Got a Speeding Ticket in Maryland, Should I Request a Waiver Hearing?

[iden]

Hi,

I have been driving for 14 years and haven't got a single ticket yet. For the last 4 years, I have been driving in the U.S. Last weekend, I got pulled over by a state trooper and got ticketed for 'exceeding maximum speed: 76 MPH in a posted 55 mph zone'

When I was pulled over, I was trying to get rid of a large motorcyclist group cause they were making wide turns, line splitting and line violation. I thought some of them might be DUI. And saw 76mph on my dashboard for only 30 seconds! I said 'I got distracted for a second and wanted to pass them quickly so that I won't be in a trouble'.

No matter what he wrote me a $160 ticket and 2 points out of my driver's license. And told me 'You could have slow down and let them pass. You can go to court if you want. Judge might dismiss your 2 points. It's up to him.'

When I looked into the citation paper I saw that there are two options. One being the 'waiver hearing' and the other one is a trial.

I am not thinking of a trial cause I really am not in a situation to pay lawyer costs up to $1000. But I know if I request a waiver hearing, I'd admit committing the violation but I'd have a chance to explain the conditions to judge -I hope- and might request the dismissal of points.

Some say 'Don't be stupid. Just be thankful that you did not got a reckless driving ticket and pay your ticket'. Some other suggest me to request a weaver hearing to give it a shot.

I own a Virginia license. I don't know if the state of Maryland will communicate with my state for those points to be deducted from my license. If they do, I don't know what would my insurance premiums will be.

-What would you do?
-Do you have any idea how much of a percent would the premium increase be?
-I need to be overseas in 9 weeks and they told me that weaver hearing date will be sent in 5-8 weeks and it would be difficult for me to change the date unless I have a good reason (for God's sake, I have the plane tickets to overseas!)
Please advise :(

[cruz50]

Since you have to be over seas soon, just pay the ticket and put it all behind you. The state trooper could of given you a reckless driving charge.

[KoalaBear00]

I had the exact same question - I am in literally the exact same situation, except there were no motorcyclist. 76 in a 55, $160 ticket, trying to figure if I should do waiver or trial. What did you end up doing?