[FromM5toM50]

This happened yesterday, on one of the busy freeways (I-15), express lane in Southern California. A CHP officer decided to pull me over for speeding, going 76 miles per hour. (of all speeds). He claimed I was going 82, when I passed him, but clearly that wasn't the case. Doesn't matter much in California since even 1 mile over can result in fine.

Anyone that knows SoCal roads, even though the speed limit is 65-70mph on the freeways, up to 80mph is generally the rule of thumb. Keeps things moving for us.

As far as the law goes, totally at fault here, however, he proceeds to tell me: "Just because you have an i4 doesn't mean the rules of physics don't apply". I ended the conversation with him at that point, politely asked if our business is done and I can go.

Careful out there

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That's a drag! As someone who shares the same roads as you, I can certainly attest that median speeds on our LA freeways are around 80mph when we are lucky enough to not be stuck in traffic whereas I certainly feel safer passing cars rather than being stuck in a pack. I am constantly scanning upcoming onramps and traffic for a CHP but my luck will run out someday as yours did.

As I recall, you don't have a front plate. If that's still the case, did you get an hassle over that?

 

[FromM5toM50]

Don't get me started on the hundreds of non-EV cars with single occupants diving in and out of the HOV lanes double-yellow lines be damned. Never ever see anyone get nailed for that!

 

[FromM5toM50]

$238-$340 depending on the speed he inputs in the system when he logs the ticket.

Regarding points on license and increased insurance costs, we have the ability to do online “traffic school” in California every 18 months for another $30 or so which takes the point off the record, meaning no raised insurance cost.

Back in my younger days, opting for traffic school meant you didn't have to pay the ticket. Now (as I learned around 4 or 5 years ago) you have to pay the full cost of the ticket even if you are doing traffic school.

 

[FromM5toM50]

And there is a miminum speed limit, and driving in the left wo passing that have never been enforced.

somehow it is assumed that slow and stupid drivers can't cause accidents.

I don't think driving in the left lane only to pass is a thing in California but it certainly can be an expensive lesson for a Californian driving in other states.

 

[FromM5toM50]

I didn't believe I'd get pulled over for 76 on the express lane or else I would've slowed down,

So do you have stickers on your car or did you have a passenger? I immediately starting driving in the HOV lane on the 405 when I got my car thinking I was allowed because I am in an EV but a friend let me know that I actually have to get a permit for that and put those hideous stickers on my fenders so I opted out and ride with the rest.

 

[FromM5toM50]

The usually accepted speed limit on the freeways is 80mph. We spend hours each day in traffic going no miles an hour and most officers are OK with us going 80. YMMV

...and when you're doing 80 in light traffic and everybody suddenly slows down to 65, you know there's a CHP lurking somewhere so you just ride with the flow and watch that guy in a Charger take one for the team