From: Timothy S. Hayes on Saturday, October 10, 1998
State: Pennsylvania
Story: I was traveling south on route 309 when I noticed a police car on the side of the road facing north. He was located approxamately 15 feet before a 25 mile an hour sign.
I was traveling in a 40 mph zone at the time. I immediatlely looked at my speed and seeing that it was 40 proceeded accordingly. I passed the officer and immediately slowed down to the new speed. I only traveled about 30 feet into the new speed zone before I came to a complete stop because of a traffic light. I proceeded and stopped at the next light.
I entered a 35 mph zone and pulled over to allow the officer to pass when I seen his lights in my rearview mirror. Much to my surprise he pulled in behind me.
He issued me a citation for traveling 41 mph in a 25 mph zone. I protested saying I was not aware that the speed limit was 25. It did'nt work.
The next day I paid stricked attention to the speed limit. I noticed that before the 25 mph sign there was a sign warning "Reduced Speed Ahead 25" But the officer was stationed before the actual Speed changed. The police were using the warning sign as the point to start their manditory "500 feet after a speed change" before they can issue a citation for speeding.
This was explained by the cheif of police of McCadoo township to the judge at my appeal. The judge informed the cheif that the lines painted on the road are incorrect. Stateing that the police must give citicens 500 feet to adjust to the new speed.Five hundred feet after the ACTUAL change Not the warning of an upcoming change.
Case dismissed.
They have sworn to serve you
