At what point does a traffic cop decide to pull someone over?
The other day I got caught going 32 in a 25 (school zone when it was active). The officer gave me a warning ticket (i.e. no charge, no further action required on my part: just slow down!). What I wonder is if there is some threshold by which an officer judges (a) if someone is worth pulling over for speeding and (b) if it's a chargeable offense vs a simple warning.
2007-01-04 08:45:27 · 7 answers · asked by warped_factor_ten 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
When I was 16 I recived 2 tickets for less then 5MPH over on the highway. Since then only warnings, when when going 10 or more over. I think it depends on how many tickets the officers are told to write, tickets = income for citys and counties.
I also know they like to pull people over to check for drugs and DUI's they can tell a lot from smell and looking in your car window. The speed is a legal excuse to make the stop. I hope they keep that practice up.
2007-01-04 08:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by B Jones 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is difficult to answer effectively. So I will just give you a open answer. Police Officer's have the discretion to determine if a crime is worth arrest, citation or warning. There is a lot of factors a police officer will take into account to determine what a person should receive.
You also should know a citation is an arrest but you were released because the officer believes you will pay the collateral (fine) or will appear in court if that is what is needed.
Now for "(a) if someone is worth pulling over for speeding" That is all depending on the police officer. 1 mile above the posted speed limit is illegal (technically), but each officer has a different thought on what is fair. So there is no answer to what makes a certain person worth pulling over.
If you make your question more specific you may get a better response and more of an answer.
2007-01-04 12:39:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It varies from officer to officer. Things can affect their decision include their mood, your attitude, and the extent which you break the law. They are free to exercise policy on the spot as they feel necessary.
Here are some tips though: be polite, be respectful, the officer is always right.
2007-01-04 08:51:54 · answer #3 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in mind that in some states, warnings can attract points and impact your insurance rates. In MA, 4 warnings in a year could cost you your license!
2007-01-04 08:53:52 · answer #4 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
giving a warning or a ticket is completely the officer's choice.
2007-01-04 08:50:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You encountered one in a good mood that day.
TIP:
At night, if you are pulled over,
TURN ON YOUR INTERIOR LIGHTS AND PLACE BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL.
Officers appreciate that the most.
2007-01-04 08:59:35 · answer #6 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they can give you a ticket for going two over but it wont go on your insurance unless it is 10 or more over....
2007-01-04 08:50:01 · answer #7 · answered by Lil Sexy Biker Chic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋