Very cool thread... I will add that Bob / PAM is a smacked a$$ and I hope he learns his lession before he hurts anyone with his crotch rocket.

Anyways, NOHA, thanks for opening this thread up. Very interesting reading your responses and take on things. I have the utmost respect for anyone who puts their life on the line on a daily basis for the good of the community.

You remind me of one of the characters in a Steven King novel I read "A Buick 8". Although not one of King's best novels its a good read. If you haven't read it you'd probably get a kick out of it as its about a Troop in Western PA.

One thing I'd like to point out to people is, if you get pulled over there is most likely a reason. And, don't be pissed, because you got caught this one time for speeding or running a red light or whatever... Remember the gazillion other times you broke a traffic law and got away with it.

I know when I've gotten pulled over in the past I've been pissed and a bit fumed... but I've also always known the officer had a reason to pull me over whether I liked it or not. Last year I got pulled over in the car pool lane, with my 8 year old son sitting in the back seat. I was pissed 'cause I knew he didn't have a reason to pull me over and I was running late, but the thing was he didn't see my son in the back and thought I was riding solo in the diamond lane. So from his perspective he had a good reason to pull me over. As soon as he saw my son in the back seat he let me go on my merry way with a smile and an apology. I think few cops if any pull folks over for fun just to mess with people. They have a job to do.

Here's a question I think you can answer. There's been a lot a talk on here about people doing dumb crap and getting tased, and was the officer justified etc... etc... But can you tell us what is the best and "appropriate" way for a citizen to behave when pulled over by the po-po from the perspective of an officer? I've heard its best to turn off the iginition and put the keys on the dash and just keep your hands on the steering wheel in plain view. But I've also always thought, if I was the cop, I'd always be wary of someone reaching for the glovebox to get registration, insurance, or even for a wallet for their license etc.. cause you just never know until the stop is over. I mean I would assume that someone in your position can't ever let your guard down, because the moment you do that's when something unexpected can happen.

So from the perspective of an officer of the law, assuming you're a citizen who wishes to cooperate, how should one behave to make things go as smoothly as possible?

Also, I've also been told that when pulled over for an infraction its a good idea to ask for a warning instead of a ticket. Does this actually work if you're not a hot blonde?

 

Best thing to do is:

If you have tinted windows turn on the dome light and roll down all your windows.

Aside from that

Pull over when it is safe, to the right if possible on the shoulder. This avoids the fast lane of traffic. Dont reach for your registration or license until instructed to do so. If you keep your registration somewhere other than the glove box just say where and ask for permission to reach it. No need to shut the car off unless instructed to do so. Be polite, don't demand to ask why we stopped you, we will instruct you when appropriate. Don't ask for a warning the officer will make up their mind what will be appropriate. Don't bother with excuses we have heard them all and they make you look worse. I pulled over a lady the other day who was complaining of pregnancy complications, I asked her if she needed an ambulance she stated no. I informed her it was an emergency she shouldnt be driving and I would call the ambulance, she stated it was not an emergency, ran her, suspended license....surprise surprise.

In short just pull over, relax, and follow the officer's instructions.

 

Been noticing lots of threads regarding police. Bumping this back up, figure ill do it once a month or so.

 

hey, quick question.
Im stuck driving an old minivan until I can afford an actual car.
and on said minivan the rear window is tinted.
and I have a forsale sign in the front and rear
would I get a ticket for that?
Should I take them down each time I drive and then put them back up when I leave the car??

thanks.

 

As long as the signs are not obstructing your view in any way then you are fine.

 

Great thread

1. If you have a GOOD driving record, will this influence the officers decision to issue a ticket for a minor traffic violation. Ex// 5-10 mph over limit?

2. On You Tube, I have seen officers asking drunk people to recite the alphabetBACKWARDS during a traffic stop. I CANT DO THIS SOBER! (not making a joke about drinking and driving) But the question is, do officers really ask this?!

 

1 - Yes, I usually ask the driver how their record is and give them a chance to be honest before I check it myself. I dont give out too many tickets, mostly written warnings depending upon the infraction.

2- We can ask that, but it is not a part of the standard field sobriety test which consists of three tests
a- Nystagmus test (involuntary jerking of the eyes)
b- walk and turn
c- leg lift

Tests like that arent expected to be completed perfectly but can be used to judge how smoothly the thinking process is running. I have a difficult time saying it backwards myself. This is not a question I ask because it doesnt work well in court. There was one guy where I asked him his name and he was too drunk to remember, that however did very well in court.

 

^^Lol I can see that conersation. I hope he got a DWI, how in the hell do you forget your name?

Anyway I have another question which you might not like but oh well im curious. Say you pull over a group of people teens or adults doesnt matter. When you go up to the car it is very apparant that they have been smoking weed. Im assuming you ask if you can search which to your surprise grant. You find nothing, perhaps they threw everything out the window. Anyway what im trying to get at is can you do anything if you know they are high but have nothing on them?

 

that brings up a question from my past...

A few years ago I was diagnosed with a mild form of vertigo. Now, understand that, as teh years have passed I have gotten more and more used to the "gentle" tilt the world has when I attempt to stand still. In other words, I have developed a coping mechanism, of sorts. I can probably pass all of the sobriety tests EXCEPT any where I have to close my eyes. Without a visual reference and/or something solid&vertical to touch, to "ground" myself, so to speak, I will slowly tip over...

The odds of me being given a field-test are EXTREMELY remote, since I DO NOT drink, and, on the 1 or 2 times a year I have had a glass of wine or nurse a beer I DO NOT DRIVE, but, if it *did* happen...
1} What are the chances I can explain that I have vertigo and cannot close my eyes for extended periods w/o falling over, and have it be believed? I think I remember that, if I request a blood test I am immediately arrested (2}is THAT true, too?), and taken to teh hospital to have blood drawn. 3} If that is true, what happen when I "pass" trhe blood test?!?!?

P.S. I used to carry the diagnosis-paper I had, from teh Military medical system, that showed my "problem" but that was years and a coiple different wallets ago.

 

Driver could get a dui if he fails the roadside tests or if the officer is a drug recognition expert, the passengers would walk