For the first time ever I was pulled over and given a ticket that wasn’t for speeding. There were three of them standing on the opposite side of an I-5 on ramp from their cars. Three of them! It takes three in one place to serve and protect us from people entering one of the two HOV only onramps. I didn’t even realize that there were any HOV only ramps. Sparky, the random tax collection servant was kind enough to inform me in a belittling manner that there was in fact a huge sign that said HOV only on it. He didn’t seem to care that the reason I didn’t catch it was because above the comparatively dull neon letters that said HOV only was a huge glowing neon sign that read, “Express Lanes” which as far as I know are still open to all. “Express lanes” was as far as I read because usually when I’m driving in rush hour traffic I don’t have time for fine print. One thing I’d like to know…Why on earth is a HOV only ramp even metered with lights? I know I know, it’s to make it easier for them to catch me and the six or so other people in the two minutes I was held – We were all in line waiting for the light to turn green.

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