Got a STUPID speeding ticket for going an incredible deadly speed of of 62 MPH. I exceeded the speed limit by ASTOUNDING 7 mph (for mathematically challenged, the limit was 55 mph). On top of that, it was a construction zone so double the fine – $172.
It was my FIRST time in Oregon. Got the ticket within 15 minutes of entering the damn state.
Tips on visiting Oregon: Don’t visit Oregon.
Here’s my appeal letter to the court
TaeWoo Kim
Case No. 10E754008
Oct 1, 2010
Dear Honorable Members of the Curry County Court.
As a resident of California, I’ve heard great things about Oregon. In fact, many have told me that it is a God given gift to mankind. As a man constantly seeking God’s divine works and spectacular forces of nature, I felt Oregon calling my name. Thus, in mid-August, I made a trek up to Oregon for the first time.
Upon entering the state of Oregon via 101, I barely saw any speed limit signs. It wouldn’t be an unfair assumption that the speed limit of California would actually continue on into Oregon. In the Bay Area (San Jose/San Francisco), with its high dense population, signs are plastered everywhere – every 1-2 miles.
After a long period of driving time, I noticed a car slowing down rather quickly and abruptly in the middle of the freeway to a point where I felt it was safer to by-pass the vehicle in the allowable zone (broken lines). I sped up to overtake the vehicle and that’s where my vehicle must have exceeded the speed limit temporarily. In that brief by-pass time point, the construction zone sign appeared – which I did not see until after I had safely merged back into the appropriate lane. As I was allowing my car to slow down safely, my car was not able to reach the Oregon’s speed limit prior to the police officer noticing me. I never deliberately sped through the construction zone nor was I trying to go above Oregon’s speed limit. I slowed down at a safe pace in order to prevent an accident. I was a tourist and all I wanted to do was 1) drive safely in an unknown territory and 2) enjoy the drive and view of the spectacular Oregon coastline.
Now I’d like to make my case that:
1. As a tourist of the State of Oregon who has never been there, it was incredibly difficult (and at times, rather impossible) to tell what the actual speed limit was. In fact, driving along 101 all the way to Tillamook, OR, I noticed that the speed limit ranges VASTLY from 25 mph and on.
2. It would have been un-safe for me to have not sped up temporarily to pass that dangerous driver.
3. Cited for going 62 mph on 55 mph zone. I understand law’s the law, but I ask for compassion and tolerance. Ignorance is no excuse. When I became a US citizen in 2008 (after an 8 year long battle with INS bureaucracy), I came to believe that the system wasn’t so cold and objective, like some big black box that people make it sound. I understand that the system may be objective and “unfair”, but the people that create and operate the system are people, just like you and me.
I have an awe inspiring image of the beauty of Oregon (especially Mt. Hood) that I will never forget till the day I die, but I do have a “blemish” of getting this ticket within the first 20-30 minutes of entering the state.
I hope you can find it in your heart to dismiss this case, but if not, then I at least want to thank you for your time in reading my letter.
And of course, what was the result of this appeal? Nothing.
All I got was a letter saying that if I don’t pay by certain time, they’re gonna add on a hefty fee.
Thanks Oregon. I can tell you appreciate my tourist dollars being spent at your shitty state.
PS: For such a state that claims to be so green, it sure chops down lots of trees.
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I have exactly same experience in this damn state. I choose pay nothing.