Running Red Light On Bicycle. Bicycle = Motorized Vehicle?
Hello everyone, I was recently on a bicycle where I ran a red light on a 3-way intersection (Eastbound, Augusta and College). The reason I ran it was because I saw the pedestrian countdown and saw it on zero and therefore knew the light was about to turn green. As I approached the intersection, I slowed down, and went through, just before it turned green. To be honest, I still don't know for sure if I actually ran a red light so I'll ask for disclosure regardless. Anyhow, Police was parked on opposite street waiting. He came up to me, asked for identification, I gave him my driver's licence, and he came back with a $325 ticket and classifying me as a "motorized vehicle". This is my first ticket and I have opt to goto court. I have a few questions:
1) No where on the ticket does it indicate I got any demerit points. However, I've heard that running a red light = 2 demerit points. Can someone tell me if I got 2 demerit points or not? Or better yet, how to find out if I got demerit points or not?
2) On the ticket, he checked me off as a "Motorized vehicle". In the HTA, a bicycle is defined as a "power-assisted bicycle" as it's powered by muscular. Do people think I can use this as a case to say that I shouldn't be classified as a "motorized vehicle" in hopes to reduce my fines and most importantly remove the demerit points? I am aware I ran a red light so I am wiling to pay the fines, but not the price that's the same as a car would be, and a certainly not increase my insurance when I was on my bike and not on my car.
Would appreciate any advice and strategies going to court