Finally happened: first LEO encounter...

[The Annoyed Man]

Posting from my blackberry at the car dealership...

My vehicle inspection sticker had lapsed, and it had completely escaped me. Got pulled over by the Southlake PD. Showed him both licenses. Officer asked if I was carrying. I answered yes and pointed to my Versipack bag which was slung over my shoulder. He asked me to please not reach into the bag during the stop and then took my TDL back to his car.

He came back up to my window 30 seconds later, handed me back my TDL and a citation, thanked me for my courtesy, and left. Total elapsed time wasn't more than 4-5 minutes. Came straight to the dealer for the inspection.

Expensive lesson: since the sticker was lapsed for more than 60 days, the fine is $131.00.

Entirely my bad, and I have no complaints about the officer, who was 100% calm and professional.

[koolaid]

Expensive lesson: since the sticker was lapsed for more than 60 days, the fine is $131.00.

If you bring proof of inspection to court with you they should drop the ticket. I've never had that not be the case with any sort of "fixit" tickets. Inspection, registration, lost insurance card, obstructed license plate, tail lights, etc.

[marksiwel]

They finally got you

[The Annoyed Man]

Expensive lesson: since the sticker was lapsed for more than 60 days, the fine is $131.00.

If you bring proof of inspection to court with you they should drop the ticket. I've never had that not be the case with any sort of "fixit" tickets. Inspection, registration, lost insurance card, obstructed license plate, tail lights, etc.

That's good to know. Thanks. It's worth a try.

[The Annoyed Man]

They finally got you

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA



Thanks for that. I needed a laugh.

[Tass]

My inspection sticker expired on 12/31. Thursday, went over to a nearby auto place to have the inspection done and they were just closing up early for the day (about 3 p.m.). They asked when it was due and I said today...so they 'wrote me a note' just in case I was stopped. Basically he filled out a work order and it said he couldn't finish the inspection due to time and to come back Monday.

Luckily I did not need it, but that was probably the first time I drove the speed limit back and forth between Houston and Hempstead!

Tass

[koolaid]

My inspection sticker expired on 12/31. Thursday, went over to a nearby auto place to have the inspection done and they were just closing up early for the day (about 3 p.m.). They asked when it was due and I said today...so they 'wrote me a note' just in case I was stopped. Basically he filled out a work order and it said he couldn't finish the inspection due to time and to come back Monday.

Luckily I did not need it, but that was probably the first time I drove the speed limit back and forth between Houston and Hempstead!

Tass

There is a five day grace period for inspection and registration stickers. You won't be ticketed for them until the 5th of the month. This is from the DPS FAQ.

[Dragonfighter]

It's also not a moving violation so it doesn't effect insurance. That's a pretty stiff fine, I think I would take my proof of inspection and plead no contest and see what the JP does. He might minimize it.

I just have to know one thing, were you annoyed?

sorry.

[longhornmike]

and i thought that we chl holders were law abiding citizens ?

[surprise_i'm_armed]

and i thought that we chl holders were law abiding citizens ?

Well, just enough to stay CHL-eligible!!

Don't let signs run your life (except those pesky 30.06's!).

SIA

[Purplehood]

I thought that when you showed proof of the Inspection that the infraction was dismissed? At least, that is how I recall it back in the days when I was broke and spent my money instead on food and diapers.

[Frost]

and i thought that we chl holders were law abiding citizens ?

There are no law abiding citizens. Skip to 5:20 though i recommend watching the full video if you haven't seen it.

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc[/youtube]

[The Annoyed Man]

I thought that when you showed proof of the Inspection that the infraction was dismissed? At least, that is how I recall it back in the days when I was broke and spent my money instead on food and diapers.

I called the Southlake courthouse from the dealership while I was having the inspection done. The lady I spoke to told me that when it has been expired for more than 60 days, they have to fine you the $131.00. Mine expired 9/9/30, so it was just past 90 days.

Perhaps the judge will be impressed by my hat and show me mercy.

[The Annoyed Man]

I just have to know one thing, were you annoyed?

With myself? Definitely. The cop was just doing his job. But you wouldn't have known I was annoyed... I was my usual sunny disposition.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

TAM said Mine expired 9/9/30, so it was just past 90 days.

Yes, I think a sticker that expired 79 years ago is well over 90 days. :-)

SIA