From: Steve Olson on Wednesday, April 7, 1999
State: Pennsylvania
Story: How to do research on your ticket.
I just wanted to give some tips on how to check your ticket.
You will have to do some research. Call whatever police department you got the ticket from and ask them what type of equipment they use. If they don't tell you, go to a law library and find the information from your state about the vehicle codes. Also, in Pennsylvania there is a publication called the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This, and the Pennsylvania Codes, are where you find out what units have been approved for this year. (It's possible that they are using an unapproved unit). You can also find out what testing stations are approved to certify the equipment they use. Find out how often the equipment needs to be calibrated. (30, 60, 90 days)
Don't forget to ask for the certification at the trial. They have to produce it. Find out if the equipment operator needs certification or recertification for the particular unit. Again, ask them to present the certification. If you were clocked over a measured distance, that distance has to be measured with a certified tape. If it has been measured by the odometer in the police car, again, find out about certification for odometers, what stations are approved to certify odometers, when do they need to be recalibrated, ask for the certification during the hearing.
They have sworn to serve you
