I've been pulled over a total of three times in my life. The first was when I was 15 and still had my learner's permit. I was on my way to the mall with my Dad when I was pulled over for not having my updated registration sticker on my license plates. I was let go with a warning.
The second time was when I was 21, fresh out of college and on my way back home after a trip to Target. Again, I was pulled over for not having my updated registration sticker on my license plates and again, I was let go with a warning.
The third time was Sunday. I was on my way to Target and I saw a cop car with it's lights flashing, blocking one of the two lanes up ahead. I figured there was an accident and switched lanes. When I approached, I saw that there was an officer on the side of the road, slowing cars as they passed his car. Then I noticed there was a car pulled over in front of his car. In my head, I was thinking, "Awwww, shit!" I was on the phone with Unnaturally Blonde at the time and I told her, "Duuuude, I'm totally getting pulled over right now." And I was.
The cop signaled me to stop and pull over. Totally busted! I was stopped for an expired registration and inspection. Again. Only this time, I was not so lucky. I was slapped with a $125 fine. One hundred and twenty-five dollars. That's a fabulous pair of shoes or designer jeans or many, many beautiful things from Target. Instead, the Commonwealth of Virginia will be taking my $125 for being deliquent on my car registration and inspection. The cop told me that I can make my appearance in court and that the fines will probably be dropped. So I get to go plead my case in court and feel like a criminal. Lovely.
Anyone see a pattern with my deliquency? Katie shopping + expired car registration = A run-in with the law. I'll be dropping my car off at the inspection station tomorrow and registering it online shortly thereafter. I think I've finally learned my lesson...albeit a very, very expensive lesson. Stupid expired stickers.