| Author | Message | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 557 Registered: 12-2001 |
Mark- Excelent Post. | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 630 Registered: 2-2001 |
Whart: as soon as legislatures pass laws against driving while using cell phones they will get nailed; as to old folks, Calif passed a law preventing LE from citing people for driving too slow if they were going the limit (too many oldsters were getting nailed for impeading flow of traffic while actually obeying limit) As to radar and speeding, we generaly did not start citing until 14+ mph over posted limit. A cite for a few miles over the limit (except for the few 'prima facia' speed zones i.e. schools etc) would get a vist to the dept shrink. I personaly detest "Chicken S$#t" cops and regions that use LE (such as Colorado Springs) to bolster local revenue. It takes professionalism and decision making out of LE, and makes the entire profession look bad. If we let the attitude or personality of traffic offenders dictate who does and does not receive a citation, enforcement fairness becomes tainted, and those with a quick wit or charming personalities are given preference over those with less verbal skills. It would be the same as letting cute girls off but citing ugly ones, it violates the whole constitutional fairness doctrine. And to dispell another myth: no, we don't have quotas - we can, and do, write all the tickets we want! | ||
| Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Junior Member Username: Lxmichaels1 Post Number: 165 Registered: 2-2001 |
I have a couple of memorable LE experiences to share: 1- Several years ago, I get pulled over by M/C cop (who was initally hiding behind a large parked truck)in my old 300ZX TT, I claimed I was avoiding a swerving truck,it was actually true! We did the routine, License, Ins,reg. He presents me citation for 52 in a 35 & I refuse to sign. He says I can be taken into custody by refusing. However, for traffic infractions a Supervisor nod is needed to proceed with that action. I demand a police supervisor (usually a Sergeant) I believe they need to honor this request. 30 minutes or so later a Supervisor arrives. I'm already out of car waiting. The very pudgy supervisor arrives and I see in the back seat a several dozen assorted Donuts fresh from the local Donut shop. I just could not contain my comment, "You got to be kidding me, is that what took so long". I ended up with the ticket ...and as a bonus he instructs the M/C cop to add the additional violation of no front plate as well. I ate this one. 2- 2 months ago while at a stop sign 2 blocks from my house in the lambo, a patrol car does an abrupt U-turn, now with lights on, I pull over. He asks "know why I pulled you over" I say "sorry officer I have no idea". He says you have no front plate. I comment that this car does not have provisions for the plate mounting. He say's the DMV code requires all Califorina passenger vehicles to be equipped with front & rear plates. I say geez you'd be hard pressed to find a truck with a front plate and let alone many a sports car. I immediately point to a Boxter pulling out of a driveway directly across the street with no plate. He say's he happens to be a crusader against no front plate violators and gets as many as possible". He proceeds to issue the paper for a fix-it and says "by the way very cool car" and is on his way. Next day I fabricate a bracket for the plate, go to the local Police shop, after being told I'd have to wait for approx an hour to have a fix-it inspector to get to it I decide to come back later. I got back to the parking lot and there are 2 homicide detectives drooling (thought it was a Countach).We start to chat(they are gearheads as well) the Leuitenant say gimme the citation, signs it off and says who the hell is the pin-head who gave this to you?(exact words!). I still had to pay the administrative fee. True stories. >Larry | ||
| Mfennell70 (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 190 Registered: 7-2001 |
Along those lines, I have a mechanic who insists that cops don't pull over expensive looking cars (big mercs, bmws, etc) because they might be driven by people who could cause them aggravation. I had mentioned that I'm never hassled in the Lotus - that set him off. | ||
| Nibblesworth (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 791 Registered: 11-2002 |
Pat - agreed again! It is the large of amount of jerk-kids in cars faster than they outta be that has ruined it for a lot of us. I guess my remarks were a tad bit out of line, but I just get so worked up when I think back to that damn ticket!  Ah well, like I said before, in general I respect cops and the work they do. Without 'em, the world would be much worse, and my tiny little ticket would be nothing compared to the frenzy of lawlessness that would prevail. | ||
| Tom Bakowsky (Tbakowsky)
Member Username: Tbakowsky Post Number: 740 Registered: 9-2002 |
I was delivering a 95 355B (tubi no cats). I was coming off the highway,and sure enough there is a cop. And he was pionting in my direction to pull over. I flipped on the directional signal and started to move on to the shoulder. He then start waving me through!!. He was after the kid behined me in the Honda!!. I don't know about you guys in the states but up here the cops won't even look at a high powered musele car,or an exotic...there after the honda drivers. Tell me that this is not profiling people. Cops profile cars,and there drivers all the time. So there is a case were you can get pulled over just because of the car you drive,and given unjustifiable tickets. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 564 Registered: 3-2002 |
Yeah, what Whart said!! Nothing irks me more than when I get a ticket for flooring it to quickly get around a set of dangerous moron drivers who have no idea there's anyone else on the road, no idea how fast other traffic is moving, and no idea what lane they ought be in... but evidently have complete command of the cellphone conversation, in-car conversation, or radio tune they are singing. Although I will admit to missing these things, I would support moves to remove all distractions from cars: no radios (just nav systems with traffic reports), no cell phones (just a voice-reporting pager so you know X called), no cupholders, no eating... you just drive. I'd gladly put up with the loss of those conveniences for having uniformly more attentive driving on the road. Of course, a better solution would be if the police spent their time ticketing dumb a$$ driving, overly aggressive driving, and blatantly rude driving. Then people would start paying attention... and eliminate distractions as they each need to. But as Whart says... it sooo much easier to collect money off of safe speeders than dumb a$$es. Sorry... pet peeve there. | ||
| ben (Benedict)
New member Username: Benedict Post Number: 39 Registered: 9-2003 |
I got pulled over awhile ago because my tipsy date was all over me. Instead of Bs'ing the cops I told them the truth and they roared with laughter! One guy said to her "let the poor guy drive!, she said "he's irresistible" LOL! | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1701 Registered: 12-2001 |
I would feel better about it if traffic enforcement also involved (i)nailing the cellphone yakking, SUV driving, leftlane bandits who monopolize the passing lane in their mobile livingrooms;(ii) getting old people who have no place behind the wheel off the road; and (iii) enforcing the other laws of the roadway, apart from speed. But, since none of these typically involve writing up a juicy revenue generating ticket, it does not seem to be on their "radar." | ||
| Joe Bennett (Formula1joe)
New member Username: Formula1joe Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
John, Your right, no 2 people have the same views or opinions. I was showing this thread to a guy at work and he says half of this is crap anyway. His dad I found out is an officer. So what I gather from this thread is: hand over licence, insurance, and registration, and hope the powers that be are with you that day because anything and everything may or may not work and there is not magic cure all information or thing that will get me out of a possible ticket. It is all in the hands of the officers' patron saint apparently. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Intermediate Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 1204 Registered: 2-2002 |
Alex has a good point. I think everyone that has a problem with cops should go and take a ride-along with one and walk in his shoes for a shift and see all the sh1t they have to deal with day in and day out. | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 231 Registered: 4-2002 |
John, agree with you. I was on a ride with a Trooper who didn't decide until after the stop. There was even one stop that he was set on writing the ticket (offender pulled out of parking lot at full blast directly into our path without even looking) before the stop and after obtaining license/papers. Change of heart came due to two things (I watched and listened from the in dash camera/tv screen), driver politeness was one, but the biggest was a clean driving record. "Clean record...wouldn't want to mess that up." You guys should go for a ride with these guys, you really learn a lot. I know some agencies allow civilians to ride along, much like "Cops" | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Intermediate Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 1203 Registered: 2-2002 |
I agree Nibble (If I may call you that) that 4mph over really doesn't warrant that but who you might want to lay them blame on is all the assholes punks who have ruined it for you. The cop might have been on a ticket frenzy but it is what he has learned through expirence dealing with punks driving your type of car. Now does that make it right NO but it is the tools he has to do his job (he might be a •••• remember I'm not saying all cops are angels)from past dealings. | ||
| Nibblesworth (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 789 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hey Pat - I agree...there are some bad apples that spoil the bunch, but Mark probably knows that and should fess up to it. I understand the job that cops have to do, and I respect them for it. What I do not respect, though, is the treatment they afford to some drivers. My example is a good one, and I lived it! Getting a ticket for doing 4mph over the speed limit on the freeway was a bogus call, and it was not a coincidence that it took place after two other times in the same week that I was pulled over, which happened to be the first week that I owned my 99 Cobra. Essentially, I was harrassed by the CHP because they figured I was some snot-nosed punk in a fast car who was going to soon break the law. It was pure bullshite. No ther way to put it. And Mark can come back and tell me that seeing dead bodies is all the warrant he needs to pull people ove who are doing 69 in a 65, but that, too is bullshite, because NO ONE drives 65 in SoCal. 75 is the norm, and it was the flow of traffic when I got nabbed, even though I was going slower than the rest of the cars. I don't mean to offend cops, because I respect them and their job. Mark just has to be honest about his profession and fess-up to the fact that there are d!ck cops who put a bad spin on the profession. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Intermediate Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 1202 Registered: 2-2002 |
John, Does it just boil down to if the police officer has some compasion(sp) or not. There might be pissed off, power hungry cops and there are also good decent cops that are really out there to help. Getting a ticket is more based on the type of cop you get and what YOU did wrong. | ||
| john (Johnwto)
Junior Member Username: Johnwto Post Number: 136 Registered: 6-2002 |
markg, joe and the rest. i guess it just goes to show you no two cops are the same. i spent 6.5 years as a toronto police officer and i dont even agree with other cops! markg "The decision to 'hang paper' is made at the time of the violation but BEFORE the stop. Attitude didn't come into play, polite folks got writen up and rude ones didn't, depending on the violation." markg, you must have been a traffic cop because regular uniform cops in our area did not generally decide to give the ticket first and attitude nearly always played a part in whether you got a ticket or not. to decide that a person is going to get a ticket no matter what the circumstance is one of the reasons there is an anti-police sentiment from decent people. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Intermediate Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 1201 Registered: 2-2002 |
I'm sorry Nibblesworth but you saying that someone who was a cop is wrong about what they did or still do shows your naiveness (is that even a word). I will not disagree with you saying that SOME not all cops do stupid things but there are alot of police out there that do their job well and what they get in return is hassle from people who think that they know how to do their job. I'm not trying to start anything with you but I feel police get a bad name from a few bad apples. It is the same when there are complete idiots driving 110+ in their sport cars that make the police look at every single sport car now and watch every move they make and will nail them for anything now. There is a reason to what they do. Just my .02 Pat | ||
| Adam R (Arymarcz)
Junior Member Username: Arymarcz Post Number: 136 Registered: 8-2002 |
I try to be polite and never condescending. Then I call my lawyer and take it to court. Honestly, most of the times I've received a ticket, I've deserved it. And other times, I can't believe the •••• I get away with and never get busted. Take responsibility for your actions and (as a friend says) 'man up to it'; there is no magic bullet. Last but not least.... we live in a very imperfect world; get used to it. Okay, I'm off the soapbox. | ||
| Nibblesworth (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 786 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mark - you are wrong. When I was 22, I bought a new 99 Cobra. Got pulled over 3 TIMES in the first week. No tickets issued, just a$$hole CHP d!cks. I then got a ticket for doing 69 in a 65 - on the 10 freeway where EVERYONE ELSE was doing 75+. That was pure Bullshite. Sorry, but if you claim that cops never pull crap stunts, you are either stupid and naive or lying. Fact is, once I got my veteran's plate, I didn;t get pulled over again for three years. Am I bitter? Hell yes, because doing 4mph over on the freeway cost me about 90 bucks in fines and an additional 50 buck/month in insurance. | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 222 Registered: 5-2003 |
And before someone rebuffs me, I know that "redder" is not actually a word. | ||
| Ryan Sabga (Sherpa23)
Junior Member Username: Sherpa23 Post Number: 221 Registered: 5-2003 |
Greg, you forgot, "Sorry, officer, I was waiting for the light to get redder." | ||
| Santini (Santini)
Junior Member Username: Santini Post Number: 51 Registered: 10-2003 |
or "you're a public servant, right? So get me a glass of water!" | ||
| Greg (Greg512tr)
Junior Member Username: Greg512tr Post Number: 243 Registered: 2-2002 |
NEVER SAY TO A COP 1. When the Officer says "Gee Son....Your eyes look red, have you been drinking?" You probably shouldn't respond with,"Gee Officer your eyes look glazed, have you been eating doughnuts?" 2. I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer. (OK in Texas) 3. Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in. 4. Aren't you the guy from the Village People? 5. Hey, you must've been doin' about 125 mph to keep up with me. Good job! 6. Are You Andy or Barney? 7. I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a police officer. 8. You're not gonna check the trunk, are you? 9. I pay your salary! 10. Gee, Officer! That's terrific. The last officer only gave me a warning, too! 11. Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does. 12. I was trying to keep up with traffic. Yes, I know there are no other cars around. That's how far ahead of me they are | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Intermediate Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 1130 Registered: 12-2001 |
"when you guys have scraped brains and guts off the road you will understand it's not about money." John, I have done that. Sorry, that doesn't change my mind. A good friend is a local cop and he will be the first to tell you it's all about the activity report. That's the same thing as saying it's about the revenue you bring in. | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 629 Registered: 2-2001 |
Additional: fines from cites issued in Calif under the State vehicle code (as opposed to local Muni code) goes to the State 'general fund' and is NOT funneled directly into the local budget, so there is NO incentive to cite to generate funds. This is not the case in most States. As to theft of tools from a truck: did you witness it? i.e. do you have a car type, color, license # and description of suspect? I have seen cases where the time to transfer property from owner's car to new owner's car was about 30 seconds. If answer is no, then the only way your tools will be recovered is when they showup at the Flea Market or pawn shop (of course you had ALL serial numbers or identifying marks on yours tools, right? RIGHT?). Slowing traffice down to the speed limit is NOT entrapment; if traffic is flowing at 75 and you are passing people, you are not going with the flow, and if you enter a lane that is not legally open to you to exceed the flow your'e going to get cited. Traffic flowing at the same rate, irregardless of speed, is safe, happy traffic; when people chose to interupt the smooth flow, either by driving too slow or too fast, they are a traffic hazzard and will be stopped. | ||
| Mark Pfeffer (Feffman)
New member Username: Feffman Post Number: 7 Registered: 9-2003 |
Dan(Bobafett): I simply had Kinkos make up a bunch of extras which are the same size and color of the original Monopoly cards. Hey if nothing else you'll make a police officer smile. Mark | ||
| Joe Bennett (Formula1joe)
New member Username: Formula1joe Post Number: 18 Registered: 7-2003 |
John, you have good points, but my words are coming straight from an officer's mouth. (no I am not the officer). I would rather take the guy writing the tickets advice though on how to get out of the ticket. And vague does work. If you say what you are doing, then it can be used against you. And yes I am trying to hide something. I was doing 80 in a 55, just like everybody else. | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 628 Registered: 2-2001 |
13 years uniformed patrol (SF Bay Area); graduated top of my class in traffic enforcement; The decision to 'hang paper' is made at the time of the violation but BEFORE the stop. Attitude didn't come into play, polite folks got writen up and rude ones didn't, depending on the violation. Car type not important - its the violation that you are being stopped for. Going through a red light is just as serious in a Renault Dauphine as it is in a 250GTO. HOWEVER, certain personalities are attracted to certain cars, and as such some manufacturers may seem to get more LE attention than others, but its the drivers action not the car make that alerts LE. P.S. ALL the Support Your Local POlice/veteran etc stickers in the world arn't going to influence the cite decision ( after-all if you REALLY support the local cops you should be GLAD we're giving you a ticket for your behavior!). | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 1593 Registered: 3-2001 |
Bryan, you must have been driving down hill, down wind. | ||
| john (Johnwto)
Junior Member Username: Johnwto Post Number: 135 Registered: 6-2002 |
Amir, Tyler, Mitchell<<<<<<<<< It's about money, not safety when you guys have scraped brains and guts off the road you will understand it's not about money. you think the cop gets the money? | ||
| Bryan Phillips (Bryanp)
Junior Member Username: Bryanp Post Number: 203 Registered: 8-2002 |
about 6 year ago, I got pulled over in my '74 MG - state trooper told me he clocked me at 73 in a 55. I told him I didn't know an MG could go that fast. He said "I didn't either. My dad owned one of these things. Slow down or it will blow up." Gave my license back and sent me on my way. | ||
| john (Johnwto)
Junior Member Username: Johnwto Post Number: 134 Registered: 6-2002 |
joe, some good points some bad. DEFINITELY take these off your list: 2. Don't admit to anything! If you are asked do you know why I pulled you over?, say NO! That is it, don't follow up with another sentence, just NO. ---admitting to your mistake is your first step in getting off a ticket. if you do not acknowledge your offense then you will not get a break. unfortunately, any statement you make will also be written down and used against you in court. 3. Don't be too helpful. If you are willing to do everything they ask they know you are an easy mark. You will have to give information and such, but when asked what you were doing or where yo are headed, be vague. ---- vagueness usually means you are hiding something and you are asking for trouble. if a cop asks where you are going and you are vague about it, it just doesn't add up. why would anybody be vague about that? vagueness leads to more question, vehicle searches and lots of tickets. do not be vague, be direct, honest and prompt with your answers. perhaps you mean do not volunteer information? 4. Give some attitude to the cop, but not so much to say I am better then you and you are wasting my time. Play on the same playing field and be a man about it. All cops are bullies (straight from a cops mouth!) and they do what they want, when they want. If they feel you are one of them, or have a set of big boobs, they are more willing to let you go. ---- all cops are bullies.....uhmmmmm okay, whatever??! DO NOT give attitude, you will NEVER get off a ticket. the police are generally there to serve and protect the 'good' people and put the screws to the 'bad'. if he thinks you're a goof you're done. remember guys it's a sales pitch. MOST of the time, on a minor infraction, the decision has NOT been made to give you a ticket until you are spoken to. attitude will get you nowhere. i can't comment on highway patrol or small town police but i will tell you that most big city cops ticket only about 30-50% of all the people they stop, the rest are just warnings. and for those of you who think thats cops are gearheads, you're right. many exotics get pulled over because the cop is excited to see your car and wants a look. | ||
| Mfennell70 (Mfennell70)
Junior Member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 188 Registered: 7-2001 |
I always admit I must have been speeding but never acknowledge a specific offense. No whining, just a "you got me, I deserve it" resignation. Another tip that has worked for me 3 times on the motorcycle: fail to have some piece of documentation. I use my insurance card. This gives the officer an alternate ticket opportunity. If it doesn't work, "find" it. I'm about 9 for 10 over the past 10 years with getting out of tickets. The one I did get I really deserved. At court, it was reduced to 1/2 the points. | ||
| Ernie (Ernie)
Member Username: Ernie Post Number: 865 Registered: 11-2001 |
Well I just say hello, and have my registration and insurance ready to hand to him. However, I don't take out my drivers license, because this way they see me take my seatbelt off and get it out of my back pocket. Usually this will prevent the officer from adding the charge of not having the seatbelt on. But we all know that there are some cops that will write you up for what ever they want. I have hand a few "no seatbelt" charges thrown out in court because I waited to give the officer my license. | ||
| Amir (Amir)
Member Username: Amir Post Number: 304 Registered: 2-2003 |
Tyler, Mitchell, agree 1001%. It's about money, not safety. Which is shameful. | ||
| Amir (Amir)
Member Username: Amir Post Number: 303 Registered: 2-2003 |
Joe, awesome, thanks. One thing I have found to help on occasion is to not pull way over on the shoulder. When the cop comes up, I ask him to go around to the other side, where it's safer. They always seem to appreciate that. One time, though, a cop thought I was trying to keep him away so he couldn't smell my breath. So I offered to kiss him. | ||
| Joe Bennett (Formula1joe)
New member Username: Formula1joe Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2003 |
I have read some good and bad advice in this thread, so I thought I would lend my 2 cents. Having 2 neighbors who are both traffic cops, we routinely go round and around on speeding. One of them truely beleives no one should be able to do over 70mph on the expressway, and there should be no 10 mph hour grace range (that a little law that local and county cops have to follow in GA). But the topic I like to discuss with them both is how to get out of tickets. They both say your best chance for beating a ticket is to beat it with the cop while he has you pulled over. If he writes you a ticket and you have to go to court, then your chances greatly diminish of beating it. How do you get a cop not to write a ticket or just a warning? (some of them have been already been said, so sorry for any duplication) 1. Don't cuss! 2. Don't admit to anything! If you are asked do you know why I pulled you over?, say NO! That is it, don't follow up with another sentence, just NO. 3. Don't be too helpful. If you are willing to do everything they ask they know you are an easy mark. You will have to give information and such, but when asked what you were doing or where yo are headed, be vague. 4. Give some attitude to the cop, but not so much to say I am better then you and you are wasting my time. Play on the same playing field and be a man about it. All cops are bullies (straight from a cops mouth!) and they do what they want, when they want. If they feel you are one of them, or have a set of big boobs, they are more willing to let you go. 5. Never get out of the car unless ordered to! 6. Never get out of the car and start yelling at the officer (good way to get shot). 7. If the arresting officer (everytime you get a ticket, technically speaking you have been arrested)decides to give you a warning, make sure you thank him. This will not only help you in the future if you run into the same guy, but it helps you brothers on the road for putting the officer in a good mood. You would be surprised how far a simple thank you will take you. 8. Pull way off on the road, or into a parking lot if available. If the officer is dodging cars to talk to you they are going to be pissed. 9. If you happen to be passing cars at the time of being clocked, you can always say I was trying to get around the car/truck spewing oil or debris. This one is helpful when the cop says I clocked you at 70 in a 55 with a laser and you can't say you weren't doing 70 but it was obvious you were passing people. Remember, never admit to the speed. 10. If you have a cop sticker on your car (the thin blue line between 2 black lines), you better be a cop, or a family member of a cop. My best friend is an officer and he tells me that when he pulls someone over and he sees that sticker, the first thing he asks "who do you know?" If you answer "huh" or "uh", your getting a ticket. Have your story set! 11. If the chasing officer loses site of you because of a turn or hill, you can always plead it was another car they just blew by you. They have the wrong car. I hope these help. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 3402 Registered: 2-2001 |
Amir first buy a V1 radar detector so you dont have so many encounters and when you do maybe you could offer them a donut I think its best to keep the conversation to a minimum, you dont want him to remember you & Never say thank you when he hands you a ticket Once thats done go to the pretrial conference & get the points & fine cut in half | ||
| fanatic (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 541 Registered: 2-2003 |
I always find it "breaks the ice" if when they come up to your window.......always keep your hands near your belt and whisper.....They'll never take me alive............. | ||
| RS Biomedical (Rsbiomedical)
Junior Member Username: Rsbiomedical Post Number: 69 Registered: 9-2001 |
Yes Sir, I know what I was doing you got me, What? Sure you can sit in the car. Cops ususally just want to check out the car in this area. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 884 Registered: 4-2002 |
Mark, >>>I'm convinced most police officers are gear heads and just want to see the cars<<< Intersting as when first getting the 308 was pulled over quite a few times for no real reason. This was in the winter and just wanted to keep the fluids spinning. One time an officer who pulled me over said to me if he had a car like this he would be speeding(!). They just wanted to dig the ride so i ALWAYS offer them the Quarter tour :-) Another time i was allegedly going a tad over the speed limit but was let go as he said "It IS a Ferrari and am sure it tends to go a bit faster than a normal car. Take it easy and have a good day sir." Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Intermediate Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 1128 Registered: 12-2001 |
Mitchell, I agree. I have seen the same things you have. Hell, when I was in high school it was the local cops that sold drugs and steroids around town. I also fight EVERY ticket. I just try to be polite in the car. It's a lose/lose situation to be difficult whne they have you in the street. | ||
| Mitchell Le (Yelcab1)
Member Username: Yelcab1 Post Number: 724 Registered: 11-2001 |
"they are just doing their job?" My eye. I have personally seen cops lie, make up evidence in court, and generally fake it to convict someone. I appealed that conviction and had it thrown out of court. I have seen entrapment (slowing down the commute lane so people are enticed to cheat with the carpool lane). I volunteered to be the witness for the guy who got caught. I have seen speed trap (limits set at much less than the 85 percentile of the survey speed). I fought that ticket and rammed it down the judge's throat on appeal. I fight every ticket, even parking ticket. They don't deserve my money, or my respect. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1685 Registered: 9-2002 |
Mark: is your monopoly card license-sized? Do you put it over your license or tape it to the back or hand it out separately? --Dan | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1684 Registered: 9-2002 |
CA people: ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS fight by written declaration. I have gotten out of 6 tickets (hey, I'm only 22, give me time to get more - none in the 550 yet), and I am expecting the response from the 7th any day now. You guys have heard me preach again and again and again about it. So far it has never failed me. I have been so cocky as to write 'NOT GUILTY' in orange crayon as my argument and won. As far as our 'friends' in unifor: I pretty much do what George has suggested, simply because I don't want them to remember anything (and thus write NO notes on the back of the ticket so I don't have to bother with discovery when it comes to written argument time). I have not, however, gotten out of one. I do find the monopoly get out of jail free card idea amusing. --Dan (the anti-revenue-generator) PS: One day I will help my fellow CAers by putting everything online, documentation and all. Until then, I will have to explain this in person or over the phone. But anyone with a ticket is more than welcome to PM me for info. | ||
| Mitchell Le (Yelcab1)
Member Username: Yelcab1 Post Number: 723 Registered: 11-2001 |
Turn on the dome lights, roll down the windows, keep both hands over the sterring wheel, do not make any certain moves, do not say anything or admit to anything, sign the ticket and fight it in court, appeal if found guilty, and even if you lost, take comfort in knowing that they have lost money on 3 judges, 1 cop, countless clerks, and paper work to collect your 100 bucks. You Won. | ||
| Amir (Amir)
Member Username: Amir Post Number: 302 Registered: 2-2003 |
Pete, I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. A certain TVR freak has the same kind of motorcycle antic stories...guess they are true after all. He did the 'neutron weave,' as he calls it, in my car when I was in California this summer. We never dipped below 110mph for 47 miles, while in light traffic. He was driving the car for the first time. Every time I would shout a warning about some crazy guy angling into the same spot he was heading for, he would reply very calmly, "I see it," and alter his line. Scary, crazy, mad fun! To all who said I might be coming across as snide, overconfident, whatever, I don't think so. Cops have given me breaks, ie. a reduced speed written on the ticket--I just haven't been too successful in getting away scot-free. I am gonna print some Monopoly cards tonight...that's a cool idea. And maybe, just maybe I will remove the "Bad Cop No Donut" bumper sticker--after all, the PigDogMofoRacing sticker across the windshield is expressive enough ;) What do you think, Rosso? Chetan, my boy, lovely profile. Exactly how do you rape beautiful Goa to the tune of around two million metric tonnes of iron ore per year and still claim to be acting in an environmentally sound manner? Do tell. Love your website's wholesome picture of the boat sailing into the sunset, by the way. Can I get a hi-res version? Ta, you twat! | ||
| Mark Pfeffer (Feffman)
New member Username: Feffman Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2003 |
Amir: I am very polite and usually apologize for I know not what I did wrong. My ace in the hole is to hand them a "Get Out of Jail Free" card I had made up from Monopoly at a print shop along with my license. The last three times I've been pulled over in my Esprit they let me off. One guy was laughing so hard he could barely say "Have a Nice Day". I'm convinced most police officers are gear heads and just want to see the cars! Mark | ||
| Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
Member Username: Ferruccio Post Number: 288 Registered: 2-2003 |
Dont understand why this didn't work LOL http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/donutbribe1.html | ||
| pete boccarossa (Boccarp)
New member Username: Boccarp Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2003 |
Rob thats so funny. lord knows I probably bumped into you in court somewhere! Check out my car.    | ||
| rob ferretti (Robiferretti)
Member Username: Robiferretti Post Number: 412 Registered: 4-2002 |
i usually greet them face down with my hands behind my head, cause if i am doing anything that bad, i make them earn their tickets | ||
| pete boccarossa (Boccarp)
New member Username: Boccarp Post Number: 19 Registered: 9-2003 |
Here's the deal. On bike turn behind look directly at the cop (plate should be well hidden from view under tail section) turn back down shift R1, CBR954 OR GSXR1000 two gears rip crazy straight up and down wheelie and proceed to laugh in your helmet as you smoke the guy. Much satisfaction. In Ferrari (this just happened the other night in my 355 spider) blaze by cop at 3 am at 70mph in a 40 zone, check rear view for swirling light show and pull over. Now I recommend that you have a license on you,(oops mines at home!) the car should be registered (well at least the plate was for a car, just not the one I was driving) and you should have a insurance card (I'm a insurance guy, you know the story about the shoemaker with holes in his shoes). I any case I had the dispatcher insured so the cop let me go. Otherwise buck up and pay the piper. hehehehehehehehehe | ||
| George LaFleur (308geo)
Junior Member Username: 308geo Post Number: 103 Registered: 12-2002 |
>>>>cops are just tax collecters with a badge<<< Dan IS right, but it is still in your best interest to try to get out of paying a "stupidity tax" (ticket, that is) and "working" with them just helps. I know a few and they are nice guys, they just a have job position that motorists hate. | ||
| Greg (Greg512tr)
Junior Member Username: Greg512tr Post Number: 242 Registered: 2-2002 |
I got pulled over last week in the 512. I was on the interstate and hated to stop on the narrow shoulder but there were no exits close. I always have my license in my hand and both hands on the wheel by the time the cop shows up. They always ask "where are you going" answer "home" and "have you had anything to drink?" Why do they care where you are going???? I thought I was getting a ticket for sure but he let me go as he said he did not have his ticket book. I think he was looking for drunk drivers. He said he clocked me at 80 in a 60 but I was just going with traffic. Of course he picked me out. He asked how fast I was going and I seriously did not know. He said to pay more attention to my speed. And why do they ask if I know what the speed limit is??? I thought it was 55 he said it was 60. Would it make a difference if I said I thought it was 75??? I agree that it is important that they can see your hands and cooperate. My insurance card was a year old but he did not even look at the date. The rest is luck. | ||
| luciano favero (Ontogenetic1007)
Junior Member Username: Ontogenetic1007 Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2002 |
>You should act polite to cops. But the fact of the matter is that MOST cops are just tax collecters with a badge. What they do is unAmerican. As evidenced by the fact that the US does the same thing on a global scale, it is the epitome of North American comportment (USA is a nameless country). >your first tip is to learn some respect. starting a thread calling the police/cops 'donut munchers' is pretty ignorant. It is unfortunately factual that obesity among US "law" enforcement personnel is more prevalent than among the general US population. A very sad occupation I presume. >Then, since my insurance card is in the pouch behind the passanger seat in my 308, I ask first, explain where and why I am reaching, then do so SLOWLY. In accord. One may assume one is a puppet for the next 5-15 min and let them pull the strings. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1583 Registered: 1-2002 |
a lot of CA people have the 11-99 foundation plate frames, and most shared stories of "good fortune," but some haven't been so fortunate , or maybe they were doing something really crazy. i pull over, ask what i've been stopped for, don't offer any info, answer all questions calmly and respectfully, and am usually on my way shortly thereafter -- i have gotten out of tickets on occassion, other times not. don't think there's a "formula" for it, simply hapenstance; however, if you get pulled over by a motorcycle cop, then you're •••••• (their only job is traffic enforcement). ps: hands on the wheel is good advice. i'd hate to get shot in the neck for simply reaching for my ins. , reg, etc. | ||
| Santini (Santini)
New member Username: Santini Post Number: 50 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hands on the wheel is good advice. Show respect. Be honest. No b.s. I was pulled over one time after burning rubber out of a parking lot, after getting in an argument with my girlfriend at the time. A cop was across the street and pulled me over right away. I got out of my car, still agitated, knowing I was busted. He asked me what the problem was. I started explaining to him about the argument with my girlfriend and then said to him, "You know what? You don't even want to know. I'm sure you've heard it all before." He laughed, handed me back my license, told me to take it easy and let me go. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 883 Registered: 4-2002 |
Easy... BE POLITE NEVER ADMIT TO ANYTHING GO TO COURT another option BE POLITE SAY NOTHING CONCERNING THE SITUATION CALL YOUR LAWYER AFTER YOU ARE PROCESSED Sorry for the all caps, yet experience has taught me well. FYI: Was in court TODAY for allegedly doing 101mph (laser detected) in a 55mph zone. End result: case dismissed. Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin PS: George's advice is spot on!!!!! | ||
| mike550 (Mikeg)
Junior Member Username: Mikeg Post Number: 179 Registered: 8-2003 |
Amir has a good question. I think he was just being tongue in check with his topic. He does ask for advice as to what to say to an "officer" and he says he is polite. So preachers - lighten up for petes sake. I certainly respect officers of the law but still need advice if it helps me out of a ticket. George, I have heard the advice you cited quite often as well and think that is sound. I have heard good things about the CHP 1199 program. Has anyone actually donated / joined and had results (one way or the other)? | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Intermediate Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 1126 Registered: 12-2001 |
Georges suggestions are great. I pull over immediately. I pull into the grass halfway as well to allow them plenty of room. They are more at ease if they are not having to watch you and dodge traffic. I turn on the hazards as soon as I'm stopped and if at night I switch on the interior light. I'm polite, but not overly so. I don't want to be friends with them, they don't want to be friends with me. I an usually tell if I have a chance to get off with a warning in the first 5 seconds. If there is no chance, then fine. I smile, take the ticket and fight it in court. If you are carrying concealed(legally) it is wise to inform the officer. Do this with normal volume voice and while both hands are on the wheel. Don't say the word "gun" or "weapon". Simply say, "I'm carrying concealed, it is in X location. How would you like to proceed?" | ||
| Dan Gordon (Ferruccio)
Member Username: Ferruccio Post Number: 286 Registered: 2-2003 |
You should act polite to cops. But the fact of the matter is that MOST cops are just tax collecters with a badge. What they do is unAmerican. They should be going after real criminals. Its funny that they can give me a ticket for going 10 over but can't find the guy who stole about a $2,000 worth of equipment from the back of my Landscape truck. In fact the cop said and I quote "We will never find your stuff". He didn't even want me to file a police report. DONUT MUNCHERS are kind words | ||
| todd (Flat12)
Junior Member Username: Flat12 Post Number: 69 Registered: 7-2003 |
Just be normal. Don't whine and don't be overly polite. If you're just normal things will go how they go. Making the officer laugh always helps me. It must be irritating as hell dealing w/ all this BS as a cop. | ||
| George LaFleur (308geo)
Junior Member Username: 308geo Post Number: 102 Registered: 12-2002 |
>>>the first test you have to pass is the "attitude test"<<< I agree with Dave here. But also: The BEST thing I have found to do is act polite (like you are talking to a co-worker) keep both your hands on the steering wheel as soon as you see the lights in the rear-view. Keep them firmly there as the officer approachs and only remove them as he/she asks you to do so. (Let me get your license/insurance/registration/etc...) Then, since my insurance card is in the pouch behind the passanger seat in my 308, I ask first, explain where and why I am reaching, then do so SLOWLY. This puts the officer at ease. You are communicating that you understand that they are doing their job, and that you are trying to make the whole situation better for you both (they can be more afraid than you--many officers have been shot during a MINOR infraction pull over!) This will help a lot with scoring "attitude test" brownie points. If you put them at ease they are much more likely to let you off and want to talk about your car (if you get popped in an exotic vs. the weekday driver--most cops are gear heads like us.) I am not a cop, I have just learned what helps (through LOTS of trail & error) :-) George | ||
| Steve B (Sjb509)
New member Username: Sjb509 Post Number: 30 Registered: 6-2003 |
1) Donate $25 to the police widows' fund, highway patrol support fund, etc. Get the sticker that they give you and put it on your car window. 2) When you get pulled over, be honest and respectful, not overly polite. These guys know your pissed to be pulled over, don't act condescending to them and put up the appearance that they have made your day. It's worked for me. At one point I had a string of 7 warnings in a row counting bikes and cars(two by the same cop and he remembered me from warning #1). My luck ran out last summer at 2am in Lake of the Ozarks in the company Suburban. Oh well. Of course, I've also never been pulled over in a Ferrari, either. Any ex or current policeman care to weigh in on law enforcement's opinion of exotic sportscars? My guess is that writing a ticket on an Enzo would give bragging rights back at the station house... | ||
| Frank Foster (Sparta49)
Member Username: Sparta49 Post Number: 550 Registered: 3-2001 |
Try not calling them doughnut munchers for a start. | ||
| Ernesto (T88power)
Intermediate Member Username: T88power Post Number: 1818 Registered: 2-2001 |
"Sorry, Officer. I though that the 95 in I95 was the speed limit." He laughed, then game me the ticket. Went to court, he didnt show, I got off. Ernesto | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 612 Registered: 6-2002 |
Try this..."I sincerely regret my wrong doing as I am unfamiliar with the area...officer is you could excuse me this one instance you can be assured it will NEVER occur again." Then again, if you were just doing something completely wreckless like hanging a wheelie or doing a buck 50, you are pretty much screwed... | ||
| Rosso (Redhead)
Member Username: Redhead Post Number: 555 Registered: 12-2001 |
I hate tickets as much as the next guy, BUT..I also assume resonsiblity for my actions, which few seem to do anymore. How about doing that for a change? Remeber, they are doing there job. And then Fight it in court. | ||
| Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Member Username: Teenferrarifan Post Number: 407 Registered: 2-2003 |
lol Tom. I wonder what the cop would say to those. Erik | ||
| Nibblesworth (Nebulaclass)
Member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 781 Registered: 11-2002 |
I am usually very polite with police officers when they pull me over. That has gotten me out of a few tickets. Also, I had Veteran's plates on my 99 Cobra, and that got me out of a TON of tickets. Finally, my current car is equipped with the usual Marine Corps sticker, which helps me with the cops. | ||
| Tom Bakowsky (Tbakowsky)
Member Username: Tbakowsky Post Number: 739 Registered: 9-2002 |
NEVER!!! "say I pay your salary!!" and never say "don't you have any real criminals to catch?" also never say "have you found Saddam yet?" and if he ansewrs "no" please don't say "well why are you wasting time with me?" Trust me on these folks.... | ||
| Chetan Timblo (Bigmoose)
New member Username: Bigmoose Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2003 |
nice one john amir u need to calm down boy chetan | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 2121 Registered: 5-2001 |
Amir, I kinda have to agree with John here...try doing a "google" search though...there should be a number of on-line sources for information. My friends in law enforcement say the first test you have to pass is the "attitude test"....if you screw up that one, and act rude, mouthy, etc., all bets are off for any sort of break. | ||
| john (Johnwto)
Junior Member Username: Johnwto Post Number: 133 Registered: 6-2002 |
your first tip is to learn some respect. starting a thread calling the police/cops 'donut munchers' is pretty ignorant. you say you act too polite but you probably come off condescending with an attitude. | ||
| Amir (Amir)
Member Username: Amir Post Number: 300 Registered: 2-2003 |
Since prevention is better than the cure, I want some advice on what to say or not say to the officer when they come up to the window after pulling me over. I usually act too polite, which I hear they don't like. Judging by the fact that they usually don't let me go without a ticket, that is probably true. What are your tactics? I could really use some tips. TIA |