February 9, 2009 9:19 AM
Country boy ticketed on city streets
Rep. Randy Baumgardner got an $86 ticket and a point on his driver's license on his way to the Capitol this morning. He's not happy.
The Hot Sulphur Springs Republican said he had no idea he was doing anything wrong by driving in the RTD bus lane on Lincoln for two blocks. He said he saw the flashing lights saying "bus only" but he knew he was about to make a turn.
The Denver cop told Baumgardner he's only allowed to drive in that lane for one block and then must turn. The officer also said the Regional Transportation District has been complaining about drivers in its bus lanes.
"You guys need to do a better job of explaining the rules to those of us in the country," Baumgardner said after he got to the Capitol. "It doesn't say you can only be in the lane for one block."
By the way, it's an urban myth that lawmakers can't be ticketed during the session.
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