is this a moving violation?

[Big Bwana]

I recently got pulled over by a cop because he said he didn't believe my car, a right hand drive '73 austin mini, could be registered in MA. well it is and everything is current, except for my safety check sticker. so he gives me a $50 dollar(!) ticket and tells me to go get it safety checked to make sure the car is up to code.

I'm kinda pissed because the safety sticker expired at the end of august and I got pulled over a day later on sept. 1. I know the officer was just doing his job, but geez, couldn't he give me just a warning? he's the one who didn't think the car was road legal (even questioned why the ink on the registration was smudged and asked if it was a 'copy') and it wasn't until he was about to give me back my license that he noticed the safety sticker.

then to add insult to injury, when I went to get the car safety checked, the mechanic didn't even do anything. just took my money and registration and came back a couple minutes later after putting the new sticker on. even if he was super quick with the check, I KNOW he didn't check the headlights or wipers because I moved the switches to under the dash-not visible unless you're lying next to the clutch pedal.

now, is this a moving violation? will it affect my insurance rates?

up to code...right....

BB

BB

 

[Windogg]

Heh heh, they don't call it Taxachusetts for nothing. As far as I know it's not a moving violation so you're all set. Notice in this state they basically take all the bully high school dropouts, give them a gun, crewcut, and pants 5 inches too short and tell them to hand out tickets?

Windogg

 

[vash]

Its a "fix a ticket" in California. Might be the same where you are too, might want to look into that.

Get the ticket, get it fixed, prove it was fixed to the judge and go on your merry way. This also applies to the front license place and tinting (in California).

vash

 

[Big Bwana]

Taxachusetts...hahaha...how about 'no beer on sunday'?

damn Windogg, you're in waltham? so am I...ah, the city to watch!

fix a ticket? does that mean in CA you don't have to pay the fine as long as you get whatever fixed?

BB

 

[Rally1]

"fix IT ticket"

yep fix it, show a cop or authority you fixed it, and your all set.

 

[Big Bwana]

gee, I wonder if that works in MA?

 

[bozo1]

I'd check with the court. Most states have a 10-15 day grace period for which they do not ticket you when things like your stickers or plates expire. Other states just require that you fix the problem and prove it and they drop it.

 

[Big Bwana]

cool, thanks bozo1. I'll find out what my options are.

BB

 

[Harvey]

Big Bwana -- In most states, an equipment violation is not considered a moving violation. I requires only that you fix whatever is cited, so it shouldn't affect your insurance rates. In your case, you got screwed by the cop, because your car was properly registered.

You may want to find out if there is a place where you can file a complaint against the officer with your local court or DMV, because (IMHO) the his actions were abusive.

 

[jman7272]

wow... that sux...

just plead NG and i'm sure you can plea bargain it down to dirt... or get the proper documentation to prove your case and it will get thrown out.

Good luck man...