I was driving behind a police car which stopped for several red lights. The raised brake lights in the rear window stayed off the whole time. The brake lights near the turn signals either stayed off the whole time (including when braking) or on the whole time (including while not braking). I could not tell which because it was night and they look like taillights (which were on). No brake lights went on or off the whole time.
Do they disable the brake lights so that criminals cannot tell when they are stopping, or was there something wrong with this police car?
2007-12-08 06:15:32 · 7 answers · asked by StephenWeinstein 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
I asked the police about this later. They have a switch to turn off all the exterior lights when they have to sneak up on someone, but they are not allowed to use it when driving in traffic.
2017-12-02 19:48:22 · update #1
No, all vehicles operating on the roadway must have brake lights in addition to other safety features. Police vehicles are not exempt.
The police cruiser ahead of you probably was experiencing problems. Either both brake lights were blown or the vehicle was experiencing a possible electrical problem.
The police department will find out about the problem because each cruiser is checked often.
2007-12-08 12:46:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something wrong with the cop car, there is usually a relay however, that flashes the brake lights and the backup lights alternatively, But this is only when the emergency light circuit is activated.
2007-12-08 06:24:40 · answer #2 · answered by Captain Moe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not unless you do something else. They can use that as probable cause to pull you over and talk to you. Then possibly find you in violation of another violation. It would be best to get that fixed. Go to your local auto parts store and pick up the part. There should be some nuts and bolts inside the trunk to unscrew to help you get to the light. Also usually you rotate the light and slip it out. Replacing it involves just unplugging it and putting in a new one. It's cheaper than the fix it ticket. Some oil change places will also put it in for you if you bring them the part. They will do it for like 10-20 bucks.
2016-05-22 04:44:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like there is something wrong with the car... even rural eastern north carolina, there is not a big enough desire to "meet their quota" to cause a fender bender... the only time i have seen a police car without clearly functioning brake lights is when they have their blue lights rolling.... then they are ALL flashing on and off, so you don't want to be right behind them anyway.
2007-12-08 06:25:00 · answer #4 · answered by kinn2him 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely a problem with the car. You state all three were out, that indicates a circuit problem, such as shorted wires and/or blown fuse.
When you see this, if you can't point it out to the officer, get a unit or plate number and call the agency. They have the same responsibility to maintain their vehicles as the rest of us.
2007-12-08 08:34:44 · answer #5 · answered by terrellfastball 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can disable their brake lights. They do anything that they want.
2007-12-08 08:45:11 · answer #6 · answered by goalaska 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
yeah but lol they cant arrest them self's unfortunately
2007-12-08 06:24:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋