$400 fine for no "L" plate

[The Stranger:Me]

Let me answer that question with a question.

Are you saying that all crimes should be punished to the maximum extent possible under the law?

What about someone whom makes a simple but otherwise harmless mistake? And which human hasn't?

My point is, if everyone, police included, were punished at all times for every offence they ever committed to the maximum extent possible under the law we would all be in a lot of shit.

Maybe there is a middle ground, we could call it "discretion" for want of a better term.

But beyond that even, The police should ignore a stupid and or unjust or immoral law. It is not that long ago in the history of man they used to burn whtches, or Jews used to have to wear a star. So yes people should not blindly accept what they are told and should be capable of thinking for themselves and should have the courage to stand up to an unjust rule, law or government etc.

In this instance a $400.00 fine for no L plate is an over reaction. A warning such as "next time I see you without an L plate you have got a $400.00 fine" would have achieved the same end would it not?

[SimJen]

They still burn so called witches in India, we haven't moved on much....

[Devil]

I completely disagree in this instance. Something at the low end of the scale like breaking your licence conditions doesn't carry a variable punishment. As far as I'm aware you're either going to get done for $400, or your not. They're not going to pick say $150 and leave it at that. In this kind of clear cut offence there is no optional interpretation or different meaning to be had, either it was on, or it was off.

Instead of moaning about a cop applying a law that you think is arse, do something about getting the law changed.

[Postie]

I'm sorry to hear that you got raped by the cop for not displaying a Loser plate.
I would write in and try to point your point across. Just advise that you have learned your lesson and if you could be granted some leniency, you will aspire to use your L plate until you get you R licence. If you have a cleanish record, you might have a shot. you have nothing to lose so you may as well give it a shot. Good luck with it.

[awesker]

bummer man, welcome to the club, I got wasted with the same fine just outside of h-town, just before xmas. It seems they hassle me more on the highways than in the city. No way to get out or it really, and to be honest I think its seriously dangerous to go 70 on the highway, get overtaken by trucks and allsorts. Id rather get a fine than get ran over by a truck..

[Deviant Esq]

That's a very good point CaN, some good words right there.

I'm didn't say or suggest that all crimes should be punished to the full extent of the law, more that you shouldn't expect to get let off or given a lesser sentence. Trouble is with traffic laws such as this on, there is no harsh penalty or less harsh ones - the $400 fine applies every instance, it's either applied or it isn't. It's a harsh penalty when compared to other fines, sure, but it's the only punishment available.

I know what I'm trying to say, just not saying it very well.
Edit: And someone beat me to it while I was cooking my breakfast. Dar.

Still, I'd definitely agree that a warning along the lines of "If I see you without it again, you'll be $400 poorer" would have been appropriate.

[Patrick]

.... A warning such as "next time I see you (not wearing seatbelt/no WOF/no reg/ whatever you have got a .... fine" would have achieved the same end would it not?

Warnings don't work... lost count of the warnings given only to see the same person later, usually much later, still doing the same old...

And as for the Nuremburg Trials... dunno what that has got to do with traffic enforcement... I thought they were somewhat "different"

Mind you, with some of them, I wouldn't mind a gas chamber to put them into if we were ordered to...

So are we right in assuming it was 113kmph he was doing? Anyone will get a ticket for that, let alone a learner restricted to 70. The "Usual" would be for exceeding your 70kmph on the learners, but that is still a $400 fine, plus the 13kmph over the posted limit. Bugger the L plate fine, that would be discretion...(which you could get too if the attitude was crap...)

As someone said earlier, go with the flow, don't attract attention to yourself... speeding does attract attention.

Write in, bearing in mind what you have already said to the cop at the time, as notes are taken of explanations, and try to explain your way out of it. Point out fair enough about the speed part, but also problems experienced with wearing L plates from other road users etc. and you never know your luck... they may let the L plate thing slide. If you don't ask, you will miss out.

Welcome to the site too by the way... sometimes helps to outline the "full story" at the beginning (ie: I was speeding too...). Good luck.

[chickenfunkstar]

Hard luck dude. I know I didn't use an L plate when I was on my learners.

It definatly pays to be vigilant about things like speeding if you're already breaking your liscence conditions though. I.e. don't get stopped in the first place.

[justsomeguy]

They still burn so called witches in India, we haven't moved on much....

Water cooler gossip is so reliable huh??

KS - the law sucks but it's the law. So try and bear with it for 6 months. How clean is your record?? If this is your first offence you have a fighting chance of getting away.

Do not try and do a runner on a 250 unless you are really (really, really) skilled, it's not as easy as it sounds.

[The Stranger:Me]

Warnings don't work... lost count of the warnings given only to see the same person later, usually much later, still doing the same old...

Great throw the book at them then.

And as for the Nuremburg Trials... dunno what that has got to do with traffic enforcement... I thought they were somewhat "different"

Yeah you're right, at least there the accused was entitled a fair trial.

[Patrick]

Great throw the book at them then.

Usually do... coz they are dumbasses and took advantage of my good nature.

Yeah you're right, at least there the accused was entitled a fair trial.

As we all are here in P.C. New Zealand... if you feel wronged (justifiably, that is...) take it to court.

[SimJen]

courts seldom work where the defendant is up against the police.
The police are always right, unless you've got a JP or Judge thats just got a ticket......then and only then will you ever stand a chance.

[Charlie]

Hmmm, I still ride with no L plate. I did just once and feared so greatly for my life I took it off. No problems since and I was able to get on and LEARN to ride.
I've had my learners for nearly 18 mths, and although only been riding for 6 of them, I'm lazy and well overdue to go sit my restricted. Havent been pulled over and caught.... YET. So valid point that, like it or not, law is law; and seeing as I dont fancy parting with $400 I'm in the process of booking my test right now....

[Patrick]

I know I am always right... seen a few get tossed out at court though, but not my stuff...

[*sic]

see a good way of getting away with it is to attach a corner (ie break off a corner of the yellow L plate) and attach it... it still looks like you "had" it on there, must have just snapped off one time when reversing.....