R56 Almost BUSTED---May Need Prof. Help!
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Yes, this is the crux of the matter!! It is absolutely necessary that you find ways to vent/channel your enthusiasm since it will likely not diminish any tiime soon. Some do this by modding, some do this by detailing, some do this by joining a local club, some do this by hanging out on NAM, some do this by learning all thay can about Mini heritage, some do this by going to the track. I actually decided to build a full Scalextric slot car track so I could tune and race (fast!!!) 1:32 replicas of full-race MINI Challenge cars, but I also do a lot of detailing on my MINI and do hang out here on NAM more than I probably should. 
In any case, it's simply a matter of "enthusiasm management".....lots of car owners don't have to deal with this, but we do.
In any case, it's simply a matter of "enthusiasm management".....lots of car owners don't have to deal with this, but we do.
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4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Dallas and Santa Fe
Yes, this is the crux of the matter!! It is absolutely necessary that you find ways to vent/channel your enthusiasm since it will likely not diminish any tiime soon. Some do this by modding, some do this by detailing, some do this by joining a local club, some do this by hanging out on NAM, some do this by learning all thay can about Mini heritage, some do this by going to the track. I actually decided to build a full Scalextric slot car track so I could tune and race (fast!!!) 1:32 replicas of full-race MINI Challenge cars, but I also do a lot of detailing on my MINI and do hang out here on NAM more than I probably should. In any case, it's simply a matter of "enthusiasm management".....lots of car owners don't have to deal with this, but we do.
In any case, it's simply a matter of "enthusiasm management".....lots of car owners don't have to deal with this, but we do.
Dang, I just saw that I missed the monthly meeting of the Metroplex MINI group this weekend! That's a great idea for me to "channel my enthusiasm" in more acceptable/legal ways. I hope to make the next one and start meeting some like-minded MINIacs 'round here.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
I went 15 years without a ticket before getting 2 in 2 weeks last fall. Then two weeks ago we got busted for tinted windows and no front plate. The cop even made a u-turn on a four-lane divided road to come get us! All this in less than 10K miles.
My backwindow has a sticker that proclaims Police Magnet! How fitting.
My backwindow has a sticker that proclaims Police Magnet! How fitting.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: West Trenton, NJ
Got one in PA 2 months back - with my blazer. 73 in a 55 on the turnpike - I'm shocked she didn't wait for someone who was going 77-80. 73 on the highway is nothing. She was one nasty B**** too. I guess she needs to take out how ugly she is on everyone else.
PA is a messed-up state. In traffic court, the cop IS the prosecutor so fighting a ticket is very unlikely to work. In NJ, you just do the "not guilty" thing, talk w/ the prosecutor and they knock it down to a no-points ticket of some kind. NY is the same way.
This was the first ticket that I've gotten in YEARS (knock on wood).
PA is a messed-up state. In traffic court, the cop IS the prosecutor so fighting a ticket is very unlikely to work. In NJ, you just do the "not guilty" thing, talk w/ the prosecutor and they knock it down to a no-points ticket of some kind. NY is the same way.
This was the first ticket that I've gotten in YEARS (knock on wood).
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Twin Cities, MN
Haven't been stopped for speeding in many years... since my red Horizon TC3 in college. Wisconsin is not a good state for those who like to drive even a little fast.
Now that I have a cute little speedy red car again am wondering how long it will be before I see those flashing lights in my rear view mirror. Hopefully with any luck the police officer or trooper in question will have an affinity for MINIs like Peaches' officer did.
PS. Gokartride... Courtesy on the road is indeed a very good thing. Letting someone in is good karma and even if it does slow you down alittle bit it just means you get to stay in your MINI alittle longer.
Now that I have a cute little speedy red car again am wondering how long it will be before I see those flashing lights in my rear view mirror. Hopefully with any luck the police officer or trooper in question will have an affinity for MINIs like Peaches' officer did.
PS. Gokartride... Courtesy on the road is indeed a very good thing. Letting someone in is good karma and even if it does slow you down alittle bit it just means you get to stay in your MINI alittle longer.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Pulled over 3 times - no tickets - for "turning too fast."
Yep, not speeding. I took corners/on-ramps at speeds the cops felt were too fast. Was I ever speeding? No. Any squealing tires? No. But I never slowed for the corners either and apparently that's enough to raise the ire of the cops around San Diego. Always let go with a warning.
It may be a sobriety test too. I don't drink, so that's not a big deal to me but i do know cops troll for stupid people. They pull you over hoping for a bigger crime. No go with me. I'm boring.
Yep, not speeding. I took corners/on-ramps at speeds the cops felt were too fast. Was I ever speeding? No. Any squealing tires? No. But I never slowed for the corners either and apparently that's enough to raise the ire of the cops around San Diego. Always let go with a warning.
It may be a sobriety test too. I don't drink, so that's not a big deal to me but i do know cops troll for stupid people. They pull you over hoping for a bigger crime. No go with me. I'm boring.
Last edited by bgdc; Jun 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
Likes: 4
From: Paradise
MINI's are dangerous. I had my first serious accident in 44 years (parking lot incidents not included). Took a curve too fast. With a new 19mm H-Sport sway bar on the middle setting, the rear end came around. I must have over corrected. Then I ran out of space. Ended up with the nose in a dirt bank, but the car still had momentum and slowly tipped over on the driver's side.
Repair estimate is over $10,000. Just getting a ticket would have been much better.
Repair estimate is over $10,000. Just getting a ticket would have been much better.
Coordinator :: Northwest Indiana MINIacs
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 0
From: Valparaiso, IN
You need to drive your MINI more,
and CONTROL yourself! 
I give you the same advice that Bob Chandler was given when he kept breaking parts on his truck. "Lift your darn BIG FOOT!" Years later Bob and Midwest 4wd are now Big Foot 4X4X4 INC. Birthplace to the Monster Truck and home to over 20 Big Foot Monster Trucks
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
MINI's are dangerous. I had my first serious accident in 44 years (parking lot incidents not included). Took a curve too fast. With a new 19mm H-Sport sway bar on the middle setting, the rear end came around. I must have over corrected. Then I ran out of space. Ended up with the nose in a dirt bank, but the car still had momentum and slowly tipped over on the driver's side.
Repair estimate is over $10,000. Just getting a ticket would have been much better.
Repair estimate is over $10,000. Just getting a ticket would have been much better.
Ouch! Pics?
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Okinawa, Japan
Tickets? Ah, let me count the ways.
First day with license, 3 to be exact, suspended for 6 months.
Over the next two years, totaled 8 cars (parents and my own).
Since then? Maybe 10-12 from age 22 - 32.
North Dakota is $1/mph over limit. plus $10 every 10mph over limit, so 80 in a 55 is $45, and no points until reckless (more than 25 mph over limit). It was a racetrack on those roads.
I must say, last 10 years I've been pretty good (actually lucky) plus a couple of stints overseas helps. THere is no radar on this island so they set-up cops with cones and stopwatches.... they wear bright lime green vests and post signs that say "Policia Akei" (police here).
First day with license, 3 to be exact, suspended for 6 months.
Over the next two years, totaled 8 cars (parents and my own).
Since then? Maybe 10-12 from age 22 - 32.
North Dakota is $1/mph over limit. plus $10 every 10mph over limit, so 80 in a 55 is $45, and no points until reckless (more than 25 mph over limit). It was a racetrack on those roads.
I must say, last 10 years I've been pretty good (actually lucky) plus a couple of stints overseas helps. THere is no radar on this island so they set-up cops with cones and stopwatches.... they wear bright lime green vests and post signs that say "Policia Akei" (police here).
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: florida
People, I can honestly say that I have never in my life gotten a speeding ticket, and haven't even been pulled over. I'm talking about a driving career spanning ***cough***** nearly 30 years, 'kay?
I have had my MINI for a grand total of 10 days, and guess what? I was going to return a DVD to Blockbuster and, just for the fun of it, decided to push it. It was only for maybe 30 seconds. I always say in my neighborhood, "Where's a cop when you need one?", but my number was up tonight.
I guess I lost my head and just couldn't help myself. Good friends, I MOTORED. I was going 70 in a 40 zone. There were no other cars on the road. Conditions were favorable (I thought). I have always been such a good girl, and have coveted a MINI for 6 years. I patiently waited until I wasn't a soccer mom anymore and could go back to a manual transmission and feel the road.
I predicted this would happen within a month of getting my MINI---on this board, on one of the off-topic game thingies. Someone responded that it would be sooner than that, and they were right on.
Thankfully, the officer was super cool. I suppose my tears and polite sincerity helped, not to mention that he saw my temporary plates and admitted he wanted a MINI and had just seen "The Italian Job". He broke into a knowing smile. He suggested I go to the track. "What? What's a track?", I thought. No ticket, no fine, no nothing. He didn't even run my driver's license.
Also, I washed my MINI this weekend. Waxed him too. I've never done that in my life. I have a big order of products on its way, and I can't wait for it to arrive. What the . . . . .?
I'm still kind of in a state of shock that Miss Perfect was engaged in such an event. Have I been exposed to some sort of demonic virus that causes me to engage in thrill-seeking illegal activities, not to mention the whole washing/waxing incident?
Have any of you experienced this? How did you handle it?
I'm seriously concerned. I think I may need therapy.
I have had my MINI for a grand total of 10 days, and guess what? I was going to return a DVD to Blockbuster and, just for the fun of it, decided to push it. It was only for maybe 30 seconds. I always say in my neighborhood, "Where's a cop when you need one?", but my number was up tonight.
I guess I lost my head and just couldn't help myself. Good friends, I MOTORED. I was going 70 in a 40 zone. There were no other cars on the road. Conditions were favorable (I thought). I have always been such a good girl, and have coveted a MINI for 6 years. I patiently waited until I wasn't a soccer mom anymore and could go back to a manual transmission and feel the road.
I predicted this would happen within a month of getting my MINI---on this board, on one of the off-topic game thingies. Someone responded that it would be sooner than that, and they were right on.
Thankfully, the officer was super cool. I suppose my tears and polite sincerity helped, not to mention that he saw my temporary plates and admitted he wanted a MINI and had just seen "The Italian Job". He broke into a knowing smile. He suggested I go to the track. "What? What's a track?", I thought. No ticket, no fine, no nothing. He didn't even run my driver's license.
Also, I washed my MINI this weekend. Waxed him too. I've never done that in my life. I have a big order of products on its way, and I can't wait for it to arrive. What the . . . . .?
I'm still kind of in a state of shock that Miss Perfect was engaged in such an event. Have I been exposed to some sort of demonic virus that causes me to engage in thrill-seeking illegal activities, not to mention the whole washing/waxing incident?
Have any of you experienced this? How did you handle it?
I'm seriously concerned. I think I may need therapy.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Mt Vernon, Va
Next thing you know you'll strip naked and get caught running down the interstate. You're lucky indeed! Where I live that would have been a Reckless Driving charge. Perhaps he ran your driving record and saw you've been good all these years and decided it should remain unblemished? Thanks for the warning. My Cooper (non S) arrives in several weeks and I'll watch my speed.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Peaches, I see you are in Dallas. DFW has to be one of the best places to live if you want to track your car. I instruct for the Porsche Club, BMW club, and the Apex school, and there are always plenty of Minis at all the events. After you have driven your Mini at the limits on the track, driving it above the speed limits on the street will seem a little lame. If you go to the Metroplex Mini page you will see the upcoming events listed. Be warned though that taking a Mini to the track is about as addictive as a hit of crack..... not that I would know. 
5th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Well I have gotten out of many tickets because of where I work, won't say more than that.
But one time I was out of jurisdiction, on a super highway doing 130 in a Mercedes SL.
CHP pulled me over, walked to the passenger side, handed him my papers, he did not say a word, went back to his unit, came back, handed me a ticket, did not say a word [again] and I left.
I don't know what he was thinking or if he ran my plates. But that was the strangest stop I have ever experienced. Here in California 130 is a crime [reckless driving] and he was within his rights to haul me to jail and have the car towed, especially for me driving like such an ahole.
But to not say a word, no lecture, no "let me see you papers," nothing, that's too freaky.
And he wrote me up for "90+" rather than 130.
Obviously, I have never forgotten that.
But the story gets stranger.
Here in California, back when I got that ticket, for a speeding ticket in excess of a certain MPH you CANNOT go to traffic school and get the ticket stricken from the record. I think it's 85 or 90 mph.
Well, **** it, I applied for school anyway. Ended up I got to go to school [one full day] and the ticket did not count on my record.
That was the last and only ticket received since 1994.
Oh... since the officer did not ask, I'll tell you, I was late for a date, so I was hauling *** to get same.
But one time I was out of jurisdiction, on a super highway doing 130 in a Mercedes SL.
CHP pulled me over, walked to the passenger side, handed him my papers, he did not say a word, went back to his unit, came back, handed me a ticket, did not say a word [again] and I left.
I don't know what he was thinking or if he ran my plates. But that was the strangest stop I have ever experienced. Here in California 130 is a crime [reckless driving] and he was within his rights to haul me to jail and have the car towed, especially for me driving like such an ahole.
But to not say a word, no lecture, no "let me see you papers," nothing, that's too freaky.
And he wrote me up for "90+" rather than 130.
Obviously, I have never forgotten that.
But the story gets stranger.
Here in California, back when I got that ticket, for a speeding ticket in excess of a certain MPH you CANNOT go to traffic school and get the ticket stricken from the record. I think it's 85 or 90 mph.
Well, **** it, I applied for school anyway. Ended up I got to go to school [one full day] and the ticket did not count on my record.
That was the last and only ticket received since 1994.
Oh... since the officer did not ask, I'll tell you, I was late for a date, so I was hauling *** to get same.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Fla.
Speeding Ticket=High Speed Road Use Taxes, it goes down better that way, and if they caught me every time I was speeding, well....I know I wouldn't have a valid DL, how about you?
Last edited by CDMINI; Jun 16, 2008 at 05:22 PM.