My $.02

If there is a law/regulation and you break it, you can be ticketed. Setting aside complicated legal arguments, saying "but all the other guys do it and you don't bother them" will get you nothing with the police or the courts but a headache. They don't respond well to that. Ditto "shouldn't you be going after more important crimes."

That said, cops are people too and will generally not give you a hard time without a reason, and will typically let unimportant things slide. Unfortunately that 'reason' all too often has nothing to do with the exact circumstances of the person standing in front of them at the time.

That said - the real reason for the post - and my only real input here - if you EVER go to court and step foot in front of a judge or magistrate, wear your Sunday best, a Suit and tie, or the appropriate female equivalent. You are showing respect and you will get more respect in turn. Think about what you want to say ahead of time and ALWAYS ask to speak with the prosecuter before stepping in front of a judge. You will typically be given that opportunity anyway. NEVER be afraid to ask, politely, if you can get this reduced to [insert lesser violation here], the prosecuter would generally rather not deal with this either.

All that said, keep us informed on the status. I would love to hear how this turns out.

(You might also try calling the court and asking who acts as the prosecuter in these matters, then writing them a letter and seeing if you can get it dismissed without going to court. Probably won't work, but might save you a trip.)