500$ ticket, it is NOT reasonable

Tell that to OJ. Or that woman who drowned her daughter and burried her in the forest.

What OP did is a misdemeanor criminal offense. Its in his best interest to fight this.

 

If the sign didn't indicate it was open, I think you have a good chance to fight it.

 

Unless he has it on a dash cam it will be hard to prove that the open sign was off.

 

You was guilty. I would go to court. The judge usually reduces the fine and request nicely if they can keep it of your driving record. This way the court gets some money for your costly GUILTY mistake(not paying attention newbie) and you get the reduced fine and nothing on your driving record.

 

OP, couple thoughts.

You mentioned that the sign didn't indicate it was open, but did you see it was open as you were passing the scale? If so you should have pulled over immediately. Don't make the LEO chase you. If possible to do so safely pull into the shoulder of the exit ramp, then either walk back and ask whether they want you to take the next exit and come back around or just show your papers.

I had a similar situation with a trainee at the wheel a couple of winters ago leaving Lewiston, Idaho on US-95. Big rigs need a permit to run that route. We missed the scale entrance because it was exiting left to a center island and we were pinned. Had the trainee pull over into the exit ramp and put on the 4-ways, then I called 911 and they patched me through to the highway patrol. I explained the situation and they said come back around to the scale and they would notify them. When we got back to show our permit the guy said, "You're good. Don't need to see your permit. You did the right thing, I was just about to chase you down."

Second, you are carrying Hazmat. You have to pull in. It is looked upon with greater vigor than if you are carrying regular cargo.

Third, I can't remember which, either Mississippi or Louisiana, but one of them is backwards. If the scale sign is flashing you DON'T have to go in. If the sign ISN'T flashing you have to go in.

Last, get a Rand McNally GPS. It advises 3 miles in advance when you are approaching a scale. The Trucker's Path app can let you know if the scale is open.

 

Different violation different fine,pay the fine learn from it and move on.

 

If you were daydreaming how can you really know there was no "open" sign?

 

Yep.

 

Chances are the cop won't show up to court. Case dismissed.