Yes, Nice Cops Do Exist...

Today I got the pleasure of meeting a very nice cop that works so diligently for our county. He lit up my morning by being nice enough to pull me over. He ever so kindly reminded me that my vehicle's tags had expired. Here's how it went down:

Cop: "Good morning, do you know why I pulled you over?"
Me: "Yes, I do." Oh, crap! I thought.
Cop: "And why is that?"
Me: "My tags are expired." I have no problem getting right to the point.
Cop: "Why haven't you renewed them?"
Me: "I haven't been able to afford it yet." I gave him no excuses, 'cuz he doesn't really care anyway.
Cop: "Did you know you can get a 30 day temporary tag for $15 online?"
Me: "No." Stunned, with my mouth a little wider than normal.
Cop: "Did you know I can give you a $600 ticket for expired tags?"
Me: "No, but I figured it would be a high fine." Why lie? The government wants as much money from you as they can get.Why wouldn't the fine for expired tags cost more than the tags themselves??

At this point he took my license and insurance and went back to his car and partner (who showed up in his own vehicle. I guess a blonde driving a Jetta with expired tags can certainly be threatening, right?) This whole time I'm praying, "Please don't give me a ticket, please don't give me a ticket!"

Thankfully, this wonderful officer gave me a warning and sent me on my way. I promptly got on Arizona's website as soon as I got into work and ordered, paid for, printed, and posted in my rear window the temporary tag. I am NOT getting pulled over for that again!

I believe that was the first time I have been pulled over since I got married. 9 years. Maybe that, along with my honesty and forthrightness, helped me avoid a ticket.

So I give a big shout out to cool cops who give a break to people now and then. Hears to you!