Lawyers for the towns of Chattanooga and Red Bank (where a similar system is deployed) write, “[Drivers] are not entitled to a trial by jury, a presumption of innocence or a heightened burden of proof.”

That’s typical for civil offenses, which bear a lower burden of proof. But its atypical for traffic violations, which often carry a presumption of innocence and allow citizens to request a trial by jury. The shift is likely due to the light penalty associated with the ticket, but it’s worrisome because that penalty could be bumped at some point to a full moving violation.

See, this is a prime example of why I favor strict limits on government, and police power. Scope creep.

Simple truth: I’ve never in my life met anyone (who is older than a toddler) who is a law abiding citizen. They don’t exist. Everyone has broken some law, at some time, even if its only going 36 in a 35 zone. So being a hardass in preservation of your rights in any encounter with the police is the intelligent thing to do. (Even if the practical effect is to make your own life miserable).