Here in Florida, all licensed drivers are subject to receiving points on their driver’s license if they are stopped for a violation. When I moved here, I had zero points, which made it easier to get good rates on auto insurance. It’s been almost four-and-a-half years, and I have yet to receive any points.
Just last week, I was driving my taxi cab to a town to our north. My customers wanted to go to Amscot to cash a check, and the closest was 11 miles away. I entered the information into Google Maps, and away we went. The route took us through mostly rural areas, and as we got closer to the destination, the scene changed to more populated areas.
There was an area about three miles from our stop when we were headed downhill. Traffic was moderate for the out-of-town area, and I remember watching traffic ahead to be sure to keep my passengers safe. There was a county sheriff squad parked facing the opposite direction of our travel, and as I passed, I made sure to check my speed. I was travelling 32 miles per hour in a 30 zone. To my surprise, as I passed, the officer turned his overhead lights on and came up behind me. I pulled over, rolled my window down, and greeted him as he approached. He informed me that he pulled me over for going 32 in a school zone. He explained the speed limit in the school zone was 20. He took my license and went back to his squad. After about ten minutes, he came back to my car with a warning ticket and told me he didn’t write me a ticket because my record was clean. I thanked him. He told me that if he had written the ticket, it would have been not only points on my license but also a $306 fine. I thanked him again. He explained the times the area was a school zone lower speed area. I didn’t bother telling him it was the first time I’ve ever been on the road, I figured it didn’t matter. He wished me a good day. I thanked him yet again, and I was on my way.
It’s been a long time since I was pulled over by the police. It was one day in April 1987, so nearly 40 years ago.
The experience taught me to pay very close attention to where I am, the signs along the road, and the speed I’m driving.
The last thing I need right now is a ticket for a moving violation on my license. I hope it’s a very long time until I see the police’s overhead lights pulling up behind me.
Have A Good Week!
