FreeAdviceGuest
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MA
First let me thank anyone with ahead of time for their response.
Here's my story...
I bought a old Harley about 2 months ago. I got insurance and registered immediately. I took it for MA inspection and it failed because of a long list of things. The inspection shop said I could drive for 20 days as long as I had the Failed Inspection Report with me. Because of the age of the bike it took a while to get the parts in and then took me a while to get the thing running again, but it was not on the road for some time.
So about 2 weeks ago I got it running and got another inspection and it fails because of one minor thing. I again get a Failed Inspection Report and again the inspection station says I can drive for 20 days as long as I have the paper with me.
It only states on the Inspection Report, "This motorcycle qualifies for a free retest if you repair the failed items and return to this inspection station within 20 days from this date." It does not say that I can continue to drive, but I trust the station that does this all the time.
***If anyone knows for sure if I could have been legally driving in these 20 days it would be appreciated.***
A week after my second Failed Inspection I fix the leak and take the bike out for a test. I am covered in oil with wrenches and rags in my pockets. I get pulled over for not having an inspection sticker. And off course I left the Failed Report AND my Registration at home (I know I'm stupid). I knew what I did was wrong and I apologized multiple times and explain I know I was in the wrong. I was literally 2 blocks from home (which he saw) and told the officer I could walk and get it but he clearly lets me know, "It doesn't work that way!". He was a happy friendly gentleman that I would love to have an opportunity to spend more of my time with.
I am then handed a MA Uniform Citation for a 90-20 "No Inspec. Sticker" $50 and 90-11 "No Reg W Posses" $35. I would gladly pay the fines and go on my way as a great lesson from one of my very friendly and helpful local law enforcement personnel doing such a thorough job on their constituents. But then I learn this is a surchargable moving-violation and my insurance will probably go up $200 a year for 6 years!!! A $1200+ fine for not having a couple pieces of paper in my pocket (all of which was valid and a couple blocks away) seems a bit steep!
I assume I must request a hearing with the magistrate and plead my case, but I know I should have had the papers I am just a dumbass I guess.
***If anyone has any advice on how I should plead my case to the magistrate it would great, what is my defense?***
***Do I get an attorney to go to the magistrate or just go myself, what do I bring, what do I say?***
***If there is anyone else that I can talk with who can dismiss this (the cop, his boss, your uncle?) it would be great***
***How to otherwise avoid the hit to my insurance it would be greatly appreciated.***
***Is this all worth my time or do I just chalk it up to a big thumb up my arse for six years?***
Again any advice appreciated.
First let me thank anyone with ahead of time for their response.
Here's my story...
I bought a old Harley about 2 months ago. I got insurance and registered immediately. I took it for MA inspection and it failed because of a long list of things. The inspection shop said I could drive for 20 days as long as I had the Failed Inspection Report with me. Because of the age of the bike it took a while to get the parts in and then took me a while to get the thing running again, but it was not on the road for some time.
So about 2 weeks ago I got it running and got another inspection and it fails because of one minor thing. I again get a Failed Inspection Report and again the inspection station says I can drive for 20 days as long as I have the paper with me.
It only states on the Inspection Report, "This motorcycle qualifies for a free retest if you repair the failed items and return to this inspection station within 20 days from this date." It does not say that I can continue to drive, but I trust the station that does this all the time.
***If anyone knows for sure if I could have been legally driving in these 20 days it would be appreciated.***
A week after my second Failed Inspection I fix the leak and take the bike out for a test. I am covered in oil with wrenches and rags in my pockets. I get pulled over for not having an inspection sticker. And off course I left the Failed Report AND my Registration at home (I know I'm stupid). I knew what I did was wrong and I apologized multiple times and explain I know I was in the wrong. I was literally 2 blocks from home (which he saw) and told the officer I could walk and get it but he clearly lets me know, "It doesn't work that way!". He was a happy friendly gentleman that I would love to have an opportunity to spend more of my time with.
I am then handed a MA Uniform Citation for a 90-20 "No Inspec. Sticker" $50 and 90-11 "No Reg W Posses" $35. I would gladly pay the fines and go on my way as a great lesson from one of my very friendly and helpful local law enforcement personnel doing such a thorough job on their constituents. But then I learn this is a surchargable moving-violation and my insurance will probably go up $200 a year for 6 years!!! A $1200+ fine for not having a couple pieces of paper in my pocket (all of which was valid and a couple blocks away) seems a bit steep!
I assume I must request a hearing with the magistrate and plead my case, but I know I should have had the papers I am just a dumbass I guess.
***If anyone has any advice on how I should plead my case to the magistrate it would great, what is my defense?***
***Do I get an attorney to go to the magistrate or just go myself, what do I bring, what do I say?***
***If there is anyone else that I can talk with who can dismiss this (the cop, his boss, your uncle?) it would be great***
***How to otherwise avoid the hit to my insurance it would be greatly appreciated.***
***Is this all worth my time or do I just chalk it up to a big thumb up my arse for six years?***
Again any advice appreciated.