Louisiana: Where you can’t beat a bad ticket (Lillie: tax, law)

[sacreole]

I recently read an article that appeared in Reason Magazine about the rampant number of traffic citations issued in jurisdictions throughout the state of Louisiana that can’t be contested in court. Apparently, traffic fines have become the primary source of revenue for many small town treasuries. The system is so rigged that the motorist’s only option is to pay the traffic ticket.

“Taxation by Citation

Louisiana's traffic enforcement system punishes individuals in multiple ways when they exercise their constitutional rights. But none of the pressure tactics are unusual. Small towns all over the United States run speed traps and then use rigged local courts to convert citations into revenue—like a one-two punch that robs people of due process.

The resulting fines and fees supplement tax collections, and many municipalities grow addicted to the funds. Extra revenue for perks quickly becomes essential for daily operations.

A 2020 report from the Institute for Justice calls the practice ‘taxation by citation,’ which occurs when local governments issue tickets to raise revenue rather than to protect the public.”

https://reason.com/2021/07/19/how-lo...he-speed-trap/

https://youtu.be/kb_9NaSr2PE

[Seguinite]

As long as the signage is posted, I have no sympathy whatever for people whining about a 'speed trap'. Quit speeding! And if you DO get caught, turn the 'adult' on and pay the fine.

[Lillie767]

Originally Posted by Seguinite

As long as the signage is posted, I have no sympathy whatever for people whining about a 'speed trap'. Quit speeding! And if you DO get caught, turn the 'adult' on and pay the fine.

I've seen this. You're driving along the road at speed limit: 55 mph. Then, without warning, you've entered the town and the speed limit drops to 35 mph. Unless you slam on your brakes (which would likely cause internal injuries and an automobile accident), you cannot physically get to 35 mph. The cop is right there - about 50 feet beyond the 35 mph sign, waving you over. Even if you have been slowing down, you are probably going around 45 mph - 10 mph over the speed limit.

That is a speed trap.

Now - I've been places that post "Reduced Speed Limit Ahead" signs. In this instance, I would agree with you. Time to start slowing down is when you see these signs. You should be at 35 mph by the time you get to the 35 mph sign.

But, if a town dramatically lowers the speed limit from a highway speed to town speed without warning, that's a speed trap.

[skeddy]

Originally Posted by Seguinite

As long as the signage is posted, I have no sympathy whatever for people whining about a 'speed trap'. Quit speeding! And if you DO get caught, turn the 'adult' on and pay the fine.

Amen....people complain about small town speed traps yet still get caught speeding in them. lol

[Ivory Lee Spurlock]

Speed traps aren't just in small towns either. There used to be quite a few in Austin although I haven't come across any in a few years. Usually they be parked at an intersection just beyond the downside of a hill and by the moment the speeding driver sees the police car, it's too late to hit the brakes.

[Gerania]

What Lillie said. This is not confined to Louisiana or the region.

[sluggermatt15]

I agree. Just follow the sign, you won't get caught.

[PatrioticSuperman]

Originally Posted by sacreole

I recently read an article that appeared in Reason Magazine about the rampant number of traffic citations issued in jurisdictions throughout the state of Louisiana that can’t be contested in court. Apparently, traffic fines have become the primary source of revenue for many small town treasuries. The system is so rigged that the motorist’s only option is to pay the traffic ticket.

“Taxation by Citation

Louisiana's traffic enforcement system punishes individuals in multiple ways when they exercise their constitutional rights. But none of the pressure tactics are unusual. Small towns all over the United States run speed traps and then use rigged local courts to convert citations into revenue—like a one-two punch that robs people of due process.

The resulting fines and fees supplement tax collections, and many municipalities grow addicted to the funds. Extra revenue for perks quickly becomes essential for daily operations.

A 2020 report from the Institute for Justice calls the practice ‘taxation by citation,’ which occurs when local governments issue tickets to raise revenue rather than to protect the public.”

https://reason.com/2021/07/19/how-lo...he-speed-trap/

https://youtu.be/kb_9NaSr2PE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb_9NaSr2PE&t=203s

[PatrioticSuperman]

Originally Posted by Lillie767

I've seen this. You're driving along the road at speed limit: 55 mph. Then, without warning, you've entered the town and the speed limit drops to 35 mph. Unless you slam on your brakes (which would likely cause internal injuries and an automobile accident), you cannot physically get to 35 mph. The cop is right there - about 50 feet beyond the 35 mph sign, waving you over. Even if you have been slowing down, you are probably going around 45 mph - 10 mph over the speed limit.

That is a speed trap.

Now - I've been places that post "Reduced Speed Limit Ahead" signs. In this instance, I would agree with you. Time to start slowing down is when you see these signs. You should be at 35 mph by the time you get to the 35 mph sign.

But, if a town dramatically lowers the speed limit from a highway speed to town speed without warning, that's a speed trap.

While I think that is a pretty accurate descriptor, I haven't seen a lot of police lately.

And I've had to drive "Route 2" in Indiana a few times...

[1Dissident]

With a legal and law enforcement system like the ones in Louisiana, those who are not corrupt cannot "beat" anything there. There is no working law, just the simulation, deception, and endless fraud.