So unfortunately I got a ticket on the Taconic State Parkway in NY last week. I foolishly listened to the campground directions instead of checking myself. DUMB! Apparently outside of NY and Rochester cities there are no fixed fines. You plead then they tell you what the fine is. Perhaps the most ridiculous and scam like thing I've heard of...at least recently. Has anyone had this issue and do they know what the penalties that they were assessed?
Obviously a fixed fine is not enough of a deterrent for the commercial trucks but missing a days work to appear before the judge might be. Not unheard of.
This could work in your favor as in your case it was an honest mistake. Besides, those "Passenger Cars Only" signs are small. Good Luck.