hmmm - wait - are you saying it was a 2-lane-in-your-direction street? i'm a little dense in getting that part ... i think you're saying that you passed him on a one-lane street, then didn't "come to a complete stop." do i have that right, first of all ? help me out on what kinda street it was... the only time i've ever heard of the infamous "$271" ticket (i've heard about it because people talk about how the one-dollar at the end is just extra precious ) being given is when a solo driver drives in the car pool lane. but when tickets without set dollar amounts at the time are given, isn't the penalty negotiable - like traffic school/community service instead? (that's not based on fact, just an idea that comes up in my head as a lovely possibility.) give me some more info, kittn, on the street, and an update, too . (and is that a sad kitty face?)