this is my first post here and I'm looking for some advice/opinions.
I live in a small town and have been driving my 125 for a year without any problems.
However, the other day I was pulled over by a cop (lights, sirens the lot) because my front L plate was not visible enough (see here: http://imgur.com/a/pc66s).
Honest, genuine mistake on my part, I probably should have known better.
Apparently, because I trimmed the rear one down a bit it is also illegal.
So he slapped me with a ticket for 3 points on my license and "up to a £1000 fine" for "Driving otherwise in accordance with my license". He also read me my rights as he was "formally reporting me".
I was both polite and terrified and just took it all laying down.
I wanted to ask him some questions, but he basically shoved me out the car and said he had to leave after handing me the ticket and saying I'd receive a letter detailing charges.
To be honest, I now feel quite hard done by. I had assumed (wrongly) that because I saw other 125 riders around town displaying their front L plate in the same way, that it was acceptable.
I'd have thought any decent policeman/woman would have pulled me over and given me a warning/advised on the correct way to display L plates. I have also been told by my local friends that this certain policeman is an absolute turd (for want of a better word) who likes to target younger people.
Am I correct or am I being self-righteous?
What can I expect to happen next?
Has anyone else experienced this?
Is it worth appealing if the penalty notice comes through with 3 points and fine (I've read it's a £60 fine per L plate)?
All advice appreciated, but please no lectures - I've already spent too much time crying over this!