Check the Status of Your Ticket

I was given a ticket last night for what the officer claimed was a missed stop at a stop sign. I take that street home from work several times each week and haven’t done that mistake in the past. Last night, a passenger bus came into the street and its bulk size and wide turn caused me to get distracted. The Officer pulled me over and told me I missed a stop, I apologized and mentioned I am very careful going home this way and it was an honest mistake. He then asked where I worked, I mentioned Amazon and then he went back and came back and issued a citation.

Was this really necessary?  I am not a habitual traffic violator. It was an honest mistake! Does the city of Palo Alto really require its officers to punish us with a financial ticket, which eventually impacts insurance rates? Couldn’t a warning have been enough, it would have stressed me as much as a ticket. I support the police department financially through donations, when I see them around town I smile and I ensure my kids respect them. But last night's incident changed my mind. Yes, it was an error on my part, but instead of being a community officer and asking me to be more aware, it was a punishment officer who simply wanted to ding me with a financial burden, perhaps because I work at Amazon. Really upsetting to experience this. I am asking you to review this citation and cancel it. Citation # H-850334 

- Lloyd 4088882346