| How I almost lost my driver's license. |
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To finish off a wonderful 2007, I got pulled over randomly (why?) by an unmarked police car. I ended the year getting dragged into court for driving offences: driving whilst suspended, driving an unregistered and uninsured car.
First of all, my license got suspended because I kept procrastinating with paying for a parking fine. In turn, the RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) wouldn't allow me to renew my car registration and therefore, the insurance wouldn't cover me.
To cut a long story short: I hired a solicitor (lawyer) to represent me in court. I pleaded guilty and the magistrate dismissed the offence under Section 10, which meant that I could keep my license and there would be no conviction. Woohoo! I had just about psyched myself into taking public transport for a year too, but it's even better to have the license. The magistrate took into consideration that I "pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and that the suspension was based on a non-behaviour fine". He also noted that the parking fine was paid just after the offence took place (which demonstrates my extreme remorse), and that the RTA actually lifted the suspension (lucky I kept that letter!). It was also considered that I had a perfect driving record and this was a first offence. Being a teacher and having a character reference from my principal also helped.
He did give me a very very stern warning that if I ever end up in court again, I will surely get a conviction. "Understand that this is a one-in-a-million occurence...." My ears went numb, everything was blurry and I really thought I was going to faint.
He did, however, convict me of driving an unregistered and unlicensed vehicle. I was fined $250 for each offence. Considering what could've been the worst outcome, I think I can deal with the fine. At least I still have my licence.
I can assure you that this will never happen again. I am a very careful driver. I don't drink and drive. I always stick to the correct speed limit (which I get teased about by a couple of my friends). I even get called a "Nanna driver" by one colleague. I just have to make sure I park in the right places and pay for parking fines if I happen to get any.
Anything... I'll do everything not to end up in that courthouse again!
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