Mama's tired after her run-in with the law, children.

July 9, 2008 10:53 AM

SFBikeLawFilter: I got pulled over and ticketed on my bike for starting against a red light. I am not planning on contesting the ticket, but I'm having trouble finding out what to expect in terms of traffic court and fine. The Bike Coalition's info is sort of outdated and Google isn't turning up much that's solid. YANAL and/or YANML but I'd appreciate some help.

Can bike traffic fines be replaced with community service? Do these ever get thrown out? How much might the fine be?

(It was illegal. I know that and I don't plan to claim otherwise, so let's leave aside the lectures on cycling manners and road rules, please.)

posted by liketitanic to law & government (5 comments total)

Call or email the SFBC, and support them so that we have a chance of the Stop and Roll idea getting traction.
posted by kcm at 11:02 AM on July 9

I got hit by this too. My fine was about $150 uncontested done via the mail.
No traffic court visit required.
I called up the phone number that's written on this ticket and it told me what to send and where to send.

I was pissed when I got mine (no traffic in any direction), came to complete stop and then went. Motorcycle cop was hiding in alley. Did the crime, paid the fine though.

I let it go too long so I didn't have any other options available except pay the ticket, I'd be interested in hearing if you are able to get any leeway.

Where did they get you?
posted by bottlebrushtree at 11:24 AM on July 9

In SOMA, 2 blocks before the Harrison bike lane started. A few seconds before pedestrians could cross, no more than 30 before the green. Illegal, of course, but safe.

I did email the SFBC, so I'll post whatever details they provide.
posted by liketitanic at 11:40 AM on July 9

You've all got me worried. I don't run reds unless I stop at one and I'm not triggering the light (I'll then proceed with caution). But a cop might still ticket me for one (esp if he didn't realize I waited a while before going). I bike from Potrero Hill up 7th to my work near the 4th and King Caltrain ... the light at the intersection of 7th and 16th doesn't trigger for me. During commute / busy hours this is not (usually) a problem at all as a car is almost certainly gong to join me at the light, but I've sat at that light for ridiculous times before.
posted by R343L at 2:27 PM on July 9

Not really an answer, but a friend was just ticketed going down Valencia at 16th-ish? 11:30 at night, no cross-traffic. No fine on his ticket, either. But maybe part of a crackdown trend...
posted by rafter at 11:56 PM on July 17