Quote:
Those cards are for idiots. As I police officer, I was handed similar cards on occasion. I would say on average I ticketed about 10% of the cars I stopped, but everyone that hands me a card like that gets SEVERAL citations and a full complimentary vehicle inspection to include checking the tint with a tint meter, the tire tread left on the tires, and all the running and brake lights. Also a call to the insurance company to verify that the coverage is still in effect, because 90% of the folks that hand out these cards honestly dont have a valid insurance policy either.
Well, there you go.
Now the last time I was pulled over was in downtown San Diego, for no brake lights. When the officer approached, I had my hands on the wheel. I was actually shocked when he told me I had no brake lights, and told him so. I also told him about the electrical work I had already done on the vehicle to make sure all of the exterior lights worked (which was true). He was very nice about everything, took my word that I would fix it ASAP, and said have a nice day. I thanked him sincerely.
On the other hand, I was at the beach a few years ago, burning wood (legally) in a fire ring provided for that purpose, when a bubba-type officer showed up. Without so much as a how-do-you-do, he told me that I was burning pressure treated wood, and I would have to stop. I told him that I didn't have any pressure treated wood, an obviously true statement. He pointed to an ordinary 2x6 and said, "You better have that thing in the back of your truck when you leave, or I'll cite you. I'll be waiting." I said OK, since I felt like I might have my head knocked off at any moment. I'm probably not conveying how much of a jerk he was being, but since he was an armed jerk, I backed down quickly.
My son once refused a search of his car, so they got the dog. The dog "alerted", and the subsequent search with probable cause turned up a half-eaten, somewhat dessicated cheeseburger.
So, while usually if you're obeying the law, and keeping your head down, you'll be alright, there's always a chance that you'll run into some clotpole who's either power happy or having a bad day.
Those cards are for idiots. As I police officer, I was handed similar cards on occasion. I would say on average I ticketed about 10% of the cars I stopped, but everyone that hands me a card like that gets SEVERAL citations and a full complimentary vehicle inspection to include checking the tint with a tint meter, the tire tread left on the tires, and all the running and brake lights. Also a call to the insurance company to verify that the coverage is still in effect, because 90% of the folks that hand out these cards honestly dont have a valid insurance policy either.
Well, there you go.
Now the last time I was pulled over was in downtown San Diego, for no brake lights. When the officer approached, I had my hands on the wheel. I was actually shocked when he told me I had no brake lights, and told him so. I also told him about the electrical work I had already done on the vehicle to make sure all of the exterior lights worked (which was true). He was very nice about everything, took my word that I would fix it ASAP, and said have a nice day. I thanked him sincerely.
On the other hand, I was at the beach a few years ago, burning wood (legally) in a fire ring provided for that purpose, when a bubba-type officer showed up. Without so much as a how-do-you-do, he told me that I was burning pressure treated wood, and I would have to stop. I told him that I didn't have any pressure treated wood, an obviously true statement. He pointed to an ordinary 2x6 and said, "You better have that thing in the back of your truck when you leave, or I'll cite you. I'll be waiting." I said OK, since I felt like I might have my head knocked off at any moment. I'm probably not conveying how much of a jerk he was being, but since he was an armed jerk, I backed down quickly.
My son once refused a search of his car, so they got the dog. The dog "alerted", and the subsequent search with probable cause turned up a half-eaten, somewhat dessicated cheeseburger.
So, while usually if you're obeying the law, and keeping your head down, you'll be alright, there's always a chance that you'll run into some clotpole who's either power happy or having a bad day.
