Speed Demons

Fight Club

MAN CAN BEAT MACHINE. Last year, drivers who appealed a camera ticket to a city hearing officer had a 47 percent chance of a reduced fine or dismissal. If your license plate looks fuzzy in the picture, you may be in luck. Common reasons for leniency include glare on plate, clarity of plate, dark environment, car obstructed view and weather condition. ¶ An appeals court has declared the camera program unconstitutional because drivers can't take tickets to court. The Ohio Supreme Court should rule on the issue within months. Stourton Scott Smith, a local attorney who handles traffic cases, says ticketed drivers should ask for a dismissal due to the appeals court ruling, and if that doesn't work, file a motion in the Cleveland Municipal Court. But beware: Unpaid tickets can go to collections, and your car can be impounded and a block can be placed on your registration.