Thursday, June 5, 2008

My $145 Mistake

I'm not proud to announce that I broke the law today but I do feel as though I should use my experience as an example and warning to those of you reading this blog who don't know all the NC driving laws...

I left work during my lunch break to run an errand and made a left turn at the intersection of 3rd St & S. Church St. Problem is... the light was red! If you are familiar with this intersection, you know people turn left on red all day long. 3rd St. is one-way and in many states- it is legal to make a left turn during a red light if you are turning on a one-way street. In NC, it is NOT legal.

I will be honest, it was a dumb move... I knew it was illegal and I did it anyway! I followed a whole line of cars in front of me who did the same thing but I got caught! Actually, the car behind me followed me and he was pulled over at the same time I was.

I learned something else during this traffic stop. The Officer informed me (while delivering the ticket) that it was a 'misdemeanor offense not to sign your registration card.' Thankfully, he didn't add this offense to my ticket but he made sure to let me know he could have... So, readers- sign your registration card and no left turns on red! Save yourself $145 in traffic fines!