Photo RADAR in DC??

**pgb2** · 09-29-2005, 01:59 PM

A friend (traveling salesman) just got a citation in the mail from when he was in DC a few weeks ago. It was shot from the rear which I don't think is done with Photo RADAR. Do they have some kind of VASCAR type automated speed enforcement down there?

**kpatz** · 09-29-2005, 02:02 PM

I believe DC does have photo radar, and it's not uncommon for them to be set up to shoot the rear, to make detection more difficult.

Even if the radar shoots the front of the car, the photo is usually taken of the rear plate.

**tjbender** · 09-29-2005, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by kpatz

Even if the radar shoots the front of the car, the photo is usually taken of the rear plate.

DC absolutely does have photo radar.

I believe that for a photo radar citation to hold up, there has to be a clear picture of both the plate and the driver of the car, which is why a lot of my fellow ASU students drive with their visors down at all times, and sunglasses on at night. Might not be the case in DC, but it certainly is here in AZ.

Sad but (probably un-) true story: a guy in one of my classes claims to have gotten a photo radar ticket, then purchased a wig, gained some weight, and stopped wearing contacts in order to successfully beat it in court.

I don't believe him, by the way.

**maxima1** · 09-30-2005, 05:07 AM

Might have been a Red Light Camera...

DC loves those things. Great revenue collectors.

**Ethel** · 09-30-2005, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by bcorby

Originally Posted by kpatz

Even if the radar shoots the front of the car, the photo is usually taken of the rear plate.

Might not be the case in DC, but it certainly is here in AZ.

If you contest a ticket in DC you usually receive a letter something like this:

"Dear Sir or Madam,

A ticket specialist has reviewed your case, and your request to have it dismissed has been denied. Please send payment to ...."

I wish I could find my photo ticket and I'd post it up here ... It is from the rear and it includes two photos ... 1 of the car and 1 of a license plate close-up.

Mine was for speeding.

I have since purchased the VF2 but have not had cause to spend much time in DC since installing it. I'm hoping it will solve the problem.

**Speeder_757** · 10-06-2005, 04:46 AM

I had a photo radar ticket in DC. Ethel is right -- two pics, one of the back of the car, another close up of the plate.

They were taken from the back, so they could not capture my face -- which is why it was a fine only, and no points on the license.

**tjbender** · 10-06-2005, 12:42 PM

By "ticket specialist," do they mean "fat cop on suspension for attacking a fast food joint?"

So are you just not allowed to take a photo radar ticket to court? I believe that's called a violation of the U.S. Constitution--surprised no one's sued up there yet.