More Than 15 Years Without a Moving Violation

I just got pulled over by a motorcycle cop this morning for California code 21460.5 (c) VC - Improper Turns From Two-Way-Left-Turn Lane. Basically I was caught riding in the center turn lane. Apparently that's frowned upon in the valley.

I can't say I'm angry or upset about it at all. Since Bravo and I pulled into Los Angeles a little more than a week ago I've ridden on the sidewalk, parked on the sidewalk, ridden in the bike lane, split lanes at high speeds, run about a thousand stop signs and half as many red lights. There's been lots of speeding, illegal turns, riding in the wrong direction on a one way street, parking without paying, parking in red zones, crossing double solid yellow lines, etc.

Until now it's felt a bit lawless out here.

I think for the most part the cops leave motorcyclists alone because they understand it can be difficult and unsafe to run us down for a measly citation. The copper who pulled me over and cited me even confessed he saw me traveling at excessive speed in the other direction just a few moments earlier and decided to let it go just so he didn't put himself in danger trying to chase me down. I guess driving in the center turn lane was the straw that broke the camel's back in this case.

I did some Googling and it looks like there's an outfit that will draw up the paperwork for trial by declaration for just $69 with a money back guarantee. I'll go that route first just to see if I can keep my record clean and refrain from forking over nearly $250 to the LAPD. Who knows, maybe there's some technicality that will save me points on my license and keep my money in my back pocket.

I'll update once the verdict is in.