Journalist ticked for 136 in a 55 while driving new M6

[SchnellM3]

http://jalopnik.com/5926216/journali...?tag=Car-Crime

Car Crime


Journalist Gets A Ticket For Driving 136 MPH In A 55 MPH Zone
Matt Hardigree

The new BMW M6 convertible must be a lot of fun to drive, because one auto journalist from the Pacific Northwest managed to hit 136 MPH on a public street during a vehicle launch in California last month. We have a record of this not because the journalist admitted to it in an article, but because he got popped by the California Highway Patrol.

It's just another case of "Driving While An Auto Journalist."

Why, exactly, this particular journo decided he needed to go nearly 81 mph over the speed limit is a little unclear. Yes, you can learn about a vehicle's high speed stability over 100 mph, but that's usually limited to the track or the Autobahn.

I've definitely exceeded the speed limit on a public road in a press car, as most auto journalists have, but I've yet to get caught and can't imagine a scenario when I'd go this fast on what looks like an undivided local road without zombies being involved.

For going over 100 MPH, this particular journalist gets ticketed under California Vehicle Code Secion 22348 for "Excessive Speed."

Assuming this is his first ticket, he has this to look forward to.

Journalist Gets A Ticket For Driving 136 MPH In A 55 MPH Zone

Upon a first conviction of a violation of this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500). The court may also suspend the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle for a period not to exceed 30 days pursuant to Section 13200.5.

I'd say someone gets a ticket on roughly 50% of the press drives, based on my experience. It's better than flipping a car, I suppose.

[dtwyim]

Yup, that deserves to be ticketed.

[olie2832]

Dang, that sucks but I guess thats what you get for going 80+ over.

[TwinTurboXI]

How was he not arrested?

[ptack]

Sounds like an idiot. If he actually works for a magazine I could see where it could cost him his job. The last thing a publication would need is the liability and embarassment caused by someone on their staff driving recklessly while doing their job. I'm sure it's happended often enough in the past, but I can't see how a company could tolerate or afford it anymore.