Jalopnik: speeding ticket

Bugatti Veyron Ticketed In California Going 210 MPH+

The Auto Insider — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EDT

Social media "mogul" Philip Odegard mysteriously included this amazing California speeding ticket in his Flickr photostream this week showing an estimated speed of 210 MPH+ in a 65 MPH zone driving a Bugatti Veyron.

A lack of supplemental information about the ticket other than it was received on the California State Route 73 toll road leaves us in question, but if it is indeed a true speeding ticket and not some ill-conceived joke, it may be the most epic display of supercar hoonage ever caught by the California Highway Patrol. And for those of you playing at home, here's what the California law for speeding above 100 MPH is:

"every person convicted of an infraction for a violation described in subdivision (b) of Section 22348 shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500)."

So, no jail time as far as we can see, but a fairly hefty fine. (Hat tip to Less Lincoln!) [via Flickr]

Driver Beats 98 MPH Speeding Ticket By Proving Honda Civic Can Only Hit 85 MPH

Wes Siler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST

An English driver has beaten a 98 MPH speed camera ticket by re-purchasing his Honda Civic and paying a firm to test the vehicle. The Civic's top speed as tested? 85 MPH.

21-year-old Dale Lyle was shocked to receive the ticket for going 98 MPH in the mail not only because he has a perfect driving record and no longer owned the car in question anymore, but because his 1.3-liter Honda Civic could barely get up to highway speed, much less do nearly 100 MPH.

The penalty for the ticket could have been a fine of as much as $1,400 and a six-month driving ban.

Dale told the Daily Mail, “'I've never driven my car over the speed limit, let alone at 98mph. It's such a small car I wouldn't feel safe.”

Determined to beat the charge, Dan took out a loan to buy the Civic back from his friend, then turned it over to an independent expert who verified the Civic’s 85 MPH top speed on Millbrook’s high-speed banked oval. The same one used in many Top Gear episodes.

Presented with the results, the Crown Prosecution Service had no choice but to drop the case. Dale will now seek compensation for the $1,700 and many hours of his own time that it took to prove his innocence.

Dale’s advice to other motorists? “The video evidence the CPS sent me was just appalling. They are just picking on innocent motorists. It makes you wonder how many people say, "Fine, give me the points", when they are not guilty.” Fight the power, Dale. [via The Daily Mail]

Lewis Hamilton Banned from Driving in France, Should Rent Schumacher's Taxi

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST

Doing his best Schumacher impression, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton was popped for driving his Mercedes 123 mph in an 85 mph zone. Why was he driving so fast? Possibly he's still flummoxed after losing to the Stig or maybe it's just because he's a 22-year-old with fame and money. Due to the infraction he's going to lose his license for a month.

According to the police he was very courteous when pulled over and didn't contest the charges (can you imagine an F1 star arguing they were going slower than claimed?). The police were even nice enough to drive Hamilton back to his hotel, though no word on whether they let him take over the controls. [AP via IHT]