Pretty good offer. You were lucky it was only 500 initially. By far your cheapest option, having self-admittedly broken the rules. A no-brainer!

Yes. I do resent being controlled unreasonably and try to explore as far as possible the rules, their boundries and enforcement. Having made myself as aware of them as possible it is purely my personal choice if I decide to then step outside them. If I do and it backfires on me I would not 'blanket criticise' the Country or even its enforcers, no matter how dubious their motives may appear.
I test inconsistancies and anomolies but the ultimate right of enforcement its theirs and I chose to be in their Country.
I find Russia is far less controlled and monitored than UK. I enjoy the far greater freedom here. You are responsible for yourself.

AGREED. But that's the way it is.
Right now the ДПС are outside our flat, sitting in their car, smoking and chating on phones and totally ignoring cars and motos roaring past, in the darkness of a Moscow summer night, at up to 100mph, overtaking, undertaking and weaving across all 4 lanes in their direction (being on pavements is not unknown at times). But if a wheel goes over the central solid white line, or a prohibited turn is made, the valiant ДПС courageously spring into action.
But that is the system I chose to live under. Part of the package.

In RUS, these guys are not corrupt liars. Unlike many instances of law enforcement elsewhere (sadly including the UK at times), they don't fabricate stories to 'get you' - but maybe they intentionally patrol and exploit contentious, ambiguous situations. But they are following their instructions and the rules. They only try it on with people who have already broken the rules by their own actions or documentation.

Don't break the rules and there will be absolutely no problem. It is such a pity that the people get the wrong impression based on heresay of wrong understanding.

And don't think I am having a pop at you Mark - I am not.
I'll be back in August so we can continue the converstaion over a pint or two, without boring everyone here!

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