Looking for the most common myths regarding traffic law?

Question

I am doing research for a presentation and would like to know the above from the motoring public.

What have you always wanted to know/ have dispelled in regards to tickets, courts, accidents, technology, training....anything?

Maybe some of the other L.E. "experts" on here could help answer some of these or post their most common questions received.

For Xio...

Every officer is different and most will let 5mph over go...but it still gives us PC to stop and talk to you.
Also, basic speed law doesn't take into account bad weather and other due care scenarios. If you're 5mph over in a snowstorm...you might be getting some paper.

Answer 1

The quota thing always gets me. I didn't realize how many people actually believed that myth until I started reading Yahoo Answers. Of course, it is illegal for any political subdivision to set ticket quotas, but a lot of misinformed people still believe this. I think that they think it actually bothers me when they accuse me of having a quota, like I would have control over it if I did.

As for the 5 MPH "window"; there are some states (Florida for one) who does allow 5 MPH over before being written a citation (318.21 of the FL traffic code).

Answer 2

You've GOT to be kidding.....isn't there a "character limit" on how much one can place on here? I'd be here 'till the cows came home if I were to list all the incredible "excuses" and "myths" I've heard.

By the way....quota's? Oh yeah...I got my brand new toaster oven last week for exceeding my quota!

"Gee officer...I was only speeding because I have an urgent bladder problem." (Violator just passed three exits with restrooms for the past three miles)

"You can't write me a ticket, I know (so n so)." (Good, then you have somebody you can depend upon to sign your bond.)

"Pig, you can't search without a warrant." (Excuse me but if you don't move either 50,000 volts or a K-9 bite, your decision.)

"I don't know who owns that dope in my pocket!" (Self explanatory)

"No judge, I'm not going to read those papers...I don't have time!" (Again, self explanatory...and defendant spent five days in jail!)

"That's not my gun in my pocket...I borrowed these pants." (Defendant is 480lbs in a size "huge" trying to claim the possibly someone within in a thousand mile radius would fit the same size pants!)

A bit of levity, however, ignorance of the law does exist!

Answer 3

I always heard you couldn't get a citation for your headlights or whatever being out if the cops were out. I don't know how true it is... I'm usually pretty up on my car maitenance.

I've ever heard it taken as far as the cop can't cite you for a red light run if he runs the red light as well, he's speeding and you're following him/her at the same speed at a safe distance. It's the whole "cops should set a good example" thing.

Totally Laughable.

That's like, "Oh help me Officer, Im dying!"

"Hang on! I'll be there in 30 minutes.. it's a 35mph zone the whole way there... gotta set a good example ya know!"

"Sure! I understand... I'll just stop bleeding out until you get here!"

Cops run red lights and speed to save the lives that the red light runners and speeders endanger.

Answer 4

The one: If a Fire Engine, Ambulance, Police Car, and Mail truck all come to an intersection at the same time, a Mail truck would have the right of way. Wrong!

Answer 5

You can get a ticket even if you're driving only 5 miles above the speed limit. I thought we had a 5 mile +/- window.

Answer 6

The one I always heard is you can not cut through a corner parking lot to avoid a traffic light. In reality you can you just have to come to a complete stop before re-entering into traffic.

Answer 7

I always like the one that we cant search the glove box if its locked and we dont have a warrant....But we have probable cause...and yes, leaving a roach on the dashboard gives me PC

And no there's no window for speeding...1mph over "can" get you a ticket, I dont personally do it, but it would be a valid and legal ticket.

Answer 8

I love the whole "I got pulled over for speeding, it's entrapment because the cop was hiding"

People really need to learn what entrapment means before they use the word.

Answer 9

I have heard if you have a suit case and it has a lock separate from the car the police can not search it unless they have a search warrant. I dont know if its true but that is what i heard.

Answer 10

My favorite was when this skell tried to tell me that I couldn't give him a speeding ticket because I wasn't wearing my hat. I got such a laugh out of him that I almost let him go, ALMOST.