Massachusetts Speeding Violation +

[halp]

Massachusetts Speeding Ticket
I got a ticket back in October for going 60mph on a 30mph road, in addition I
got a "Fail to give signal" and "Unsafe lane change violation".

Not that it matters but, I was traveling on a two lane road in Cambridge near Fresh Pond Parkway, I was stuck behind these two people going like 25 mph for a while and I was having a bad morning and was just stressed. So, as soon as the guy in the right lane sped up enough for me to have a pocket to pass the guy on the left, I goosed it and probably sped up a lot faster than I should have. Little did I know there was a state police officer behind me the whole time. So, having witnessed my little stunt he quickly pulled me over and wrote me out a nice big $400 ticket angrily as could be.

Back to the legal advice end of it, I definitely did signal before I changed lanes both times, so I'm assuming I can fight that one, his word against mine.
I'm not sure of the exact restrictions on a "safe" distance to pass someone, any info regarding this would be helpful.

Most importantly, is the fact that a state police office pulled me over, the court case will be in Cambridge. Going on what a friend has told me if the statey doesn't show up, the designated "Cambridge Police officer" will represent him hypothetically.

Is it legal for a city police officer to represent a state police officer?

I appreciate any suggestions or advice.

Thanks,

Troy

 

[mightymoose]

His word against yours... you will lose. You can argue it though. The same section is probably used for an improper signal... and if you did like a lot of other people do and switched the signal on while you were already changing lanes, then it's legit. You are supposed to begin signaling in advance of your movements, not while you are making them.
The safe distance to pass has a lot to do with the road layout and conditions, and is very much a judgment call for the officer. You will have to argue that you had plenty of visibility and that the passing movement did not create a potential hazard for other vehicles on the road, even those you potentially may not have seen.

Regardless... you can't exceed the legal speed limit even if to pass someone. With that violation alone the rest will follow right behind. You are likely going to be on the hook for all three, but you might be able to get the fine reduced.