Camera speed trap in Tallulah Falls

Question

BEWARE IF YOU DRIVE THROUGH TALLULAH FALLS.

My wife and I drove through Tallulah Falls on October 25th on our way to North Carolina. One month later I received a citation in the mail from the Tallulah Falss Police Department for allegedly going 57 in a 45 on SR15. There was a picture of our SUV on the citation. The amount due was $75 plus a $25 processing fee, plus a $4.90 fee to pay online (only credit or debit cards could be used online). For a total of $104.90.

I am a careful driver and and have not had a speeding ticket in over 10 years. I despise camera enforced traffic citations. You don't get to face your accuser. The only way to contest it is to drive back to Tallulah Falls when a court date is scheduled. They know this, so I'm sure everyone just pays the fine. This is just a revenue generator for the city of Tallulah Falls in my opinion.

Answer

It seems like you've had an unfortunate experience with the speed camera in Tallulah Falls. These types of automated speed enforcement systems can feel frustrating, especially when it feels like there’s no direct way to contest the citation. Here's some additional information and advice based on your situation:

Speed Trap Nature: It's true that many people view automated speed traps as revenue-generating tools rather than effective means of ensuring safety. While the goal of speed cameras is to enforce traffic laws without human intervention, they also can lead to frustration for those who feel they weren't given a fair opportunity to contest the citation.
Contesting the Ticket: As you mentioned, contesting the ticket typically requires physically appearing in court, which can be inconvenient and costly. However, in some jurisdictions, you may be able to contest the citation by mail or through a video hearing, though this will depend on the local laws. You could reach out to the Tallulah Falls Police Department or the court to see if there are any alternative methods to contest the ticket without traveling back.
Understanding the Ticket: Automated citations often include a photo of the vehicle in question, showing the speed at the time. While the city may not offer an in-person confrontation with an officer, it’s worth checking if you can access more detailed information about the camera system or request a review of the evidence. Sometimes these systems have inaccuracies, though proving that can be challenging.
Paying the Fine: If contesting the ticket isn’t an option or if it's too inconvenient, you may decide to pay the fine. As you noted, the cost of the fine was $104.90, which included processing fees. Some people choose to pay the fine just to avoid the hassle, but it’s important to keep in mind that paying the fine is often seen as admitting guilt.

Suggestions:

Double-check the citation for any errors or inconsistencies that could help in contesting it, such as incorrect vehicle details or unclear photos.
Research whether Tallulah Falls allows for online hearings or mailing in a defense if you want to avoid making the trip back.
Contact a local attorney who specializes in traffic violations in Georgia to get advice on how to proceed. They may have additional options for contesting or negotiating the fine.

General Advice:

For future trips, consider using apps or GPS devices that warn of speed cameras or red-light cameras. These tools can help you avoid accidentally triggering such citations in areas with automated enforcement.
Stay informed about the rules of the road in small towns or areas you might pass through, as some places rely more heavily on these systems than others.

It’s certainly frustrating to deal with these situations, but it’s important to understand your options and weigh the time and costs of contesting the ticket versus paying the fine. Hopefully, you can find a solution that works best for you!

Camera speed trap in Tallulah Falls

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