I wish someone had warned me.

I typically drive at or right around the speed limit, and I’d never gotten a speeding ticket before.

That is until a moment during my recent visit to New Zealand, when I went 38.5 MPH in a 31 MPH zone (62km/h in a 50 km/h zone), oblivious to the camera on a pole catching me in the act.

Back home about a month later, I got the surprise 80 NZD souvenir in the mail.

The ticket noted that I could email the police department for a photo of the infraction, so I did that and got this a few days later:

SHAME.

As is common practice, I also got an email from the rental car company letting me know that my credit card would be charged 75 NZD as a fee for handing my info over to authorities.

After some quick Googling, I realized it’s a somewhat known thing that cameras are on guard in New Zealand and can even nab you for going only 5 km/h over the limit.

Apparently the cameras get stricter on holiday weekends.

Info from police.govt.nz

One guy fought his ticket and won.

After this tussle with the law, I’ll be even more of a gramps behind the wheel than I was.

If you’ve ever had a run-in with a deputy camera or any other unexpected infractions while traveling, please share below if you’re up for it.

Drive safe out there!