Your right Jon, see what happens when one assumes? you need to do more research - it's too easy to take people for granted and making statements like the college education issue is not only incorrect, it's downright irresponsible and disrespectful to the people who do the job. At this point I'd really liked to have been a fly on that wall when you were stopped.

Not to flame you, I'm just responding, but referring to the guy as a jerk off when you made the mistake is wrong, whether towards a police officer or a roofer.

I caught the original intent of your post - and yes thanks for posting it because some people may not realize how a small increment in tire diameter affects speed calibration. I just wish you had chosen your words more carefully. If you see me do the same in the future, please feel free to pipe up, I can take it, and will apologize if needed.

 

One last thing - IF your stopped and doubt the measurement, ask to see the radar. I never stopped anyone unless it was locked in and yes I have had people ask. Some police officers will ask you stay in the car for safety reasons but it could help build your case if you appear in front of the clerk magistrate or judge.

Most police officers have their radar calibrated each year and there is a sticker on the unit. Additionally most carry the 35 and 55 mph tuning forks for field verification. If your absolutely sure your going to get that ticket, it never hurts to ask to see them and how they are used.

Most police officers are not out to ruin your day, and most are certified in their radar units like myself. I even once setup down the road and had a guy come up on me at 55 after he changed his rear end gearing to see what the difference was. With the proper attitude and acknowledgment, most will work with you.

But thats just me and my opinion - like bellybuttons, everyones got one

 

The original intent of your post was to whine about getting a ticket. Doing a little basic math (or use one of the tire calculators that has been posted), it's pretty easy to see that going from stock tires to 315s should not have increased your true ground speed by 11MPH, unless you were running golf cart tires to start with. So, what exactly were your tire sizes (complete specs) beginning and end? If basic math says 11MPH, I'll eat my words. I bet it won't. And, don't even start on how the officer's radar was miscalibrated or other such bull.

Ahh, more flamebait. You'll find that many departments require at least some college time. I can think of several suburban departments in the D/FW metroplex that require a four-year degree. Most don't retire in 20 years - they go into drop to enhance their pension, since they're only making civil service salary (which is pretty bad starting out). Most don't "get freebies everywhere they go"... in fact, some departments specifically prohibit any such treatment.

There is a jerkoff somewhere in this story... wanna guess where? Try the mirror.

 

TVS,

....Again, I am intrigued by your ignorance. Whining about getting a ticket.....read the initial post. My BROTHER got the ticket, I'm not paying anything, I'm trying to inform readers so they don't make the same mistake. Do the math all day, I don't lie, especially about something as mundane as this. Original tires: Pirelli 265/70/17, changed to: BFG AT 315/70/17. Who knows, perhaps my speedo was off, and coupled with the tire change, it adds to 11mph. One way or the other, the numbers I am saying are true and accurate to my knowledge. We had the speedo cruised at 75, saw flashing lights, looked at the speedo again to double-check....locked on 75. Why do you doubt my facts on this?? Is there something I have to gain by lying?? ....Is this all because I called a cop a name?? ....But you call me names?? Two wrongs make a right?? You are such a do-gooder, and then call me the same name?? Strangely, your behavior is intriguing to me. Hostile yet incredibly sensitive.

vze/tvs,

....regarding my statements as to the education/benefits of being a cop, I'll gladly eat crow if I am shown to be incorrect. I say "most" don't have a college education.....if you show me that 51% do have a college degree, I'll admit my mistake. And generally, by most standards, a "college education" implies a 4yr degree. "Some college" is the term used to describe an Associates or coursework. But I am assuming ...Even so, what is "insulting" about not having a degree?? Perhaps I am insulted that you think it is "insulting" to be thought of as not having a degree. TVS--I said "CAN" retire in 20yrs.....jeez, you again. C'mon guys, give peace a chance ....And please offer proof about the "education" thing so I can eat dat crow,

 

VZE,

....I have no intent of offending you. You are offended by the name I said, for that i apologize. Poor choice on my end. My feeling toward the officer remains the same, but I should have chose a word that wouldn't offend you/others. You disagree with my "feeling" toward the cop....I agree to disagree. I am sure your past dictates your feelings toward this matter, as do mine. Otherwise, thanks for the good info on getting out of a ticket We didn't admit our speed until he said what he clocked us at. Said the reason he pulled us over for only 11 was that we maintained the same speed once he jumped on us. We were pulling a load......we figured it was an issue with that, not our speed. My bro would probably go to court and plead for this if it were not 500 miles away. I got a ticket in Montana once and paid on the spot (you get a receipt). Not too bad!

 

Yea in Montana (I'm talking 13 years ago) they had a 5 dollar tax payable in cash for speeding during the day - then you hit Idaho and the fine went to 46.50 for the first 20 over the limit and capped at 96 dollars over that. In MA it's 50 for the first ten and ten for each mile past that so a several hundred dollar ticket is not uncommon.

Anyway agree to disagree is cool - it's what makes thing interesting and there is always something to learn from any encounter - not a problem my friend

 

If you guys are finished...here is another calculator. Many more if you explore the site.

http://www.csgnetwork.com/speedocalibcalc.html

 

Yea we are finished (hiding face from the cameras) ha ha ha

 

kw5413,

...sorry for being a jerkoff (no pun intended) Thanks for the internet-version of a spank on the bottom Now I'm gonna try that calc,

 

Mercifully, I bow my head in humilation. With my input variables, at a speedo speed of 75, the actual should have been 81.5mph. So my 11mph over for 315's would be incorrect. So either my speedo was already off, the cops radar was off, or something else is skewed. I'd chalk it up to a mis-reading if it wasn't for the fact that we looked at the speedo multiple times as we wondered why we were being followed. Alas, it is easier to pay the $50 than fight it.

 

Cept making your insurance go up with the ticket. Around where i live getting a ticket does wonders on the insurance. Most ppl just pay a lawyer who usually charges double the ticket and get's you off with some other type of fine. All in all i'm not sure how this became a big debate about cops rather then him just pointing out tire size and screwing with his speedo.

 

I just swapped to 315s and went by one of those traffic signs that gives your speed. At 65 on the speedo im doing 72mph.

There is a big difference among 315s. some measure 34.6" and some measure 35 or just a hair more. So not all 315s will be the same.

 

I absolutely agree with what your saying, but my speedo is still off I am now thinking that it is due to the tires being over 35" (less then 600 rpms) and that they can't get it any closer. Thanks for that tidbit of info.

I watched the tech plug in the tire size and his computer calculated 596 revs per mile. My Toyos are listed at 597 rpms, so I figured this to be pretty accurate. His machine actually took the 596 rpms as a legitimate number and the reflash took, so it will take below the 600 rpm number. I run them at the recommended 50 psi, so I would assume that the rpms should not be off more then very slightly from the 597 listed. The only reason I bring this up, is that I paid the one hr minimum of $72 for 10 minutes of work by the dealer, the speedo is still off 5 mph, and they say there is nothing else they can do. I guess I should have gotten the Superlift Tru-speed.

Sorry for getting off topic, but it may save someone some $$ from the dealer. I would try and make a deal with them that you don't have to pay if they can't get it within 1 or 2 mph or something like that. I discussed it with another dealer in a different state. He said it sounded like my first dealer did everything correct, but he would be glad to try it again, (for a 1/2 hr service charge, or course, which is a better deal). I decided to forget it and go through the anguish of adding 5 everytime I look down at my speedo

 

Same happened to me last year w/ 315/75/16's...I thought I was doing 80 and was clocked @ 88...As far as I figure, you're gaining an extra M.P.H for each 10 M.P.H. ...I was lucky enough to get out of the ticket though....heh heh heh ...

Scott

 

i used to use that excuse to get out of speeding tickets in my car all the time and the thing is my speedo was only off 1 mph. it worked every time then the cop would tell me just keep in mind that your speedo is reading 15 mph slower than what you are actually going