Ariell wrote:I also thought only the fine could be reduced but not the points. I didn't realize the points could be dropped. But now I'm thinking I should have just taken the reduced fine and no points. Did I make the wrong choice??
You are slightly confused here. The fine can be reduced, but they can't make the points disappear. They didn't drop the points. Points are calculated based on what you're being charged for. There were probably no points involved with the reduced fine they offered you. That's why there were no points involved. That being said, points are a ministry thing and not an insurance thing. The fact you would receive no points doesn't necessarily make a difference towards insurance. Your provider only cares about your convictions and doesn't care how many points you have. You can still see your insurance increase with zero points. Points are overrated. They stay on your record for 2 years from the day you were pulled over (clock is already ticking away in your case). They are unofficially reserved for 2 types of drivers, newly licensed and complete morons. Majority of drivers will never never accumulate enough points in a 2 year period for it to make any difference. The charge is what matters.
Did you make the wrong choice? I'd say no. You now have disclosure, and on top of that, you're going to receive video of the incident. You are more than likely going to receive the same plea deal again next time you show up, or at least something similar. I'd say you made a pretty good choice.
Ariell wrote:Also on the officer's notes it says "3380 parked WB on Ernest on Edmonton Dr. Stop sign enf." What does 3380 refer to? (It's not his officer number.)
There are officers here who can answer this with complete certainly, but i'd guess it's the officers car number.
Ariell wrote:Any advice for next time? Do I go ahead and question him on his evidence or should I just accept an offer of no points if it's offered again? What if I don't get the video evidence? I'm confused!
If they say there's video available, you'll get it. If you don't, you can try to make an argument in court.