Ricky road racer!!

I got a speeding ticket today.

This morning I went with DH to work so that I could have the car to get to my dentist appointment (which by the way turned out to be a total waste of time). When we arrived at his command, he hopped out and I hopped into the drivers seat. We said our goodbyes and I headed off across base to get some breakfast for DD while we waited for the hour to pass before I could drop her off at the daycare and head to my appt. No sence heading home, since we live 1/2 hour from base...

I rounded the corner and headed up the hill near the Human Resources office, and saw up ahead that the base 'police' were sitting in wait of speeders. Quickly I looked down and surmised that I was indeed speeding, as I pretty much always am up this hill. I took my foot off the gas and slowed and then came to a stop at the stop sign. As I made my turn, they followed me and the flashing lights ensued.

"Excuse me ma'am, please hand over all your vehicle documentation" I heard from just behind my view on the drivers side. I handed out my paperwork, my SOFA License and my dependant ID, and then waited. And waited. And waited. In my rearview mirror, I could see that the 2 men in the Police van were having an enjoyable and animated conversation. Finally, they re-approached my car, one on either side and I was issued my ticket for going 41 kph in a 20kph.

Now, that may seem like kinda alot over the speed limit, and I guess it sort of is, but 12.5 mph on a main street just feels so painful... the 25.6 that I was going seemed so much more tolerable and certainly not dangerous. But who am I to argue with the Military Police?! I should just be glad I hadn't been on the street where the speed limit is 15 kph (9.3 mph)!

I accepted my ticket, looked it over and drove off reflecting back to what I'd been told on how these things work here.

I was not issued a fine, there are no fines for traffic violations on base except perhaps for alcohol related violations. Points will be assessed against my driving record as if I were going 41 mph in a 20 mph zone (which I think is poo, since I was only going 13 mph too fast, not 21). I can contest it, but the judge isn't likely to care (plus I was speeding, so I guess I deserve the ticket). If I get many more tickets on base, my license will be revoked for the duration of my stay here, as will my stateside license in such situation as I were to return to the states for a visit.

So, I guess it's no more Ricky Road Racer for me. Just Suzie Speed limit from now on. At least on base anyway...
Out in town, it may be more dangerous to follow the rules of the road than to break them.