Does a cop have to have his lights on when he catches you for speeding?

Question

I was wondering if it's true that a cop must have his/her lights on when they are sitting there trying to clock people on their radar. Will this type of defense work in court if he did not have them on, but he ticketed you for speeding? Several times I've seen cops sitting in places trying to catch people without their lights on, but can they ticket you if their lights were off?

Answer 1

They do not have to have thei lights on.

Coach

Answer 2

Yes a police officer can sit with or without lights it does not matter,and if you are caught speeding it is your own fault. As you are a qualified driver you should know better and also the speed limits for national roads, urban roads, etc.
I do not have any time for your type of people who speed and break the laws, you know it is wrong.

Answer 3

Here in Massachusetts they have to have their parking lights on when they are sitting in a speed trap or its called "entrapment". So I have heard at least, I have never seen a cop totally blacked out at night doing a speed trap. And I'm 125 years old.

Answer 4

Sorry

coming from a guy who has had several speeding tickets himself they most certainly can. It is the most common way to get caught because if you knew they were there you would have slowed down. They can hide just about anywhere and tend to all the time.

Answer 5

I don't know about other states, but in WI they have to at least have their parking lights on at night if clocking you.

Answer 6

In Indiana, they just have to "visible from the road" so yes, they can sit dark, sorry

Answer 7

Never heard that one before...sorry but an absolute urban myth.

Answer 8

yes they can,they can also hide behind things ,they can use laser and not even have a car

Answer 9

Yes they can.