Speeding

How can i avoid points on my record for a speed contest drifting ticket?

ok here is the true story. i met up with some fellow drifters that i just met. we went to sonoma california to a warehouse area with a big open lot. i have a nevada drivers license and nevada registered car. i was drifting in the wet lot after if just rained. i was getting sideways a couple of times and when i was in full drift a chp pulls into the lot and sees me drifting. i stop turn off my motor and he writes me a ticket for speed contest. but he didnt put any speed i was going on the ticket he left it blank… i was on private property not on a public road or highway. im only visiting california. i know i was doing something bad and im not gonna lie when the cop saw me in plain sight drifting in the lot… i do wanna contest the ticket just so i dont get the points on my record… i havent got a ticket like i say 5 years or so…. im ok paying a fine i just dont want points what should i do?

If your charge is CVC 23109 and you actually were on private property, you have a good case.

The moving violation section of the California Vehicle Code only applies on public highways, with the exception of Reckless Driving and DUI.

The text of your violation states it plainly:

“A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a HIGHWAY.” [Emphasis added]

If the officer didn’t mark “infraction,” this is a misdemeanor charge. Its pretty serious. You don’t just pay a fine and get points on your license. You can get your license suspended, and you’ll probably get 40 hours community service if found guilty. And the fine is $1,433.

You would have a lawyer though, who would hopefully recognize that its not a good case. Hopefully, the DA/City Attorney will agree.

If it is marked as an infraction, you can plead not guilty by mail or show up for court for your arraignment and then again for your trial. You have to establish where exactly this happened by getting the officer to testify to it or bringing witnesses who can rebut his testimony if his version differs. You could always do a trial by declaration first, but that wouldn’t give you the opportunity to cross-examine the officer.

Or you could pay the $363 fine plus $50 traffic school fee. I certainly wouldn’t though.

Ride Along With The CHP