Pace vs. Laser

[karialliah]

I recently got a speeding ticket in Oregon (I'm from Idaho) and on my ticket, the officer marked "Pace" AND "Laser" on my ticket. From my understanding, you can't use a laser while in motion, can you? And also from my understanding (I've read a LOT) that the laser isn't accurate when done from the opposite end of the car that the light is shining on - as in, I'm driving TOWARD the sun and he does a laser from behind, where the car is shadowed (assuming behind, because he said pace, also...). Anyways, I just need to know if its possible or legitimate for the officer to check the "pace" AND "laser" box and what that means?

 

[mightymoose]

You don't have a very good argument to make, and aren't likely to beat that ticket. If you pay the fine and take traffic school you can try and keep this off your insurance record.

It is possible the officer first got you with the laser and then paced you a short distance before stopping you... but you will never know unless you fight the ticket and go to court and ask him.

It seems you are looking for a technicality to void your ticket without having to go to court, but this isn't it.

 

[karialliah]

Well, that was a useless reply. Doesn't matter. I've hired an attorney to fight it. This was just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[mightymoose]

The officer can check any box he wants to on that citation.

If the officer made an error he can make corrections to it later, and he can also testify in court. Errors on citations are common, and they are not always grounds for dismissal.

You can certainly ask about this discrepancy in court if you challenge the citation.