Help me get out of a traffic ticket, no porsche content Options

[Dead Air]

So about 11 am a few weeks ago and I'm going through this intersection:

Sheridan & shimerville

I was headed west traveling at or just under the posted speed limit of 45 MPH, there was a State Trooper in a LARGE Chevy Tahoe sitting on the south side of the intersection headed north at a stop light. At the "stop line" next to the large white triangle. As you can see from the photo, there were no obstructions between him and me, I saw him sitting there as I approached the intersection. We were the only cars at the intersection at the time. My light turned yellow and I drove through it, decelerating slightly, looking up through my windshield the last thing I saw was a yellow light.
According to NYS traffic law, the driver is allowed to "enter" the intersection with a yellow light. The intersection is defined by the large white "stop lines".
I timed the duration of the yellow light several times and the average time was 4.10 seconds. Checking the angle of my eyesight through the windshield would put the front of my truck just about two feet behind the stop line in my lane.
Check my math:
40 MPH x 5280ft / 60 min / 60 sec x 4.10 = 240.5 feet
I suppose I could subtract something for reaction time.
How quickly do you suppose my old ('86) Toyota 4x4 truck should be able stop without going into panic mode?
Consider also the fact that the trooper would have to be looking at the side of my traffic signal (with some morning sun glare on it) and the location of my vehicle at the same time.
I think he pulled me over 'cause my truck is a little ratty looking and he was hoping to get a safety/inspection/registration/insurance type of infraction.

[wbergtho]

Sounds like you ran into a cop who fits into the stereotypical "cop mentality". Even though you are probably right on this one, it is usually pretty difficult to pry the judge's respect and commitment from the cop to yourself. Judges almost always side with their "beloved cops" unless you can provide very convincing testimony that will bolster your case. If it is one of those situations where it is your word against the cop...you stand about a 1% chance of winning in court.

I would get the police report that accompanies this ticket and see exactly how far the dickweed cop embellishes his version of events and make a judgement call on whether to fight it or not.

One more thing to think about. In MN, the court will in many cases, allow a "continuance for dismissal". It may be referred to differently in NY. Basically you ask the city/district attorney for the chance to pay a fine (usually about ticket face value) and agree to not make any same or similar moving violations w/in 12 months and this ticket vanishes off the record books. Of course, if you go and get another ticket and lose...your old one comes back to roost. I have kept my driving record pretty clean by paying their "corruption" money. Usually that's all they care about anyway.

Bill