Minnopalis St Paul channel 9 had a story of a woman, being stopped on the on ramp for drinking coffee and no seat belt.This could put Mikey Ds out of business.No drive though for coffee and a whopper.Lots of sleep drivers on Interstates out west. Might have to have a coffee iv.

Not very likely she got stopped for drinking coffee, no seat belt, more likely.

Whoppers come from that other place.

fj12ryder wrote:Not very likely she got stopped for drinking coffee, no seat belt, more likely.x2, unless the driver was also texting, applying makeup, reading a book and combing her hair while drinking coffee.

Don't drink...coffee and drive | Good Sam Community

74 Replies

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2015
Most of the time, in my state anyway, the citing officer isn't even in court for first appearances. You go before the judge, unless you pay your fine instead of even seeing the judge, and plead, then the judge sets a date. Like I said it's mostly for revenue generation, that's why it's mostly speeding, running a red light, seatbelt violation, etc.
portscanner
Explorer
Nov 15, 2015
The only time I had to stand in front of the man was when I was stopped for doing 60 in a 55.

Forgot how much it cost me (I think it was < $100 - yes it was some time ago) but had the speedometer certified as being wrong (it was - I had aftermarket oversize wheels and tires)

Went to court had watched about 20 other people in front of me plead their case. In each case 2 things happened - one - it was obvious that they had argued with the Florida Highway Patrol and second - guilty and here is your fine.

They called me up. My case took less than 5 seconds. The FHP looked at his notes and said, "I dont remember this." Judge "Dismissed."

The day I got the ticket I said a total of four words to the FHP. "Have a nice day." Nothing else. I gave the FHP nothing to remember our exchange.

You have the right to remain silent. Take advantage of it.

Any LEO have any comments on my exchange?

(and no - I did not even have to show my speedometer was incorrect)
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2015
Tvov wrote:
westend wrote:
I had a recent learning experience while in Traffic Court with #1 Son. Out of the 50 cases dealt with that afternoon, only one had any assistance from a judge. The rest were all bargained out at the desk of the Prosecuting Attorney. Judging by the looks on faces after the bargaining session, the Laws were pretty much upheld.

I don't know if it's that way in other areas but they took a pretty strong line in our area. If you're charged, you're presumed guilty. The only variance seemed to be in amount of fine and payment arrangements.

I think it is that way in the majority of traffic courts.
Yeah, many traffic courts are more about revenue generation than much else.
BuckyBadger
Explorer
Nov 15, 2015
Cloud Dancer wrote:
At my age (I've done all those things),......I'm either a living legend, OR the luckiest driver out there.....:B
Tvov
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2015
westend wrote:
I had a recent learning experience while in Traffic Court with #1 Son. Out of the 50 cases dealt with that afternoon, only one had any assistance from a judge. The rest were all bargained out at the desk of the Prosecuting Attorney. Judging by the looks on faces after the bargaining session, the Laws were pretty much upheld.

I don't know if it's that way in other areas but they took a pretty strong line in our area. If you're charged, you're presumed guilty. The only variance seemed to be in amount of fine and payment arrangements.

I think it is that way in the majority of traffic courts.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
If she was drinking coffee while driving and holding the OPEN container with no lid between her legs, that would make sense. I know that if I did that and hit a bump or had to slam the brakes on, I'd be distracted. Heck, I'd be trying to stand up!
westend
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
I had a recent learning experience while in Traffic Court with #1 Son. Out of the 50 cases dealt with that afternoon, only one had any assistance from a judge. The rest were all bargained out at the desk of the Prosecuting Attorney. Judging by the looks on faces after the bargaining session, the Laws were pretty much upheld.

I don't know if it's that way in other areas but they took a pretty strong line in our area. If you're charged, you're presumed guilty. The only variance seemed to be in amount of fine and payment arrangements.
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Nov 14, 2015
At my age (I've done all those things),......I'm either a living legend, OR the luckiest driver out there.....:B
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Nov 14, 2015
fdhealy4 wrote:
romore wrote:
Unless there is a specific law about drinking non alcoholic beverages or eating while driving I doubt if that would fly in court. The seat belt is another issue, she would have a hard time proving she had removed it when stopped (which I am not buying).

Here in CO cops have been writing this type of ticket under the Distracted Driver Law. Courts have upheld the tickets.

Unless there was an "incident" that required the writing of the ticket they would have to prove distracted driving.
DC8Captain
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
romore wrote:
Unless there is a specific law about drinking non alcoholic beverages or eating while driving I doubt if that would fly in court. The seat belt is another issue, she would have a hard time proving she had removed it when stopped (which I am not buying).

Here in CO cops have been writing this type of ticket under the Distracted Driver Law. Courts have upheld the tickets.

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Don't drink...coffee and drive

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