Early in his first term as president, Ulysses S. Grant was fined $5 (some sources improbably say $20) for speeding in Washington D.C. -- in his horse and buggy.

[When the embarrassed policeman offered to release him, Grant replied, "Officer do your duty!" His horse and buggy were impounded and Grant had to walk beck to the White House. The charge was reportedly later dropped.]

[In 1899, a New Yorker named Jacob German became the first American ever stopped for speeding in an automobile. His job? Cab driver. His speed? 12 miles an hour. (The aresting officer was riding a bicycle.)]