I always find it interesting when people brag about not paying fines — especially when the fine is issued in a foreign country.

To me it shows a lack of responsibility and a huge lack of respect for the local laws. I guess not everyone feels that way though.

there is a certain cynicism regarding traffic laws in the US. many drivers feel that some of the laws are in place for the sole purpose of revenue collection or to give the police an excuse to pull you over, absent any real safety concern. in my state, for example, it is against the law to have anything dangling from the rearview mirror. if I so much as forget to take down my parking permit in the morning, I can be pulled over at any time.

fwiw, I take traffic flow very seriously. I will always move over if I notice someone driving close behind me.

> in the US. many drivers feel that some of the laws are in place for the sole purpose of revenue collection

That's not a US only phenomenon. For example, in the UK there is a - somewhat justified - suspicion that some speed[1] cameras have nothing to do with safety and everything to do with revenue raising.

[1] Ahem, sorry, I mean "safety" not "speed", obviously.

just wanted to add some context for the EU readers who I (perhaps mistakenly) assume have a bit more respect for government and for traffic laws in particular.

the US has a somewhat fraught history with traffic laws. by default, police are not really allowed to stop you for no reason and possibly search your vehicle/person. of course, this is very inconvenient for police, so over the years many traffic offenses have been created to remedy this. if a cop wants to (legally) pull over the most upstanding citizen in the country, all they have to do is follow them on the road for a mile and they'll have a reason.

You've been punished enough by sitting through the tedium of golf tournament. :)

Your estate will likely pay the ticket with 50 years of interest when you die.

"But it's not illegal in my country"