Why is it ok for the police to disregard basic traffic rules?

Question

I notice that the police don't like to use a signal when changing lanes or making a turn onto another street. Allthough I understand that when in an emergency, with the emergency lights on, they don't have to follow the rules. But when I see a cop make a turn into a 7-11 parking lot right in front of me, with no obvious emergency, I want to pull in next to them and make a loud complaint.
The turning signal is just an example. There are other things that they think they are above the law too.
The police have to follow the laws also. Why do they get the attitude that they can just throw away all the laws that protect us and do what they want?

Answer 1

Short answer: It's not.

When not operating as an emergency vehicle (with lights and sirens), police are generally bound by the same traffic laws as everyone else. If you are offended by an officer's driving, feel free to contact the department where the officer works, and file a complaint.

I would also note that officers (as a general rule) don't violate traffic laws because they think they are better than everyone else, or are above the law, etc... They tend to do it for the same reasons that everyone else does, they got complacent, lazy, were in a hurry, etc...

I would not recommend yelling at an officer about his driving habits in a 7-11 parking lot.

Answer 2

Cops are supposed to be good role models on duty and off.

They do not have to follow all the laws when on call. You have no way of knowing what the cops intentions are. He may be doing a stakeout, going to an emergency, one of his fellow cops needs backup, or he is trying to catch offenders who are breaking the law.

Cops do not always use emergency lights and sirens. This is reserved only for a code 3. In code 1 and 2, he will not use them but he is on call and needs to get someplace fast or he is not in code 3 becasue he does not want to alarm the suspects. Code 3 is strictly an emergency where the cop needs others to get out of his way for fast pursuit.

Cops know the laws and they know which ones they can skip while on duty. A prime example is a Highway Patrolman. He can speed to catch up to possible speeders not just when pursing them. They sit back drive slow, speed up, then slow down again. It is the only way they can catch speeders. Imagine if the cop on duty was always driving 60 mph. The same cars would be around him for 100 miles and they all would be obeying the law.
He must stop, slow down, and speed ahead to catch offenders. If he breaking the law? No, he is the law and it is in his job description on what he can and can not do. Regular public does not know what he can and can not do.

Yes, a cop should use turn signals for safety but many times it is an extra thing he must try to do when in pursuit. Imagine you are on the radio with one hand, the wheel with the other and then you need to figure out how to flip the switch. Cops know that others stay out of there way and drive safer when they are in plain sight.
Undercover cops are another thing and must follow the laws exactly except if they have the lights to put on vehicle.

Cops are not trying to use their power to show off (although some of the newer ones can try to push it). They are doing there job. If they are not safe and cause and accident they can get suspended or lose their job. Is it worth it?

Keep in mind that you have no idea what that cop is doing even though you think he is just pulling into 7-11 for a donut. Maybe, he is supposed to arrive at that 7-11 4 times during the day watching for an offender in the area. Or that store has been hit so much that they are keeping a HIGH PROFILE. Or he is checking in with the clerk when the clerk makes his money drop. I used to own a liquor store and cops do this regularly.

Remember, a cop is doing many things while his is driving. He is on the radio a lot. He is punching information into a computer and he is watching his driving. Give him space and respect his choices.

Answer 3

lol yeah... I know...

In my city they have a lot of these stupid 30km/h (20mph) zones. But sometimes the cops pass me when I drive 50km/h there lol... (without sirene or anything)
Personally, I think sometimes the law is pretty stupid (but I'm a European, I am supposed to think that way, unlike Americans) and I don't always follow it. I admit, when there are no cars on the highway, I often speed to 150 - 160 km/h instead of the maximum tolerated speed of 120 km/h. But there's no danger and most people do it... even the cops :p

But I heard in America the law is usually taken more seriously...

Answer 4

i'll attempt to respond to all your questions and concerns from own adventure. a million. No lighting fixtures furnishings & sirens, could be answering a call the place they are to no longer be activated including a theft in progression,housebreaking and so on. 2. rushing, i will even see something up forward that warrants my finding in to larger. I speed as much as get there in the previous I lose a seen. 3. Seat belts, you could not go out a squad motor vehicle rapidly or effectively whilst belted in. I wore my seat belt as quickly as and interior the technique of having out to chase a guy forgot i grew to become into belted in. did no longer make that blunder back. Plus with each and all of the better kit on it somewhat is uncomfortable. 4. turn alerts, i'm too busy finding around whilst on patrol to repeatedly shop signaling. i can not inform you techniques many turns I make whilst on cellular patrol. desire this helps.

Answer 5

Maybe because they know that it is a felony charge to crash into a police car whether they are on duty or not. Or maybe their just human and have the same human ego that everyone else does.

Answer 6

same reason we ask why do we have to pay taxes, and we still do it so next time you see that cop going on a power trip follow him do the same thing right behind him lol do something about it lol

Answer 7

+ IT'S NOT AGAINST THE LAW if You don't want to use your turn signal. But it is nice to use it so others around you know if your going to turn or not!