of complaints about an unexplicably long red light at this particular intersection they finally went to the tapes and noticed a reoccurring Ford Ranger pickup that never got caught... by the light, that is.

[Source: CNN via AutoSpies]

Townsfolk react to red light rigger on video originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Apr 2006 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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