Im traveling down a highway and there is an exit ramp. The exit splits into two ways where u can turn left or right. The left turning lane gets blocked up so people usually ride down the shoulder so they can get into the right turn lane. So i dont turn into the shoulder b/c i thought it was illegal however i saw a state trooper pull out ride down the shoulder so he can get into the right turning lane no lights on not in pursuit of anyone well i go up the shoulder and he turnsright in front of me pulls me and 15 other people over for riding the shoulder. So i guess my question is is he allowed to break the law by riding the shoulder then merging back into traffic to pull other people over for doing the same thing? I have to go to court for this matter because the only reason i thought it was ok was because he did it and wasn't going anywhere to pursue anyone or anything and i thought the only time they didnt have to obey traffic laws was when they r in the pursuit of someone.
2007-07-17 07:12:56 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sounds to me like he was trying to get into position to catch people breaking the law-which he is allowed to do. Just like they are allowed to turn around in the medians of the highway and park in no parking zones. If he was going there for a job related purpose, then he is within his rights.
2007-07-17 07:17:37 · answer #1 · answered by rebel g 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's sorta like "stopping" for a stop sign. Technically not making a complete stop for a stop sign is running the stop sign, and you SHOULD get a ticket for it. About zero percent of people actually stop at stop signs. I see police officers not stop for stop signs all the time. So when someone completely misses the stop sign they get pulled over, but technically the police officer did the same thing.
To answer your question, it probably was illegal, but it's your word against the police officer's, who's the judge going to favor, right?
2007-07-17 07:27:43 · answer #2 · answered by bdc3141 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a lot of states there are exceptions to traffic laws for police and emergency vehicles. For example, in most places police can go a certain amount over the speed limit even if they do not have their lights on and are not in pursuit of anyone. You will have to check your state's rules on this.
2007-07-17 07:17:26 · answer #3 · answered by Michael C 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Law enforcement also speed down the freeway, doesn't mean you get to. You still broke the law.
He could have been trying to get to a better position to catch people breaking the rules of the road.
2007-07-17 07:18:35 · answer #4 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cops are above the law when it comes to driving, they can speed and drive on the shoulder if they want to. Not legally of course, but what else can you do? You are always required to follow traffic laws, regardless of what they do.
2007-07-17 07:18:06 · answer #5 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably Illegal the police break the law all the time in order to catch criminals they pose as prostitutes in order to bust people that is a volation right there it's entrapment they commit a crime to catch a crime they buy drugs to catch the dealers,but buying drugs is Illegal no matter who does it civilian or police,and they profile you if your native {like me} or black or latino or a long haired leather jacket wearing white guy chance's are your allready a target for the police!
2007-07-17 07:28:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that if you go to court and explain your situation they might let you off. It sounds to me like you are a good driver and just made a mistake because of what you saw the cop do. Just try to be calm when you go and don't expect anything. It is still worth a shot to try.
2007-07-17 07:23:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having been a law enforcement officer's wife and oftentimes heard the statement, "I do not have to follow the law, I enforce the law"....go figure.......I guess it's going to depend upon how the Judge views it.
2007-07-17 08:12:20 · answer #8 · answered by Jane G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is going to lie through his teeth
i got pulled over for an improper lane change
the cop did the same thing when he left
i say if you have the unit # fight it all the way but any way you look at it its going to cost you something
2007-07-17 07:18:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Police can do anything they want as long as its not putting anyone at risk. I would suggest just acknowledging that you did it because you thought it would be ok, since he was doing it.
2007-07-17 07:17:55 · answer #10 · answered by Just Another Brother 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋