Foo - So I might lose my drivers license...Foo, I need your help!

So first off, Ill start this off by saying I was stupid and was driving too fast, afraid Id be late on one of my first days at a new job.

I ended up getting pulled over for speeding, and got a ticket. I knew I was in the wrong and paid that ticket. A few days after I sent payment in, I get a letter saying I will lose my license now for 45 days because I was under 20 when I was pulled over. Ther is an option for a hearing however.

Should I go to the hearing, and attempt to not lose my license, (the hearing is in 2 weeks) or should I send the license in now, and get it back 2 weeks earlier than I will if I dont make my case at the hearing?

If I lived in a more urban area, id just bike everywhere. I get out of work anywhere between 10, and 12 pm each night, and the roads to my house arent too safe for biking at night. I also work once a week in the next closest city, approx 30 miles away.

So what should I do?

Drive real carefully after they take it.

Wish I could tell you something better, but if you gotta you gotta.

Couldn't hurt to go to the hearing anyway, if the judge isn't a flaming jackass he or she probably won't screw you over too bad.

ha...nope, Im(mostly) a law abiding citizen, Im not going to dig myself into any bigger holes. Its already bad enough as is.

Buy a moped maybe?

See if your state has an option for a conditional license to drive only to and from work at specific hours.
Whatever the case, go to the hearing and politely explain your situation, especially as it impacts your job, and maybe you'll get a break.

NH doesent have a "work only condition" it explicitly says so in bold on the letter.

But you think its worth it for me to go? I am having my mom ask around at her law office on monday...they should have some help for me.

Work on a class M license and drive a motorcycle, hehe. Did the officer say whether he was using a laser gun or radar kind? Maybe also get a radar detector.

Consult a lawyer. They'll offer better advice than anyone here, even if you have to pay for it.

See if your state has an option for a conditional license to drive only to and from work at specific hours.
Whatever the case, go to the hearing and politely explain your situation, especially as it impacts your job, and maybe you'll get a break.

In Cali (depending upon the offense) you get the option of paying the ticket outright or going to a hearing. There is way more to it than just losing your license.

You get a mark (point) on your driving record which your insurance company will see - up goes your rates. Especially since at your age you are considered "high risk" - a young and perhaps new driver.

If you go to the hearing, just showing up shows an attempt. What you do is explain to the judge that you were late to your new job, that you knew you screwed up and you are sorry. You most likely will get a reduced fine, and have the option of going to "traffic school" where you learn why you shouldn't do that anymore. You will have to pay for traffic school - it is usually 8 hours on a Saturday or 4 two hour classes on a weeknite. At the end you will get a certificate that will sign you off to the judge. You will no longer have the points against you on your record and you save your insurance rate from going up.

This is a good route that you may want to consider. One day of class and the class fee is way better than your insurance rates going up for a long time.

Consult a lawyer. They'll offer better advice than anyone here, even if you have to pay for it.+1
Sorry for having to say this, but with such a ticket you should have hired an attorney before, to attempt to get the violation reduced. The type of attorney you need to hire now, if you do wish to, would be a judge residing in another county in NH. They are few, but they do exist.

At 20, your rates can't get much worse....I found out later that the insurance I was paying was higher than a DUI offender....ridiculous.....I also during that time got all kinds of infractions, and I did get kicked out of a few insurers, but never had rate hikes (there is always SOMEONE that will insure you, even if it's liability only....I never get beyond liability after my last full coverage experience, but again I buy used and pay outright).

Consider an electric powered scooter....in most states if it burns gas, it needs a license to operate....some states ahve exceptions, but those states are even moving to this line of thought (too many gearheads like me and my gang of friends, who hot-rodded a moped).

Other than that, you may have to crash at a friend's house that's in between where you have to be and bike it, if that's possible.

Of course there is the lay-low illegal option, but that's too risky....if this is a fairly small town (which I am assuming it is), the cops will probably know who you are (for some reason small town gossip ALWAYS gets to the cops), and you will probably get nailed. It's not worth that....the license suspension for driving without is HUGE.

NH doesent have a "work only condition" it explicitly says so in bold on the letter.

But you think its worth it for me to go? I am having my mom ask around at her law office on monday...they should have some help for me.

How long have you had you license?

If it's been a while, even though you are under 20, you can say it's your first offense and you need to be able to drive to work.

Even though there's no "work only" limit, judges have a fair amount of leeway. They not suspend your license and order you not to drive during certain hours. What's that mean? If you get caught/pulled over outside those hours you're toast.

Always worth asking.

Go to the hearing and give it a shot all you can lose is a couple hours. Learn these phrases: "Yes sir" (or mamm),"Your Honor", etc. Dress well (no shorts/t shirts). Show respect.

One question the judge will have on the need to get to work angle is that is what you were doing when you got caught. Be ready for it.

Drive real carefully after they take it.

Wish I could tell you something better, but if you gotta you gotta.




With so many illegals driving here in Fl. w/o proper licensing, I will say this, don't do it. It is a spreading plague here in Tampa taking many many victims. The Mayor of Tampa, Donna Owens, had a bodyguard killed last year by an unlicensed driver. Friday, a van load of illegals with no license killed a pedestrian on Armenia in Tampa. I could go on and on. How many people does one accident affect?

I will say this to all who loose your driving privleges, No one else twisted your arm to speed or do what ever else you did. You must accept the consequences of your actions and poor decisions that you make throughout your life. Learn your lesson well by losing your license for speeding, then maybe you will not have to loose it for other reasons like DUI and killing someone. I am tired of hearing about "what am I to do w/out my license?". 42,000 people a year are killed from speeding in the US. Man up and take your punishment. If you can't do the time. don't do the crime.

I have been driving 40 years with NO tickets.

Your mom works at a law office. Use her connections to get proper legal advice.

I'd get legal council, like numerous people said. You can't lose anything, and you more than likely will save your license.

Drive real carefully after they take it.

Wish I could tell you something better, but if you gotta you gotta.

Couldn't hurt to go to the hearing anyway, if the judge isn't a flaming jackass he or she probably won't screw you over too bad.

Great advise...not

So first off, Ill start this off by saying I was stupid and was driving too fast, afraid Id be late on one of my first days at a new job.

I ended up getting pulled over for speeding, and got a ticket. I knew I was in the wrong and paid that ticket. A few days after I sent payment in, I get a letter saying I will lose my license now for 45 days because I was under 20 when I was pulled over. Ther is an option for a hearing however.

Should I go to the hearing, and attempt to not lose my license, (the hearing is in 2 weeks) or should I send the license in now, and get it back 2 weeks earlier than I will if I dont make my case at the hearing?

If I lived in a more urban area, id just bike everywhere. I get out of work anywhere between 10, and 12 pm each night, and the roads to my house arent too safe for biking at night. I also work once a week in the next closest city, approx 30 miles away.

So what should I do?

why you chance for late? new job and chance for late? i new boss i fire you

you are slacker you get what is coming to you :mad:

you procrastinate and lest why you end up in predicaments

you deserve:mad:

45 days? Is this your 2nd offense? I was told that they take it away for 20 days for offence #1. I'd go to the hearing. If they make you do 45 days, well it's still the same time whether that starts now or in 2 weeks.

I would try the hearing route. Dressly nicely, no attitude and clearly state my case. Why I was speeding, etc. Esp. if this was my first offense and I had been driving for several years.

So first off, Ill start this off by saying I was stupid and was driving too fast, afraid Id be late on one of my first days at a new job.

I ended up getting pulled over for speeding, and got a ticket. I knew I was in the wrong and paid that ticket. A few days after I sent payment in, I get a letter saying I will lose my license now for 45 days because I was under 20 when I was pulled over. Ther is an option for a hearing however.

Should I go to the hearing, and attempt to not lose my license, (the hearing is in 2 weeks) or should I send the license in now, and get it back 2 weeks earlier than I will if I dont make my case at the hearing?

If I lived in a more urban area, id just bike everywhere. I get out of work anywhere between 10, and 12 pm each night, and the roads to my house arent too safe for biking at night. I also work once a week in the next closest city, approx 30 miles away.

So what should I do?


Hold on!

Your saying you get your license suspended for speeding if you are under 20?

WTF! I don't know U.S. driving laws but this seems rather extreme.

Yea, they can pull licenses for young drivers if they are ticketed. I don't think they will pull it if you get a ticket for parking in the handicap spot or something like that. BUt speeding, they sure will. I live in the same state as the OP, and in my drivers ed class they said 1st offense is 20 days. Obviously something more serious like DUI is going to be much more severe (90 days to start, plus you are required to have insurance then).

Yea, they can pull licenses for young drivers if they are ticketed. I don't think they will pull it if you get a ticket for parking in the handicap spot or something like that. BUt speeding, they sure will. I live in the same state as the OP, and in my drivers ed class they said 1st offense is 20 days. Obviously something more serious like DUI is going to be much more severe (90 days to start, plus you are required to have insurance then).

Wow! It seems like a good deterent, however, it could also cost someone their job.

When you say "required to have insurance", are talking about your own vehicle or driving your parents vehicle?

From reading your post, it seems like you already paid the ticket, and are not contesting that, but rather contesting your suspended license.
What do you have to lose by consesting the suspension? If anything, showing them that you paid the ticket promptly without contesting it shows them that you accepted the fact that you were wrong, and are willing to take responsibility for it, etc.

Hold on!

Your saying you get your license suspended for speeding if you are under 20?

WTF! I don't know U.S. driving laws but this seems rather extreme.
Most states have a graduated licensing system these days where younger drivers face more serious consequences for traffic violations.

Most states have a graduated licensing system these days where younger drivers face more serious consequences for traffic violations.

We have graduated licensing also

He also didn't say how much over the limit he was speeding. Couple that with his age may equal more serious consequences.

WHen I say driving with insurance, I mean that they demand whatever you are driving is insured at least liability. If you are driving your own vehicle, it must be insured. If you are driving your parents, it must be insured. It must be insured so that any time you are behind any vehicle, you have insurance. Of course if you've reached this point, your insurance rates are probably double what they would otherwise be.
I agree 20 days is a lot, and it really could cost you a job. I plan to drive no more than 5 over the speed limit for this reason. 6 miles or more over the limit means they have right to pull your license.

The Mayor of Tampa, Donna Owens, had a bodyguard killed last year by an unlicensed driver.
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Mayor/) might be interested in knowing about this Donna Owens person. Mayor Iorio's bodyguard was killed and the driver convicted (http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/1/31/219882.html) The driver, a Mexican national did have a Mexican driver's license.

no sympathy for speeders here. leave on time for work and observe the rules

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Mayor/) might be interested in knowing about this Donna Owens person. Mayor Iorio's bodyguard was killed and the driver convicted (http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/1/31/219882.html) The driver, a Mexican national did have a Mexican driver's license.


Holy Sh1t!! Where did I get Donna Owens from? Man, I apologize to all for that one. Thanks Raiyn for pointing that out.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Mayor/) might be interested in knowing about this Donna Owens person. Mayor Iorio's bodyguard was killed and the driver convicted (http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/1/31/219882.html) The driver, a Mexican national did have a Mexican driver's license.


The driver also ran after the accident.

Holy Sh1t!! Where did I get Donna Owens from? Man, I apologize to all for that one. Thanks Raiyn for pointing that out.
It happens. This is the only Mayor Donna Owens I was able to find
Owens, Donna — of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio. Republican. Mayor of Toledo, Ohio, 1983-89; defeated, 1989

Something about Florida being the Southern Peninsula of Ohio? :rolleyes:

no sympathy for speeders here. leave on time for work and observe the rules


The same for me.

It happens. This is the only Mayor Donna Owens I was able to find
Owens, Donna — of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio. Republican. Mayor of Toledo, Ohio, 1983-89; defeated, 1989

Something about Florida being the Southern Peninsula of Ohio? :rolleyes:


That is where!! I was married the first time to a girl from Toledo. That name must have been in my noggin for how long?

Meh! as long as you got two legs all is not lost:

http://backbaybicycles.com/images/library/large/cdale_7streetpremium_slv_07_m.jpg

I'm 23 atm and I've never had a licence in my life...

I would try the hearing route. Dressly nicely, no attitude and clearly state my case. Why I was speeding, etc. Esp. if this was my first offense and I had been driving for several years.
I also think you should go the hearing route. Jsharr's advice on how to conduct yourself is good. Here are a couple of other things:
-- Call the judge "Your Honor," not "Judge."
-- Speak in terms of facts, not feelings. Saying "it isn't fair because I'll lose my job" won't get it done. You are much more likely to prevail if you keep it factual: it was your first infraction (if that is true); you were speeding because you were afraid of being late to a new job; this experience has made you realize that that was a foolish decision; any other facts you can come up with to show you are a responsible person.
-- Sit down and write out an outline of what you want to say, then stand in front of a mirror and practice. (I prefer outlines to scripts - reading from a script sounds forced and stilted.) Don't be afraid to revise or rearrange the outline.
-- Bring you final outline with you to Court. It will serve as a checklist to make sure you do not forget to cover all the points you want to make. (Believe, you'll be glad you did.)
-- Try to think of questions the judge may have for you, and come up with good, factual, honest answers. Practice those in a mirror, too.
-- If the judge asks you a question, answer it, directly and concisely. Do not under any circumstances say something like "I'm getting to that" or "I'll answer that in just a minute." Even if answering the question takes you out of your prepared order of presentation, answer the question now. Trust me, if the judge is asking a question, it's because he or she thinks it's important.
-- If you have a suit or a sport jacket and decent slacks, wear them to the hearing: it shows respect and that you take this seriously. Definitely wear a tie. Be sure to shave (unless you have a beard) and be sure you are well groomed. First impressions count here -- a lot.
-- If the judge is incorrect about some fact or other, correct him or her. You have to do it respectfully, but you have to do it. Approaching it along the lines of "Begging your pardon, Your Honor, but what actually happened was . . . " is fine. As long as you keep the disagreement factual, and are respectful in your tone, you should be able to disagree with the judge if you need to.
-- Being respectful does not mean kissing @$$. It means acting as though you believe that the other person is a reasonable person, too, even if you disagree with them.

If you do these things, I can't promise you will be sucessful, but I can guarantee that you will have maximized your chances of convincing the judge to rule the way you want. In any event, it will be good practice for any number of things you will have to do in your ife to come. Good luck.

The law system appreciates those who show some respect and class by dressing and acting decently. Trust me.

Every time I went to juvie court I was the only person in the entire room of delinquent losers who could be bothered to wear anything above an Alice Cooper t-shirt.

The saddest thing was to see how it doesn't get much better with adults. I'm amazed how little they care about presenting themselves respectfully.

Argue your case, take your licks.

Suck it up and cycle. Or drive carefully. Or buy a horse. Up to you.