Surfing Soapbox: Spending a day in traffic court

I’m pretty sure the last place anyone wants to be on a hot sunny day is traffic court, but that’s where I was Tuesday morning. It had been more than 10 years since I was written up for a traffic violation and (maybe) if it wasn’t for the elderly woman who pulled out right in front of me, I would still be void of any such ticket.

However wishful thinking that is, I did speed around her, getting caught, driving a mere 8 or 10 miles over the speed limit, and I know the law is the law and I can abide by it. However, it’s pretty unbelievable how rude some were in court Tuesday morning. Perhaps they wanted to be at the beach as well? I know I did.

The best excuse award went to some snotty, preppy looking kid from Mission Viejo who presented an international driver’s license to the bailiff when asked to show proof of a valid driver’s license. In a comedic moment, the judge asked where he lived. He answered Mission Viejo. “So then why are you presenting an international driver’s license?” the judge asked.

“I’m the son of a diplomat,” he said. Then the judge said, “And your point is? You live in Mission Viejo.”

I knew at that moment that my excuse — the elderly woman pulling out in front of me — was also out the door. It’s odd that, when going before a judge, some people choose to vent their frustrations over the justice system directly to the judge while blaming him at the same time.

At this point the judge calmly said to the kid, “All right, you may leave now, and I’ll issue a warrant for your arrest.”

There are a few things I remember my mother teaching me. Being polite and respectful is one of them.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. His websites include AlohaSchoolofSurfing and ECOWarrior Surf.com. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com