Question from a reader:
I have a question about the red ticket for bicycles. I received a red ticket for running a traffic signal on July 10, and I am scheduled to appear in the summary court on September 5. However, I just received a call from the police station asking if I could move my appearance date up. I had
a compelling reason that I absolutely could not go in August, so I declined, but the caller seemed dissatisfied when hanging up. Was this response inappropriate? Is there anything that could be disadvantageous for me, and could you explain why they wanted to move the appearance date up?

Considering the Red Ticket for Bicycles and Appearance Date

Receiving a red ticket for a bicycle or feeling anxious about the subsequent appearance date are very relatable issues. As a student learning about legal aspects, I understand well the feelings of those struggling in such situations. Today, based on your question, I would like to delve into the legal aspects and psychological impacts surrounding red tickets and court appearances.

What is a Red Ticket?

First, let me briefly explain what a red ticket is. A red ticket for bicycles is issued when traffic regulations are violated and is generally treated as a “traffic violation.” It is issued by police officers as a result of not adhering to rules, such as running a red light or riding without lights. When a red ticket is issued, it is necessary to appear in the summary court. A friend of mine once received a red ticket for running a bicycle signal. He was really anxious at that time, wondering, “How much will I have to pay in fines?” However, in the end, he attended the court and showed remorse, which resulted in a relatively low fine.

Reasons for Requesting an Earlier Appearance Date

Let’s consider why the police requested you to move your appearance date up. First, the police have a motivation to handle traffic violations quickly. In areas with a high number of violations, they want to resolve issues promptly and promote traffic safety. Of course, the police likely showed dissatisfaction because you did not change your appearance date. For them, it is a matter that requires swift action, so they may have felt stressed when your wishes did not align with their needs.

Impact of Not Changing the Appearance Date

Now, whether not changing the appearance date could be disadvantageous is a concern. Basically, changing the appearance date is not an issue as long as you have a valid reason for not being able to attend on that date. However, not changing the date does not immediately lead to disadvantages. For example, what the court seeks from violators is sincerity and a sense of responsibility. If you show up on the scheduled date and demonstrate remorse, there is a possibility of receiving leniency. This is also a psychological factor. Judges will try to assess how remorseful you are and whether you are likely to repeat similar violations in the future.

Personal Opinions and Feelings

To be honest, I have also had an experience where I did not adhere to traffic regulations. It was not on a bicycle but in a car, and I ran a red light. When the police stopped me, I was truly pale with fear. I thought, “My life is over,” but surprisingly, the officer was kind and after a reprimand, I was let off with just a warning. Reflecting on it later, I believe that my genuine remorse at that moment led to a good outcome. When you think about the red ticket for bicycles, I hope you reflect on your actions and consider what you should do next. It’s also good to keep in mind how not changing your appearance date might affect the impression you leave on the police and the court.

Conclusion

Exploring the legal aspects and psychological factors related to red tickets is very important for bicycle users. Changing the appearance date itself is not a major issue, but it is crucial to show remorse and respond sincerely. I encourage you to reflect on your own actions and think about how to act next. Our actions are always influenced by legal aspects. I hope this experience helps you understand traffic regulations in bicycle riding and become a better cyclist. I wish you safety.