At the middle of the night of Tuesday, Michael appeared at the hospital, turns out that he was just released on bail from the police station and because he had a sore throat he went to see he doctor. Yesterday Michael accepted an interview and frankly said that on Monday at 4pm, he was driving his car and when he passed the overhead walkway, he was driving at 70km, exceeding the speed limit. The traffic police was taking speeding photos and stopped him to give him a ticket. When the officer checked his ID, he suddenly said tensely: "Mr. Tao, there is a little problem, you can't leave yet!"
Not long after, the officer said that because last year he didn't pay a traffic fine, he cannot drive away and was arrested on the spot. Michael followed the officer's instructions and called a friend to drive his car away for him. Then Michael got into the police car and was taken back to the police station for investigation. Last year, Michael did not pay two traffic ticket fines, one for illegal parking and another for speeding. However, he forgot when and where it happened. The officer also could not clearly explain to him of the situation, so he didn't get an understanding.
Michael said that day at the police station, he stayed for 30 minutes and was allowed to be release on bail for HK$1100. Next Tuesday, he will go to court for the hearing. He said: "The officer said that initially the fine was only HK$320, but because I didn't pay it, it turned into HK$640, and then to HK$1080. When I go to court, there will be more fines... the whole situation is very upsetting to me!" With 20+ years of driving experience, Michael frankly said that he paid the traffic fines several times in the past, usually by the next day, rarely is there a mistake.
He explained that the issue started because the check was lost in the mail, he sighed: "The government does not care what the reason is, if the fine isn't paid, then it isn't paid. In reality, the government didn't send me a receipt to confirm that they received the money. I really can't believe that such a small issue caused me to sit in a police car! I will plead guilty in court, but it's such a pity!"
Although he's involved with legal issues during Chinese New Year, Michael smiled that nothing is taboo: "If it wasn't for the speeding photos, I wouldn't have guessed that there is something I haven't settled yet. It is an experience this time!" He frankly said that he already learned a lesson, and to avoid repeating history, the next day he immediately went to the ATM to get money for the fine. He sighed: "I am really afraid of this, I was thinking that paying the fine online isn't safe enough, so next time I'm going to the ATM to pay for it and get a receipt too. Make sure there's evidence."
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