I guess you could say wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:07 PM:that was several lessons learned.

Bob wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:12 PM:Yes, some of these fees are crazy. Even some of the parking tickets. Why don't they just cut off your right arm? I mean, for sixty to seventy dollars, you could truly feed a family for a week. You could some chicken, port, beef, milk, etc. You get the point. The punishment is far worse than the crime.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:21 PM:Yes, this is an unfortunate lesson. But, this law applies to everyone and there are others who have never applied for a license, or are driving on a suspended license who need to be off our streets. Who knows, Tammy could've been one of those. Instead, she ignored the license renewal process for three months. What was she thinking? At some point she would either have to renew it or she could have be pulled over for a minor violation. Even worse, she could have been involved in an accident and even if it weren't her fault the other party could have accused her of negligence.

Think of this as a lesson that in any other situation could have ended tragically and cost her more money.

Umm.. wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:26 PM:Why not read everything in full. This whole thing would have been saved with just a $28 renewal.

Remember a simple rule from school?

Read the entire test first before working on anything.

Dee wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:36 PM:I'd say her husband needs to be the one handling paperwork. I'm sorry, but being busy is no excuse for ignoring paperwork and not taking care of things.

Larry wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:48 PM:If money is so tight in her house, why doesn't she get a full-time job?

Diane wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:10 PM:And 'losing paperwork' in the shuffle of christmas gifts etc., is just a 'cop-out' no pun intended. She KNEW she got the notice in December, she could have simply gone down there without the paperwork and taken care of it. Chalk this one up to DUH!!! I hope she doesn't handle the bank account...scary.

par wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:14 PM:"There are people who no way could have paid this," she said."

Well I guess that they cannot afford to make car/insurance payments either.

Jim wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:28 PM:The DMV can't make it any easier, you are to renew your license on your birthday in a certain year.
If she is this scatter brained about a simple renewal I really don't know if I want her driving beside me, she just might forget what the red light is for.
A very expensive lesson hopefully was learned.

Sean wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:39 PM:Poor thing. I hope her husband pays better attention to letters from agencies like the DMV and the court than she does.

Govt thugs wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:46 PM:Just drive a desposable junker - the cops take it - let them keep it.

hardyboy wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:46 PM:the title should read, "Diary of an Irresponsible Citizen's Nightmare"

Hey Larry wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:57 PM:A stay at home mom IS a full time job! Sounds like maybe your mom dumped you off in daycare. If this family was able to pay these unexpected fines without using credit cards I would say that they are doing pretty well on one income. Stay at home moms ROCK!

oside mom wrote on Aug 10, 2008 10:01 PM:Tammy was lucky she got a sympathetic judge who reduced the fines she owed...

Now kiddies: our lesson for today is never ignore mail from the DMV or the the Superior Court.

Nick wrote on Aug 10, 2008 10:02 PM:Might I suggest actually READING your mail and not just throwing it in a pile. All of this could have been avoided and not used as another lousy, biased article on checkpoints by the Pro-Illegal NC Times.
Notice how the opening sentence says it has NOTHING to do with racial profiling.
Just more propaganda by the NC Times.

WOW wrote on Aug 10, 2008 10:14 PM:Dang why didn't they put a story of my uncle who is undocumented and got a ticket and car impounded and could not pay none of those? Is it because he is illegal that's why they couldn't make a story out of his life in the newspaper?

Grown up wrote on Aug 10, 2008 10:21 PM:Sounds like someone should read their legal mail in full and take some responsibility to take care of necessities. If she just keeps tossing everything into a pile, I am guessing that there are far bigger issues than this.

EscoWatchDog wrote on Aug 10, 2008 11:49 PM:Remember, the DMV, Police...it's all business they are there to make money. Period. The tow truck companies are making good money here in Escondido. I wonder how much of a cut the EPD makes in profits.

Dave wrote on Aug 10, 2008 11:50 PM:Wow, hard group of folks making tough comments here. Doesn't anyone have any compassion anymore. All fines and fees are much too high and if you think this is bad, don't ever get a ticket in CA from a red light camera. These are issued by an agency in AZ to CA drivers and CA cops never are even involved. Just an automated ripoff with little human involvement to the tune of $500 or more.

Jeff wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:19 AM:I bet she wouldn't have forgotten to read the mail from Publisher's Clearing House. The true story here is some people are not responsible enough to live their own lives. She was so broke she couldn't even pay attention. Cry me a river.

Boo-Whoooo wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:29 AM:(*tear*)... It's the law...SORRY!

John wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:45 AM:Is it just me, or does that "excessive fines" part of the U.S. Constitution's 8th Amendment no longer apply in this country (or this state!) anymore?

Theotis wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:22 AM:It's all about revenue, folks. All about the revenue.

Average Guy wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:44 AM:Tammy sounds like a flake, with no orginisational skills. She needs to keep everything she needs to do on a list.. Cross it off when done. I dont feel sorry for her, Stupid is as stupid does

English wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:59 AM:Okay...I like to call it reading.
Obviously, this woman has a lower paying type of job because she complained about the approx. $500 she had to shell out.
And it also reasonable to say that she was unable to complete college because she couldn't finish READING her entire coursework material.
LEARN TO CONTINUE READING!!!

excuses excuses wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:42 AM:How do forget something like this, even if you lost the notice. The day it expired was your BIRTHDAY, that should have triggered your memory. And as usual NCT writes tainted article dealing with police,Headline"OCEANSIDE: Diary of a checkpoint nightmare
Woman pays $591 for expired driver's license" abit overboard for someone getting their car because of something was totaly their own fault. NCT just had to write something digging the police.

Lack of....... wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:57 AM:Ever heard of the old saying?..."Lack of preparation on your part does not constitue and emergency on mine."

Duh wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:57 AM:Sounds like you should have simply remembered to renew your license. Had you taken care of your personal issues, none of the other events would have happened! Great job to the police officers!

too bad wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:18 AM:boo hoo

desmond wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:22 AM:She was 'too busy' with presents, parties...' How did the paper get this story? Did she whine to a reporter? Did she expect 'good samaritans' to come to her aid when she revealed her lack of responsibility? Whatever the case, she didn't do what she should have and she paid the price. End of story. I would guess she wouldn't 'forget' to renew the next time!

Gil wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:24 AM:I would bet that Ms Bridges found time to read her US Weekly. I bet she found time to vote for American Idle. Priorities people.

Glad Im not her wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:36 AM:This lady sounds like an idiot. I wonder if their power frequently gets shut off or the car gets repossesed because she just puts the bills in a pile and forgets about them, too.

CA drivers liscenses expire on your birthday. It isn't that hard to remember your own birthday.

JimRT wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:51 AM:Wow, I feel for you. I once just found a job and started on a wednesday. This was great except for one thing; I made too much money and the EDD wanted their check back for that week. I did not know that, nor my wife who just threw the next EDD letter (explaining this)into a pile because I had already cancelled the next check. There was no problem, until, the next time I filed (let me say I don't like filing and only do so as a last resort) so, anyway, I have filed and I get back this letter stating that my account has been frozen due to non-refunded check. I see the letter (after digging it up). I call and find out that
I have to: pay back the check amount, pay a fine and wait eight to ten weeks before I can get a payment. I was pissed, but it was the law.
I payed up and now I read everything; a hard lesson, an expensive lesson but a learned lesson.
It would be nice though. if they could put as much effort into getting rid of illegals as they do making sure that citizens pay what they owe - for everyone.

esteban wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:54 AM:This is just a smear piece to paint the police in a negative light. par for the course here. And Escowatchdog, police depts do not turn profits.

former resident wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:19 AM:My mother was a stay-at-home mom to 4 and she managed to read and respond to all bills and other mail on a timely basis. Even managed to keep the checkbook balanced. She would probably tell you that the trick is to actually READ the whole thing before putting it aside, and to put it aside where it can be found. In my adult life, I've sometimes forgotten to pay a bill; the consequences have been painful but, based upon my childhood experiences, I figured it was a lesson learned and certainly never felt it necessary to go blubbering to the newspaper about it.

robert wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:20 AM:its amazing to how many of you are more than willing to take whatever the city, the state, the feds hand you... no protest.. no nothing.... just bend over and take it...... and blame the woman.. not the the excessive fees ... why do you think they have those check points? they get far more people like this woman. than real crooks.... need some revenue??..... check point... and we just take it... just dont take my plasma screen and i'm sure most of you are voting for mcCain...

Citizen wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:26 AM:Her excuses are lame. She got what she deserved. She is probably one of those people who drive around talking on a cell phone.

To Average Guy wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:30 AM:I wonder if you can even read your to do list? "Orginisational?"

Zero Sympathy wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:39 AM:Yeah, it's true: when you don't take care of your obligations, it can get expensive. But hey, this woman brought this entire situation on HERSELF, by her own carelessness. It isn't right to blame the police or the courts or anyone else. She and she alone is responsible. Take a course in reading comprehension and get your at together.

Hmm wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:42 AM:She was irresponsible.. but the fees and fines on California are way out of hand. It was a simple oversight.. and sher was a licensed driver who just klet it lapse. Gouging people for little mistakes like this just reducs faith in the entire system.

She was a victim wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:42 AM:The state should have given her a break, there can be special circumstances and people make mistakes. There should always be a second chance without having to pay for it. Shame on the DMV & state for not having understanding & compassion.

Kelly... wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:47 AM:Oh BOO-HOO!!! Get over it. You get a renewal letter in the mail and it got shuffled with the holiday stuff? Did you forget your birthday in the "shuffle" of the holidays? Geez....

Lynn wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:49 AM:If you break the law, you pay. Simple as that -- next time, pay attention. It ranks with people who run stoplights because they are in a hurry, or use their cell phones because they think the law does not apply to them. Some poeple are so anxious to be victims, then blame the system for their bad fortune.

Hilarious wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:58 AM:This woman apparently isn't responsible or intelligent enough to have a driver's license in the first place. She got off lucky -- imagine her having had an accident where someone was injured or worse, and she with an unexpired license. And to those of you who think the fines excessive, get this: fines are SUPPOSED to hurt, as a deterrent to committing a given violation. And they only get more expensive if you ignore them. Get a clue, folks. Irresponsibility is expensive.

shes no victim wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:08 AM:3 months is a long time to call it "a simple mistake". As for the excessive fines, follow the rules and you don't have to worry about the cost. How did she find the time to notify the paper?

Good Luck wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:10 AM:Best of luck to this woman's husband. You'll need it. She sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Hide the matches and don't let her play with any sharp objects.

not amused wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:18 AM:I hope the NCT wins an award for this daring coverage of a woman who did not renew her license. It took acts of extreme bravery and professional jouranilsm to capture the plight of this person, who I guesss wants to be treaed differently than everyone else. Way to go NCT. Next time maybe place a story like this on your opinion page since that is where this truly belongs.

a conservative wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM:to Robert -
While I agree with you on the Draconian Laws being imposed in this state, I also do not feel remorse for those that do not pay attention. There are certain laws that go undetected from the general public, but this one is so obvious I have a hard time justifying her situation. Indeed, our Judicial system is a money making machine - just sit in a court room for ONE DAY to find that out.

Breaking News wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:28 AM:This just in: cat stuck in a tree.

Since when is irresponsibility and stupidity considered news-worthy?

question wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:48 AM:So for 4 months she had an expired license? And not once during that time did she have to show her license for any purchase or to write a check? It never dawned on her then? Did she do any traveling? My daughter was denied boarding on a plane because her license had expired during her vacation. Tough lesson!

To She Was a Victim wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:54 AM:You must be from the ACLU. Have you ever heard of accountability. Even if they gave second chances, how would "forgetting" be a special circumstance. You would be the one a defense attorney would pick for a jury.

Excuses excuses wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:58 AM:Whatever happened to the old saying "IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE". I would be willing to bet they won't forget again.

Dawn wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:04 AM:Oh My God!! Quick, call the ACLU! This poor womans rights have been violated!! She is too dumb to read anything (notice how many notices she didn't read thoroughly?)and then has the insane idea to blame it on the police,towing company and anyone else that she can think of except herself. Go back to school and relearn what they teach you in grade school...read entire sheet first before doing anything!! good thing kids don't come with a manual...she might have forgotten to read that!

Nicked wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:19 AM:Uh-oh, someone's trying to turn this into a rant against someone who supposedly supports illegal aliens!

Birthdays Forgotten wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:19 AM:I do have little sympathy because she ended up in a situation of her own making ... however ... birthday's are easily forgotten. I'm constantly forgetting the majority of my families and do my best to forget mine everytime it rolls around as well.

Most important lesson here ... read your mail.

Albert wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:21 AM:Reminds me of my Uncle Wally. He was in a biker bar minding his own business when some punk flipped him the finger. So Wally killed the guy, then they made him serve life in prison for murder. I wonder if the guy's finger violated Wally's civil rights? Boo-freaking-hoo!

Take some responsibility wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:41 AM:Pay your required fees like the rest of us do! If you get a notice from the court...you better read it! Just because you think your life is busier or more important than any one elses, doesn't give you the right to not follow the law.

Diary of a fine.. wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:44 AM:You license expires on your 5th birthday after the issuance date. So get your license on your birthday and you get one extra year.

DMV makes it easy for you, your license also expires on your birthday. Do you ever forget that day?

When you get a ticket for being unlicensed, it is a fixit ticket. It costs you $10 to dimiss it. If you don't get one, or can't get one, then the initial fine is $351. If you fail to appear (FTA), add an additional $300 each time you fail to show is added to the total.

Towing...In her case, she was able to get her car back the same day. That is because she at least had been issued a license. If you have never been issued a license, the car is gone for 30 days.

If your suspended, forget the above, it is really expensive and your car is gone for 30 days for sure.

Taxpayer wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:49 AM:You folks are missing the point which is being blindsided by exorbitant fees set up by our government and another example of stickin' it to the little taxpaying people. And she had an expired license, not a lack of license, so having her car impounded was over the top. As usual, another jerky cop.

La Costa Jay wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:54 AM:Zero sympathy. In fact, the bleeding-heart article makes me mad. She got what she deserved. If she can't keep her license renewed, she shouldn't be driving. The rest of us follow the rules.

Life Lessons wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:03 AM:She learned the hard way that irresponsibility in small matters is no small matter! No sympathy here however. Driving is a priviledge and there are certain responsibilities that accompany it, like renewal of the license that enables you to drive. A costly mistake, but good will come of it. First of all, she will tell everyone she knows what happened. Second, the NCT printed her "sob story". Now everyone who knows about how her neglect and forgetfulness cost her big bucks. We are all entering the expiration date of our licenses on our calendars to be sure we don't repeat her mistake. Call me psychic, but I see far fewer drivers with expired licenses on the road in the future...

cry me a river wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:15 AM:While on vacation in Europe for 3 weeks, 3 bills became due and I was charged interest and late payment fees. I called each company explaining the situation, one waved the interest and fees, but the other 2 refused. I have no beef here, I am thankful to the 1 that waived my fees. However, I failed to make the proper arrangements and now I have to suffer the monetary consequences. Can someone please write an article on me? ...

John from Escondido wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:53 AM:This is a perfect example of poor reporting. This woman completely failed to meet her obligations in life and we are expected to feel sorry for her. I am glad her husband has taken over the paperwork portion of their lives.

I agree with Dave... wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:03 AM:you all missed the point. The fines are out of control. I receive a notice from the dmv every year on time when my car needs to be registered. They did not send a drivers license renewal notification. I was lucky that I took care of this on my own long before the checkpoints were initiated or I would be in the same situation. It's all about the money people!!! We are supporting the govt. that mismanages money all the time yet we are held accoutable!!!

BarbsKid wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:08 AM:This sure wasn't what I expected from this article, but a multi-paragraph whine wasn't it.

Understand, I almost got caught up in one of these....and was relieved to be waved on. Not because there was a problem with my license or my car's insurance or registration. I was concerned because I was on my way from work (I'd worked overtime that day) to get my child at daycare. I would have gotten charged by the minute had I been late getting him. Not cool. I thought perhaps this story involved something like that, not careless and irresponisble behavior from the driver. Sorry, but there's no sympathy from this corner.

Citygirl wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:26 AM:For all those who are missing the point of the story, she felt that the impounding of the car for an EXPIRED license, was excessive. And for those who chastise the woman for forgetting to renew her license, how many of you look at your license daily, weekly, or monthly? How many of you know your expiration date? What she was saying that through the hubbub of the holidays she forgot that her license would expire on her birthday. Some license's expire in 4 years, some in 5 years. But she was also letting other people, who have hectic lives that forgetting to complete a small task could cost not just excessive fees, but also loss of wages. So live and learn. We are all human, unfortunately, some of us have more humanity then others!

Well Now wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:28 AM:Stupidity is expensive...most times.

I forgot to pay my vehicle registration

My son drove my car.

The policeman (who was doing his job) stopped my son for expired tags.

Luckily, the policeman, let my son off the hook for MY stupidity.

Son came home; I registered the car ASAP.

WOW haha wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:32 AM:Well stop putting mail in the "dusty mail pile!" problem solved....lol do us all a favore and stay home on Election DAY! =)

Sounds like... wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:52 AM:the cops are blogging this article. All about the big $ isn't it. Paying your salaries!

Mistakes happen, and I'm glad she had a REASONABLE judge to see that there is a difference between someone who has a very busy life (a bit scattered), and a repeat offender.

You bloggers are too much! God forbid you have children that screw up !

you people are amazing wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:09 PM:Are you people missing a vital point here? This is just another ploy for California goverment to get into the pockets of the people. Duh!!! Has anybody wieghed this out on the balance of justice? It doesn't even cost that much to get a speeding ticket. Common on! She has more right to drive with an expired licence then these Mexican do. they think that they can do anything and get away with it as long as they get back over the border. When I lived in Germany their licences never expire. They did it off a point system. If you went over your points then you had to go to school for three months at your cost. When we wanted to got to Czech Republic we had to buy a highway permit when we crossed over which was good for a month. Quit being a bunch of mindless sheep, people, and make a stand in your society, because if you don't it is going to be made for you.
I thought we were the "United" States of America. Why then, do we have different laws about driving? Why do we need licences for every crying state that we drive in? In some states it costs nearly $100 to get your licence renewed, but it is good for 8 - 10 years.

Point is...

Yes, it is the law, but is right or is the government dipping in your assets... again?

Jsten wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:10 PM:Its apparent to all here that the cascading fees and penalties are making it increasingly difficult to afford a mistake. There are few choices left except to fight back at the ballot box whether through electing policitians that have the interests of the public at heart or through the ballot measure process.

There was a time when the costs of mistakes or through skating on your social responibiliteis were much less, Now, the system through regulations and the need to generate more revenue has implemented the current structure, which at times seems out of control.

Its easy to look down on someone who gets trapped in all of this. I recently was the vitim in San Diego of a lane change status at 4:00 PM (paid parking to HOV in one second). That little deal cost me $320 and a damaged transmission. (I still had 30 minutes left on my meter)

So:

The law is the law. Maybe there should be more fairness in the deal, but we as Californians in our zeal to regulate everything seem, to have painted ourselves into a corner. Its OK as long as the other guy is the one in the bight of the line.

Happy motoring and pay attention to the fine print, on everything you do. What a way to live.

Pat from Oside wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:27 PM:If Tammy thinks $591.00 was a financial hardship, then how would she get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays with all that shopping? Think about it people, have you ever heard of a little piece of advice to have 3-6 months of emegency savings? I also went to college, have a great job and didn't pop out children before I was financially stable. Oh, and I was stopped at checkpoint in Oceanside recently and drove off happily because I am not a moron. It's called responsibility, something our entire country in lacking.

R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:28 PM:There are consequences for your actions, or lack there of. Unfortunately you learned the hard way. I find it very sad that the tow companies are getting a bad name for just doing thier job. They are the same people who respond when your daughter is in an accident. They are the ones who wake up at 3:00am to tow your vehicle that was just hit by a drunk driver.

And everyone here is PERFECT wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:38 PM:I can't believe that most of you think you are so PERFECT you have never made a mistake. All she is trying to do is warn others a simple mistake can escalate to big financial burden and hopes that others learn from her mistake. GEEEEZZZZ Didn't your parents do the same thing, "learn from my mistakes so you don't have to go through it yourself" Give the woman a break and listen to what she said, don't be so quick to judge!

why wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:39 PM:It was a nightmare she made on her own. She should have know that it expired if she writes checks in a store. If you don't have the money to spare if you make a mistake, don't make it.

There are smart moms wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:53 PM:Fines are just that -tough and expensive so you don't do it again! Been a stay at home mother for years but that doesn't mean I have a stamp of stupid across my forehead!
C'mon read all the directions-hope she never needs to give a dose of meds to the kids- lets see it says here 2 Tbs few lines down.... for adults.

No License No Insurance wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:53 PM:NC Times failed to mention that drivers without a valid license are not covered by their insurance companies. You think $500 or $600 was a lot? What if she would have been in an accident and totaled both vehicles? She would be on the hook for thousands!!

Karma wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:58 PM:I hope all of you are as hard on yourselves as you are on this lady. Every single person on here has forgot something they were supposed to take care of at some time in their lives. I just hope that there is someone there to say "boo hoo" to you when it happens again. Careful folks, karma has a habit of striking when you least expect it.

Follow Along wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:04 PM:Your all so busy being self-righteous your missing the point. She's taken responsibility for her mistake, paid the fines, and put changes in place to avoid making them again. She's not asking for your pity, forgiveness, or anything else, but to just stop a second and think about this. The question the article is TRYING to raise is does the punishment fit the "crime". When you combine this with the other checkpoint article this morning, it appears that these checkpoints make a LOT OF MONEY for not only the cities but also for PRIVATE COMPANIES. How does a simple, and unarguably reasonable fee for not renewing a driver's license turn somehow into a $1000 fine? Obviously the judge she went in front of didn't think agree it was fair, or they would have made her pay the whole thing. What about the rest of the "dupes" the city is trying to rob who DIDN'T go in front of the judge to plead their case? You'd never know it by the posts, but everyone makes mistakes. The next time you do, and it costs many times what common sense dictates, just to line the pockets a few private companies, you'll be thinking about this article and how maybe you should have paid just a bit more attention to how things are starting to work in this state.

Bill wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:10 PM:I wonder if Tammy will be late paying again?

Bill wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:11 PM:Looks like Karma is an enabler!

Front Page wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:12 PM:How does the story of an irresponsible whiner merit being in the paper let alone on the front page? Perhaps it is time to find a new editor or start publishing real news.

I was a single Mother of two who lived on one income, which I earned by working long hours at a demanding job, handled all the many tasks which apparently overwhelm this woman, and completed my college degree, without ever once forgetting to renew my drivers license or throwing mail in a pile from which it was never retrieved. It is called being a responsible adult. She earned what she received. This is not a story worthy of anything more than the back page.

to You People are Amazing wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:19 PM:from Taxpayer. Right on! Our rights are being taken away and we are being taxed and ticketed to death. There was no safety issues involved, it was a paperwork fine and yet another example of our government sticking it to us!

To par wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:30 PM:You are so fatalistic and narrow minded. Mrs. Bridges is correct there are many many people being caught up in this big money making operation who really can barely afford their car payments, registration and insurance. Why would you immediately attack her? There is an article related to this in todays NCT.

To No License No Insurance wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:33 PM:Sorry but that is not true. I am an automobile insurance agent and that may be true with your insurance policy, but all of my policies cover the car and not the driver. So read your policies carefully because if they exclude unlicensed drivers you should find a new insurance company. Your comment makes no sense.

Wake Up People wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:35 PM:To translate the essence of this story, here is a woman stopped at a checkpoint. She didn't break the law, was speeding or in an accident, just stopped to "Show Us Ze Papers". In the course of this governmental intrusion, her license was deemed expired. Normally, a "fix it" ticket and perhaps a late payment penalty would be in order. Instead, her car is impounded, her livelihood effected, her husband's job impacted, the courts' involved, large fines imposed and a judge's expertise is necessary to make a ruling. All this for expired paperwork? This is a ridiculous, absurb example of our fat bloated government and their intrusion into our lives. Instead of focusing on the irresponsiblity of this woman, it is a Wake Up Call to American Citizens that we should not stand for being treated this way! And now we want to elect a president who will tell us at what temperature our homes can be set, how to inflate our tires and tax us on homes larger than 2400 sq. ft.?! Let your elected representatives know we want LESS government intrusion in our lives.

Dear Karma wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:41 PM:Lighten up. All of us here have made plenty of mistakes -- and most of us are lucky that they either weren't caught or were so minor that they didn't warrant newspaper coverage. You see, justice is a funny thing -- if we all got what we truly deserved, we'd all be pretty unhappy people. The woman's actions weren't a mistake; in strictly legal terms, she was NEGLIGENT in renewing her driver's license. And in this great country, negligence has a price. I'd say the woman got off fairly inexpensively, considering what might have happened.

To you people are amazing and esteban wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:43 PM:"She has more right to drive with an expired licence then these Mexican do. they think that they can do anything and get away with it as long as they get back over the border." Your comment is hilarious. So it is okay for people to break the law as long as they are CITIZENS or LEGAL RESIDENTS. Now that is great logic!!! Believe me I hate those checkpoints because I know that they are just another way to put the screws to the public. To esteban, you know that the Police Department, tow companies, and the City are making money hand over fist with these checkpoints. This is a money making scheme. Just read Sam Abed's comment in the todays NCT regarding this same subject. Please get real people. I think impounding someones car and making them walk is bit extreme but hey who cares about human beings when there is money to be made. Disgusting!!!!

So... again. wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:55 PM:An expired license is NOT the same thing as a lack of a license. Insurance companies do not look at them the same way. And again.. you all are lookign t this the wrong way. yes she was stupid for forgetting to renew.. but the fees are way in xcess of what they should be for this. She was a licensed driver not some uninsured illegal alien. Have we gotten to a point in our society where we just crucify people for evely little lapse of memory of mistake they make. Im starting to agree with one of tthe above posters that many of these posters are cops who've just tur4ned this into their personal revenue blog.

Sleeping but Awake wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:04 PM:Boy, Tammy sure has a bunch of self righteous neighbors who fall way short in the compassion area.

$591 is way excessive for this type of infraction. Why not just write a fix it ticket and charge her an extra $20 on the renewal and be done with it. The excessive fees are simply thinly veiled taxes with a layer of "Puritan" punishment on top for good measure. It is truly a nightmare for anyone to go through. And yes, anyone can get busy and forget to do something, even renew a license. It is not like anyone was harmed by her act. Get a grip you fools that want Tammy punished. And to those goody two shoes who always remember and do the right thing because you are so organized. Good for you and frankly I am not impressed.

No mistake wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:05 PM:A "mistake" is when I write "2 plus 3 equals 6" when I meant to write "equals 5." Negligence is when I fail to learn basic arithmetic in the first place. This woman was negligent and it cost her. Tough cheese.

To I agree with Dave wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:18 PM:Well said. The fact is that the government also needs to be held accountable when they mess up. Case in point. A few years ago, I was involved in an accident. The Carlsbad police showed up and initially said that I was not at fault. Later on however, one of the officers retracted his statement based on faulty testimony. As a result of his error, I received a bill from S & R towing.

Snooze wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:23 PM:You snooze----you lose !

Chet wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:39 PM:This is just plain absurd. All Californians should be embarrassed by the horrendous manner in which this lady was treated. This was a ridiculously trivial offense where no one's safety was at risk. At most, it warranted a $25 fine.

Chet wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:49 PM:After reading the above posts, I have to wonder if many of you think you are perfect. Everybody makes mistakes. The question is should the fines for when we make a mistake be related to the harm caused by our mistake. Or should they be unrelated to public safety and instead act as a profit center for the government. I for one would like to see the fines be related to the harm caused.

Cheryl wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:08 PM:You can renew your drivers license on line. Takes a couple of minutes, so there is no execuse. Not too mention just taking the time to read! In fact I just read today that 1 in 5 fatal crashes involves a driver without a license!!!

Susan wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:21 PM:This is harassment and anyone who thinks it isn't hasn't had a similar experience.
At some point people are going to figure out that the powers that be see us as cash dispensers and nothing more. Look around and see if you can find one piece of evidence that anyone in power gives a damn about any of us.

cant be any easier wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:27 PM:For once the DMV has provided us citizens a tool to make life easy. You can actually renew you drivers license or registration online with no "convieniance fees". I forgot a registration last year until literally 15 minutes left on the last day of renewal. I took a whole 5 minutes and 10 days later my tags arrived. I cannot believe that I am actually complimenting the DMV. WOW.

Sean wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:52 PM:What blows me away is she actually allowed all of us to read about her lack of responsibility by contacting the media. If she thought she was going to get a bunch of sympathy, she was wrong.
She should be conforted in the fact that a couple of her friends/family members jumped on here and came to her defense.

Darwin Award wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:04 PM:What a story! Another fine citizen not paying their fair share of the rent? Say it isn't so! Guess what lady, I live paycheck to paycheck too and I still manage to pay my bills and register my car on time. Mostly because I know what could happen if I don't. Post a mailing address so I can send you a quarter to go call someone who really cares.

Fees to excessive wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:07 PM:For an expired license she should have been given a fix it ticket especially if she had a clean driving record. Towing her vehicle was not necessary and certainly all the additional costs she was fined with is ridiculous but that is our government trying to make a quick buck anyway they can.

Peter wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:11 PM:I have to agree with the few voices trying to call attention to the truly important matter in this story. Combined with the steep rise in fees, most of which have skirted the label of tax and in fact have been imposed by administrative fiat rather than legislation, is the issue of checkpoints being used to get around needing probable cause for a stop. It’s pure revenue generation under the guise of public safety.

To No Mistake wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:19 PM:If the "mistake" you describe happens to be on your tax form, it would then be considered negligence, and the fines would fly! The fact is, thanks to the litigious nature of our society (i.e. the unchecked greed of the trial lawyers), there IS NO SUCH THING as a mistake any longer. Or an accident for that matter. There is always SOMEONE to blame and collect some cash from. It's like the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland has possessed a bunch of us. OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!

Blah Blah Blah wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:21 PM:I see this as nothing more than the government shaking down any hapless citizen for lunch money.

End of Story!

Dude wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:23 PM:Wow, Most of you people are just _________ (trying not to get censored, you know what word to put there) I wonder how many of you perfect people checked your drivers license experation date after reading this.

The lady screwed up and deserves a small fine 25.00-50.00 seems fair, no impound.

As far as the police go, Organized crime at its finest.

i hope wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:43 PM:this mom has her affairs in order a little better when it comes to her kids! you simply don't misplace items from the DMV or Court. I read them word for word. Get organized! I think the fee was excessive and I thank her for telling her story so hopefully others can learn from it and not mak the same stupid mistake. Thanks to the NCTimes for printing the story.

I forgot to pay my taxes wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:53 PM:have pity on me! Oh and a donation wouldn't hurt either.

BarbsKid wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:02 PM:On reading further responses, I have to add this. For those bloggers who feel that we have missed the boat on the rising fees and costs and the revenue generation, well, this article was titled "Diary of a Checkpoint Nightmare" and is much different from an article titled...say "Rising Fees at CheckPoint Stops"...the title implies the reader's perspective.

It isn't that I don't get the point of the rising fees, and problems with the checkpoint concept, it is simply that I don't need the whine that was offered with it. How many other folks may have been caught in the same situation, taken it as a wakeup call, and gone on to take care of things, probably with great financial impact, without it being "front page news"????

You may feel that many of us missed the point of the article....perhaps the fault is not ours, but rather the perspective of the article.

VISTA NATIVE wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:18 PM:Sorry for her but you need to take responsibility of your actions. Please don't try and be a victim. You did it, fix your error! As a matter of fact I need to renew my license and if I don't it is because of my laziness. If you can't afford license, insurance and a car payment then you shouldn't be driving. Driving is a privledge not a right!

PQ Res wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:31 PM:Anyone got any Violins??

Umm.. wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:59 PM:It's very simple. Drive with a license and insurance and sail right through the checkpoint. How much simpler can it be?

ben wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:59 PM:Thats the cost of doing business. Obey the laws or pay the consequences. its simple really. This would never happen to a RESPONSIBLE adult. dont make your problem the officers problem. The laws permit impound of the vehicles, and they are good laws. some liberals may cry a river but oh well......

What if she didnt get the mail wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:11 PM:MY carrier is really unreliable, and we've had vehicle registrations not show up, only figuring it out when we notice, a few months later, that the tags are expired, and then have to pay the extra fees.
Is over $1000 in fines REALLY the punishment fitting the crime of not paying a $28 administrative fee and getting a new picture taken?
The government is out of control.

Taxpayer wrote on Aug 11, 2008 6:57 PM:I like what Peter said. These fees are imposed by the city, not by any legislation, as a way to stick it to hardworking taxpayers. I think we will be hearing more and more stories of the heavy handedness of the police and courts as their budgets begin to tighten.
Moral: stay away from checkpoints! You never know if your cell phone, tobacco, six pack of beer in the trunk, prescription cold medicine, slingshot or heaven forbid! unrecycled soda cans are a misdemeanor or a felony. Don't drive and chew gum, that's next.

RJ wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:08 PM:Sounds like an airhead tax to me...

Fool on the Hill wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:10 PM:Susan @ 3:21 PM: NObama cares about all of us. Each and everyone one of us, yep, yesiree.

Thanks wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:13 PM:To the CHP Officer who pulled me over 14 years ago.. my license had just expired a few days prior... my wife was in the military and we never got the renewal(moved alot)... my fault but hey... he looked at my military I.D. and told me to get my license ASAP... got back in the cruiser and drove away.... I went that day... to bad these guys all retired, we have the hungry for money bunch now...

bogie wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:14 PM:Finally someone hit the nail square on the head. "The government is out of control". Did you just now figure that out?

Laura wrote on Aug 11, 2008 7:46 PM:I can sympathize with this woman...my license expired on my birthday in January and I did not get it renewed until May because A. I do not go out to bars or buy liquor where I have to show my ID B. No business accept checks anymore, so I do not have to show my ID for them C. I do not use credit cards so I do not have to show my ID for that either. D. I am old enough now where my birthday is just another day and I do not make a big deal about it.

So before you all judge this woman, remember that we all forget things, even if they are important. Yes, she should have read her mail, but I am willing to bet everyone has read "most of the letter" and then thrown it to the side. We are all busy people. I do agree that the fines were excessive, since it doesn't take that much work to write out a little ticket. Why couldn't she have called someone to come and get her car? Cops all have cell phones...she should have been able to call someone to get her car rather than it being towed.

OMG wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:01 PM:Driving is a privilege, whether the license is expired or never been issued, you are an unlicensed driver at that time. (If your credit card expires, you no longer have the privilege of swiping it...same rules apply)

The ridiculous fee of $25 could have paid to the DMV and this "victim" would have never even been created.

NCTimes, PLEASE come up with some better news! This is a waste of bandwidth!

idiocy wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:13 PM:Bottom line, take care of your business and don't go looking for public sympathy if you don't. Many of us are sick of these poor me stories and refuse to enable stupidity any longer.

Give me a break wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:02 PM:A driver's license is a priviledge...not a right. If you can't take care of your own business, get off the roads.

Rosie wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:13 PM:When are people going to start taking responsiblity for their own actions...how many years has she had a license? The government shouldn't have to take care of everyones problems, when are they going to start taking care of themselves...GROWN UP AND GET RESPONSIBLE!!

waste of paper wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:04 PM:What a terrific piece of journalism NCTs. This story is not worth the paper it is written on. I work full-time, have 2 children under the age of 5 and handle all the household chores/tasks. I'm never late on my drivers license renewal or other bills. It's amazing to me how people who are irresponsible always want to blame someone else. The police, government, tow companies, unscrupulous lenders, etc. Take some responsibility for your actions, take your punishment like a woman and stop whining!

To Laura wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:25 PM:These days everyone needs to carry a license or identification that is valid no matter what. Who cares about your ABC and D. It is ridiculous to not carry some form of identification with the way the country is. Also, cops are revenue collectors for the city...so of course they are not going to go out of their way to make sure someone doesn't get their car towed. Cmon!

Mya wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:35 PM:This reminds me of a story that happened to me. My husband went to court in Hemet for a traffic violation. He complied , went to court,case was dismissed,he walked out of court ,got his papers from the clerk and was on his way home. A couple of months later on Easter Sunday he gets stopped at a checkpoint and guess what , the officer says "your license is suspended for failure to appear at court". I was thinking it had to be a mistake. I insisted to the officer that it was a mistake and he told to me and I quote " If it is indeed a mistake by the dmv or the courthouse, you will be reimbursed for the towing of your vehicle, but my computer is telling me that his license is suspended." I asked him if he was sure and he agreed I would be reimbursed by the police dept. Long story short, I came to find out that a clerk at the courthouse never completed the paperwork that the case was closed and that led to dmv issuing a suspension. The PD refused my claim to get reimbursed and told me to basically give up and move on because my claim to the dept would be denied each time. That clerks mistake cost us one day of loss wages,and 500 in tow and storage fees.Now, everything we complied with everything the system requires and still got screwed.

to mya wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:57 PM:Doesnt sound like the pd should eat the bill...sounds like the court should have instead. Did u ever consider filing a suit against the county court for any lost monies? If your story is in fact true, the case would be a slam dunk! Dont give up so easily next time!

Not perfect but wrote on Aug 12, 2008 12:38 AM:I'm not perfect but I don't complain or blaim others when I make mistake. Suck it up, press on and obey the law....oh and show your kids what means to be responsable.

JimRT wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:04 AM:To "Mya".
Sounds like it is time to gather all the information e.g. officers name, clerks name, dates, times etc. and give judge Judy a call. In my opoinion, she would love this type of case. Do not think I am kidding you could get all your money back and maybe even embarrass the cop and clerk, if you name them in your suit. It is worth a try.

Muck_Jones wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:31 AM:No matter how you shade it these "traffic stops" are a travesty of our rights.

Those who stomach them should just pack up and move to China and get it over with . . .

Hey who cares wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:10 AM:Give me a gitar....that tar story sounds like a country song hit.....

To Laura wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:53 AM:Finally someone I can agree with. What has happened to the moral fiber of our country. Holy cow we all forget something sometime or another. This practice of checkpoints is a money making operation, period!!!! I think it is disgusting that law enforcement and city officials use this tactic against its citizens. Mrs. Bridges should have been allowed to call a licensed driver to drive her home. I am glad that someone is challenging this tactic. I hope they are ordered to stop this immediately. If it is not illegal it is unethical. Just do the math people I have read in other reports that up 30 cars are impounded during one of these checkpoints. In 30 days the tow company will make $45,000 for one nights work. That is ridiculous and disgusting!!! If Mrs. Bridges had numerous tickets and was notorious for driving without a license than I can understand still not agree but understand this treatment. I just think it is excessive treatment and done only to turn a profit off our citizens.

No Profile This Time wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:10 AM:Oh NOES!!! A white woman got busted. This is NEWS! Front p