5 chapters across the catalog
A pregnant Texas woman, Brandy Paton, is fighting a traffic ticket for driving in the HOV lane, arguing that her unborn baby counts as a second passenger under the state's new abortion laws. While the Department of Transportation does not currently recognize a fetus as a person for carpool purposes, the case raises legal questions regarding fetal personhood and child support.
San Francisco Biking, Traffic Ticket Disputes
A listener from San Francisco describes a protest regarding "The Wiggle" cycling path, where police have been ticketing cyclists for failing to stop. The discussion shifts to the general difficulty of driving in San Francisco and the aggressive nature of the city's traffic.
Ford Smart Cars and Progressive Snapshot Surveillance
The automotive industry moves toward "talking cars" and usage-based insurance programs like Progressive's Snapshot. The hosts warn that these "black box" devices will eventually be used by police to issue retroactive speeding tickets and monitor driver locations.
Los Angeles Metro Ticket Fine and Bail Amount Controversy
A $1.50 Los Angeles Metro ticket resulted in a $189 "bail amount" notice, sparking a critique of the California justice system's revenue-generation tactics. The process for contesting the ticket requires paying the full bail amount in advance to secure a trial date. This practice is characterized as a "shut up slave" tactic used by the state to pressure citizens into compliance.
London Parking Enforcement, Traffic Wardens, Vehicle Towing
The aggressive nature of London parking enforcement is discussed, including the use of specialized trucks with mechanical arms that lift cars directly onto trailers. One anecdote describes a traffic warden issuing a ticket to a moving truck during a delivery, despite the warden being unable to explain the proper procedure for obtaining a temporary unloading permit.
