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Traffic Ticket

Do we need tickets to get through traffic - of course if you use a means of mass transit or public transport (as it is known in India and commonwealth nations).
But this one is different. I got one - after 20 years of screaming down the American highways (I am a million mile member of the Interstate system) a local policeman on his beat nailed me apparently going at an unsafe rate of speed on city streets.

Hence the ticket. The whole episode is a bit hilarious in my opinion since it is like a scripted play that mostly plays out the same way. I notice that on a downhill slope at a local street that I frequent my car has sped up - gravity and all. As I try to control this acceleration I also notice a bike (motorcycle) mounted officer of the law - as in guy with nothing better to do - eyeing me coming downhill. I slow down but he has already trapped me with his laser gun doing about 10 miles more than what some wise soul decided the safe speed should be.

He then approches my vehicle from behind and asks for registration and my state issued driving permit. Whereupon I profer the same and then we get into this ridiculous exchange that goes -

PO: So do you know why I stopped you?

Me: No idea

PO: What is the speed on this street?

Me: Huh - something like 40 mph

PO: No - its 30 and its marked clearly (clearly otherwise he would be wasting his time aint it)?

And as to the wait here and I will be back routine - finds himself writing out some measly looking paper copies (instead of digitally printing or even better emailing me) and handing me one with best wishes for a good day.

There was IMHO no threat to life or limb on this clear sunny day et al with not a soul (other than aforementioned officer) in sight but yet this happened in the eye of the official beholder to be a threat to the peace and quiet of this leafy neighborhood.

Oh well - taxes have many names - this is one!

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