technically qualify for a ticket? I look up to the police and have alot of respect for them but this is something that i have seen alot and I simply do not feel it's fair at all.What can be done?
2006-12-10 11:12:04 · 12 answers · asked by Dinasor76 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Yes, traffic laws apply to police officers as well. However....
Please remember that in most states, mine included, police officers can violate traffic laws when responding to emergencies or pursuing a violator....THEY ARE ALLOWED BY LAW TO DO THIS EVEN WITHOUT USING LIGHTS AND SIREN if the use of lights and siren would hamper their response. An example would be going to a holdup alarm at a bank. You don't want to screech into the parking lot with siren wailing do you?
In the not too distant past I responded to a prowler call in a residential area at night with my headlights off. Under the circumstances, it was perfectly legal.
Finally, maybe the officer just forgot to use his turn signal. Cops are human and it happens. People make mistakes. Have you ever forgotten to use your turn signal? Have you ever oozed through a stop sign, after seeing there was no cross traffic, without coming to a complete stop? I've overlooked this a million times while on patrol. People are human and crap happens.
2006-12-10 11:28:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A traffic violation committed by an officer is a traffic violation like any other. There are certain statutes that allow for pursuit and emergency response driving but even in those situations the use of emergency equipment like blue lights and sirens are a request for the right of way, not a demand. But keep in mind that if it were you waiting on a police response.....would you mind them committing a traffic infraction to get there quicker?
2006-12-11 01:28:25 · answer #2 · answered by Keith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Police officers are not above the law...on or off duty. However, keep in mind that when you report them....their buddies will have a tendency to keep their eyes on you. If it's simple lane shifting and itsn't really risking an accident, perhaps I'd let it slide. Anything major...feel free to report them, just take their plates and mind the date, time and place you saw them. Chances are, they'll just get their wrist slapped.
2006-12-10 11:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by Amy B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the circumstances. All states have certain exemptions for emergency vehicles and specific laws do not apply. Also, police vehicles are not required to have their lights/siren activated when responding to an emergency. I know that here in Texas, the option of using lights is up to the operator because they sometimes do more harm than good. Depending on traffic conditions, it is sometimes easier to zip between cars rather than waiting for them all to get out of your way.
Don't let yourself get that frustrated before you know all of the facts. Police vehicles are not normal traffic.
2006-12-10 13:08:47 · answer #4 · answered by jaybird512 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogguy is right. Do cars still have turn signals? You couldn't prove it by the people I see on the way home everyday. Most people I see seem to think the flashing yellow light in the corner of my car means "stay right beside this car, don't make room for it to change lanes."
2006-12-10 12:26:05 · answer #5 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he deserves a ticket. On my way to college the other day I was doing 60, 5 miles over the limit. A state trooper passed me as if my car was sitting on blocks. No lights and no siren.
2006-12-10 11:17:47 · answer #6 · answered by firewomen 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They do anything they like, including speeding when unnecessary but who would give them a ticket? They are all buddy buddy with each other.
60 minutes did a show on that and they used their own radar gun and confronted the offending officers. There was no cooperation and they got very nasty.
2006-12-10 11:16:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many on the police force think the very laws which they are suppose to uphold don't apply to them. You just cited one instance of it, what about jaywalking? Whay about speeding without lights or siren on?
2006-12-10 11:29:01 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There cops they think there above the law! I've heard of worse things like them taking your drugs and smoking it in front you. Ya, that's IN for you. I can't remember the name of that cop, he had a good reputation for doing that. You can write there name down, car number, license plate and report it to the city council
2006-12-10 11:17:56 · answer #9 · answered by Apple 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get over it. They put their lives on the line for us everyday they go to work and sometimes even in their off time. Don't be so petty.
2006-12-10 11:33:01 · answer #10 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋