aggiemom

Thanks, Austin.

Yes, the fine is pretty hefty - $318. My daughter just about fainted when she realized how much she'll have to work to pay it off! Hopefully, a good deterent for the future.

She must go before a judge (Texas law for those 16 and under) but she will have the options you mentioned - defensive driving or deferred adjudication.

We are insisting she do the defensive driving course no matter what.

We have checked and our insurance will not go up as long as she does defensive driving and/or deferred adjudication.

aggiemom

Cargillman - I like your theory on why people here don't like to let you merge. That sounds like the right answer to me. I always let people in when I see them. It's downright mean driving otherwise.

cd

aggiemom
re: I am frustrated when I must go soooo slow and know that school won't be let out for two more hours. And even then, there are never any children walking.

How many times has your daughter heard you voice this complaint? Could it have taught her less respect for speeding laws? Maybe this ticket will be a lesson for both of you.

And, I can't believe you would even THINK of letting her fight it! She's guilty, it would be totally different if she were innocent, then your support in fighting it would be appropriate.

I am from Ohio and our school zones are 20 mph. Also, when you moved from CA, I'm sure you studied TX law in order to take your driver's test, as did she. You are familiar with what the speed limits are so if you're getting speeding tickets, maybe you're being rebellious?

Sorry, don't mean to sound harsh...just the facts mam...

aggiemom

I find it amusing how many Fodorites are self-righteous, law-abiding citizens who would never think of going 1 or 5 miles over the speed limit. Or never get annoyed with bad drivers or annoyed with inconvenient laws at one time or another. You've never broken a traffic law!??? Come on.

Because, I tell ya, I'm sure none of you live in Texas because there's a whole bunch of people like me here!