4/29/08

I remember the day it happened – it was 4/29/08.  I was running late for my very first tennis lesson and was stuck in traffic.  In an effort to reduce my travel time, I attempted to cut a corner by turning left at an intersection with a “no left turn” sign.  As soon as I turned the corner, I noticed flashing lights behind me.  Sadly, it wasn’t paparazzi; rather, it was the APD.  Worse yet, it was one of those annoying CHiPS motorcycle coppers.  And he’d also pulled over a white SUV.

I figured I had two options as to I could handle this: play dumb blonde or suck it up and admit my guilt.  I sorted through my purse to gather my license and other necessary identifications.  “What should I do?” I asked myself frantically.  As the officer approached me, he began to ask, “Ma’am, are you aware…” but I cut him off before he could even finish.  I stuck my arm out of the car, driver’s license, Visa card, insurance card, and for whatever reason I also had my health insurance card in my hand and I stated, “I know, I know, I’m a dumbass.  I turned left when the sign very clearly indicates that there are no left turns.  I’m totally guilty.  Do you take Visa?”

The officer started with a small chuckle, then burst out into laughter, “Does it look like I take Visa?” he asked, as he pointed to his motorcycle.  

“Oh, I guess not, “ I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

He was still laughing and trying to contain his amusement, but he managed to tell me, “Well, I really appreciate your honesty.  In fact, because you were so honest, I’m going to do you a favor.  Instead of giving you a ticket for making that left hand turn, which would be 3 points on your license, I’m going to give you a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.”

“But I’m wearing my seatbelt!” I said.  Obviously, I was confused by the officer’s kind gesture.  

“Well, a seatbelt violation is only $15.00 and no points.  It will not be reported to insurance.  The left turn against the sign is 3 points and $175.  Got it?”

“Got it,” I said and smiled coyly.

“See that white SUV behind you?” he asked.  I nodded.  “Well, that driver tried to pull the old ‘I didn’t see the sign’ story, so they’re getting the full points and fine.  See, the Atlanta police aren’t so bad – we reward honesty!” 

Wow.  All I could think was, “Yeah, you reward honestly with dishonesty!!”  But I took his offer, thanked him for his time, apologized for his error, and went on my merry little way.

I drove on to the tennis center, but my instructor had forgotten about the lesson and blew me off.  I guess things could have been worse, but I was pretty pissed.  I would have never cut that corner had I not had a tennis lesson!  Stupid tennis!  But I did look awfully cute in my new tennis dress!

07/14/08

I noticed that my insurance premium went up from $151/month to $216/month.  I immediately freaked out – OMG, I never paid my $15 seatbelt violation.  Could this be the reason?  After some investigation, I found there was no correlation.  It was just a restructuring of the insurance company.  But it did make me think, “OMG, I never paid that ticket.”  I called the justice center and was told that I missed my court date and there was a warrant in process for my arrest!!!  Additionally, my license had been submitted to the DMV for suspension.  All over a $15 ticket.

Shit!!!!

But I was also told that I could go to the Justice center, pay a fine, and try to stop the process.  Doing so would keep my record clean.

So I went to the justice center on Tuesday morning, paid my $15 fine PLUS a $100 court fine for missing my session, plus a past due parking ticket, and was given a paper to take to the DMV to withdraw the suspension.  “Do I  have to go to the DMV, or can I mail it?” I asked the clerk.  He looked at me, raised an eyebrow, and advised, “Honey, you better trot your pretty self down to the DMV and submit this before it in process…”

I got the message.

So, I drove to the DMV, waited MAYBE 5 minutes, was called to a clerk, and submitted my paper.  She looked at it, typed a few things in the computer, then smiled and said, “You’re not suspended.”  

That’s it?  All this drama so she can type a few things and change a code?  

Oh, well.  At least I was a clean driver again. So, I called State Farm and they have the same coverage for only $88.00/month!!  Coolio!!