Boykins Mayor Spier Edwards didn’t make any excuses for driving his golf cart in a 35 mph zone, which is illegal in Virginia.

He admitted he knew he was breaking a law that prohibits driving golf carts on roads with more than a maximum 25 mph speed limit. In this case, Edwards broke the law for an understandable personal emergency.

Southampton General District Court Judge Parker Councill on Friday dismissed the charge against Edwards. Councill didn’t have a choice. Boykins resident David Stiglitz, who filed the complaint against Edwards, missed the hearing. Stiglitz was reportedly elk hunting out West.

Edwards said he was on his way home on Aug. 7. The speed limit on the portion of Highway 35 that goes through the Town of Boykins one week earlier had been increased from 25 mph to 35 mph.

Edwards was only 200 to 300 feet from his home and took Highway 35 because he had to go to the bathroom. He felt that if he had turned around and taken the half-mile or more route to his home, he wouldn’t have made it.

Edwards does a lot for the Town of Boykins. He’s very involved with downtown revitalization and attends many meetings. He’s constantly promoting the town. In this instance, maybe Stiglitz should’ve looked the other way.