Caught speeding out of Le Mans at 230 Kph, what happens then

[Camberwell]

I'm not normally a mad driver - i've had my moments, like most of us been flashed a few times, i wouldn't say i'm a particularly good driver but I have never had or caused an accident in 20 odd years of driving.

I'm fortunate enough to be in a position to own a new Nissan GT-R which is capable of astonishing speeds.

So, I trundled down to Le Mans, just cruising really, 85-90 Mph - had a great time down there as always then got in the car to go back - for some reason something clicked and on one stretch of road I saw the red mist and well suffice to say I got nicked doing 230 in a 130 - clear conditions, nothing dangerous the Gendarme captain even said the speed was not unsafe in that car in those conditions but they kept the car for 3 months, I got the car back yesterday so thought it might be of use to others to share the experience.

So I had to get my friend and myself back to the UK when I lost it - cab ride to Caen, sleeper boat to Portsmouth and train home - obviously I paid for my passenger - cost around £500 so far - 4 hours in cop shop, home 24 hours late

My court date was on the 6th September, as I wasn't sure if i would be allowed to drive the car back I had to bring a friend over with me for the court hearing - he lost 2 days work (builder on a daily rate) and I paid obviously - total costs for this trip around £800 inc taxis, hotels and meals

We turned up at the court in Alincon, prisoners in handcuffs sat behind us - this was not a nice environment to be in - the only other brit there was a copper caught doing a similar speed, he didn't admit guilt from the start although he was very apologetic at the court - the prosecutor said that the number of brits caught doing excessive speed this year is way up from last year - something like a 50% increase or thereabouts.

The judge said in no uncertain terms that they WILL start taking cars permanently soon for very excessive speed.

So - got the expected bking from the judge, the fact that I put my hands up and accepted it from the start went in my favour and I got a 728 euro fine, no ban and my car back.

However I then found out that the process was that the prosecution has 15 days to appeal and they keep the car until that time is over so i was stuck having to return. I hired the interpreter for the afternoon - very reasonable 25 euros an hour and through her we managed to find that the prosecutor would be at the main court that afternoon and it was possible - albeit not the way they do it - to go see him and beg for my car back on the day.

So we had lunch and went to the palais de justice - the receptionist was very sceptical that he would see us however he did and very luckily he looked at the case and released the car but it was VERY touch and go.

It was a bloody nightmare to be honest, with the car storage fees, fines and expenses it cost about £2,000 and I lost my car for 3 months.......i can't change my love for speed but this really wasn't worth it.

Anyway thought i'd share this as a cautionary tale from an idiot who got caught.

Interestingly though in the garage in Sees there were 2 other cars taken on that day - an Evo and a 911, both were doing 210-220

Have fun and see you at LM in 9 months.

Edited by Camberwell on Tuesday 7th September 09:46

Edited by Camberwell on Tuesday 7th September 09:47

[RVVUNM]

I got caught a few years ago doing 100mph in a 70 zone, they had 135 euro's and gave me a 3 day ban (then let me drive to the port though), that was enough to make me tow the line and stick to the limit this year.

[Nick M]

Blimey, a cautionary tale indeed !

I think I shall stick to offering my services with my big old barge to lug stuff there and back - that way I won't be quite so tempted to put my foot down. It may not be the most interesting journey that way, but it's a bit more relaxing and more gentle on the wallet.

Based on your summary of costs above, I simply couldn't afford to get caught going that quickly, so it's certainly a deterrent !!

[lazyitus]

Thanks for sharing your bad experience.

These stories come up every now and then and it's certainly been enough to keep me the right side of a ton over the last couple of years. (for most of the drive, at least)

[Davel]

Bloody hell.

All that for a moment of madness.

Certainly makes you think.

[5potTurbo]

Camberwell: I think you were very lucky indeed.

Well done for being forward and apologetic to the Courts; they could have made this very, very difficult for you.

A cautionary tale indeed for all the loons I saw 'racing' in France, thinking it's OK with the "Well, we're not at home..." attitude.

[anonymous-user]

Times have changed from 2003 then I see. I was 14 back then going down with my Dad in his S3, and everybody got off the ferry and went like the clappers down to Le Mans. I didn't see many people getting pulled, maybe 1 or 2.

[James_N]

people just go silly now, but it doesnt' stop topics coming up like this after every le mans!

Deffo just stick to the limits now, its not worth the hassle

[Conian]

good write up, thanks for sharing

[Camberwell]

thanks - i know it sounds a bit like i'm acting as the mouthpiece of the anti-motoring lobby ... completely the opposite, but if one less person has to go through the complete 'mare i've just gone through then my work is done

[lazyitus]

Camberwell said:

i know it sounds a bit like i'm acting as the mouthpiece of the anti-motoring lobby ...

Not at all - as mentioned, if people learn from this, it might just save somebody the nightmare you've just had.

[NormanD]

MSTRBKR said:

Times have changed from 2003 then I see.
I was 14 back then going down with my Dad in his S3, and everybody got off the ferry and went like the clappers down to Le Mans.

I agree

I've done all the 24Hr and the Classics since 1970
It used to be a RACE getting to LeMans from the ferries, and that was also before the AutoRoutes

Going through the villages you used to get Clapped and High Fives as you drove through
Now more like get Clamped and Five Days Ban