We got stopped for speeding a couple of years ago in Bama - 15 miles over the speed limit. Had a choice, follow the officer to the court and pay the fine or follow the officer and spend the night at the jail. Leaving and coming back for a court date wasn’t one of our choices. So why can’t they do that with these guys? I’m sure there are plenty of JP’s who would be happy to reconvene court long enough to slam the gavel and show the perp to the collection window??? $500 is nothing to sneeze at.
Were you on a State highway or an Interstate? I remmeber when if you got caught on a State highway, you went to see the judge. Interstates worked under federal laws, you were arrested or written a citation.