I would like to say that I have never been pulled over or issued a speeding ticket. I had a very clean driving record up until several years ago when I was pulled over for speeding. Really, looking back, it was a legitimate ticket that I deserved. My reason for speeding was silly, and now that I have been through the process of getting and paying for a speeding ticket I drive much more carefully. By the way, if you ever find yourself in a pinch and are facing a speeding ticket penalty, check out TicketKick...they might be able to help you lower your fine or avoid the penalty all together!

One morning, I was on my way to work. As it so happened, I was running a bit behind and just HAD to stop at the coffee shop and get my cup of morning coffee. (I just could not survive the day without it, ya know!) At the time, I lived in the country and the route I took to work was through farm country until I hit the town in which I worked. Whenever I drove down a certain road, it was always so easy to go faster than the posted speed limit. The road was straight and flat, with very little traffic and the speed limit was 55. After glancing at the clock, I knew it would be difficult to get my coffee and still get to work on time. Sooo, I deliberately went a bit faster than I should have. Well, all was going along....fast....until I saw those red and blue flashing lights in my rear-view mirror. Uh oh.

The officer who pulled me over was really nice and asked if I knew why he was pulling me over. I told him that I was speeding. He informed me that I was going 72 in a 55...which was a bit too fast. Yeah, I knew that. LOL! So, he then proceeded to tell me that because I admitted to the fact that I was speeding and didn't lie about what I did, he would lower the ticket from a speeding ticket to a "failure to obey a traffic control device" ticket. Basically, I disobeyed the speed limit sign. I was grateful, yet didn't know just how much this ticket would cost me. Sadly, I was unable to get my coffee that day. :( BUT I was on time for work! :)

On my court date, I stood before the judge and pleaded guilty. I didn't want to lie about speeding, so I just told the truth. By the way...that is always the right thing to do, even if it does cost you something. Even though the officer lowered the ticket, I still got slapped with a $250.00 fine...ouch. I guess you could say I learned a costly lesson that day...if you speed, you just might get caught so it is better not to speed (and you will be a bit richer too)!!!