Yesterday I went on a mini road trip to a town about two hours away from me. I stopped midway home to pick up some food in a restaurant I visit when I'm in the area.

I got pulled over by a cop. He asked to see all my documents. My car and purse are such a mess that I couldn't find them! I found a very old copy of my insurance, and last year's copy of my registration. On top of that, my inspection was one month over due.

I do have current insurance and was positive I had registered my car. I didn't know why he stopped me, but I assumed it was for the inspection. Long story short, my car registration had expired for more than five months. It's a criminal offense! I was charged with a misdemeanor and have to go to court.

I have never been in any trouble at all. I wasn't arrested, but they took my finger prints and photos (Why? They told me that in their town they register all people charged with misdemeanors?). I have to hire a lawyer. This all happened in a town that's an hour away from me, which is really inconvenient.

I know it was dumb to forget to register my car for so long, but I still can't believe it is criminal. My registration fee is under $100.

Please check your auto registration and make sure it is up to date! This is going to cost me more than my car is worth.