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Thread: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

  1. #1

    What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Print this guide and keep it in under your windshield visor. When you are pulled over, whip it out and follow the guidelines, step by step.

    Author's Note: This guide is written to help you, the California motorist, have a safe (and perhaps ticket-free) traffic stop. The best way to avoid tickets is to fully understand and obey the law as outlined in the current California Vehicle Code. Laws are frequently changed, updated, added, and repealed and all laws are subject to differing interpretations by California judges. You can purchase a copy of the vehicle code at your local DMV. To be a safer driver, you must understand the law and use your common sense. As a licensed driver, you are ultimately responsible for verifying the information contained here and applying it to the unique situations you encounter. Good luck!

    Numerous reports that possession of this guide during traffic stops has helped many motorists to recieve warnings instead of citations.

    SAFETY FIRST: What to do when you SEE & HEAR the police behind you


    1. PULL OVER TO RIGHT WHEN SAFE
    (if you intend to continue driving to a well-lit area where you would feel safer, signal your intention to do so in any way possible--turn signal, hazard lights, slowing down, etc. Be aware that some officers may construe this as "flight", so don't push your luck by driving too far. Also, follow all subsequent safety instructions to the letter to relieve any suspicion the officer may have. If the officer is unreasonably belligerent about your failure to stop immediately, mention your fear for your personal safety. This tends to take the steam out of them. Be aware that failure to stop immediately will probably increase your odds of getting a citation; this is a small price to pay for safety.

    2. TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE / PUT IGNITION KEY ON DASH
    (an obvious step that many forget.) You're not in a "drive-thru." Officers do not feel safe approaching a car that might back over them or take off. By increasing the officer's sense of personal safety and decreasing his stress level as soon as possible, your chances of not being cited improve.

    3. STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE!!
    Exiting your vehicle without being asked by police will probably be taken as a threat. Allow the officer to approach you and thereby maintain control of the situation.
    4. Keep your hands in plain view, on the steering wheel. DO NOT root around in car for license, registration, or anything else. (Once again, giving the officer no cause for suspicion or undue stress will decrease your odds of citation)
    5. Turn on interior lights (night time only)
    (this increases your visibility to the officer which decreases his stress.)
    6. Roll down your window slightly and wait for officer to approach.
    Do not be surprised if officer approaches on right (passenger) side of car--they often do this to avoid being hit by passing traffic.

    SAFETY SECOND--What to do when the officer approaches your vehicle

    At this point, your engine better be off, your keys are on the dash, your hands are on the steering wheel

    1. Officer asks for driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
    If paperwork is in glovebox or "stashed" elsewhere in car, tell the officer where and ask permission to get them.
    Retrieve documents AFTER given permission. This will decrease the officer's stress by allowing him to fully control the situation, that is, he'll be less likely to expect you to produce a weapon from the glovebox. You can avoid this by keeping a copy of your registration in your visor, with this guide.

    2. BE POLITE
    Regardless of what happens from here on out, treat the officer with courtesy and respect. Being rude, demeaning, or insolent should guarantee you a ticket. Save your problems with authority figures for your next visit home.
    CHP officers can be referred to as "trooper", members of the Sheriff Department are "deputies", all other police should be referred to as "officer" unless you recognize a rank nametag or insignia (Sergeant, etc.) in which case you may address the officer by his rank.
    Never ask: "What's the trouble?" This sounds hostile and your going to find out soon anyway.

    THIRD--AVOIDING CITATIONS

    NOTE: EVERY QUESTION ASKED BY THE OFFICER HAS A PURPOSE--HE IS COLLECTING EVIDENCE AGAINST YOU--HE IS TRYING TO GET YOU TO ADMIT GUILT


    In over half of all traffic stops you, the motorist, provide all the evidence the officer will need to get a conviction by admitting your guilt. The officer will definitely take note of your admission of guilt in case you try to fight the ticket in court.

    QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE ASKED BY THE POLICE:


    1. "DO YOU KNOW WHY I STOPPED YOU?"
    Analysis: An open-ended question designed to trap the intimidated, confused, stoned, drunk and insane.
    BAD ANSWERS: "Because of all the drugs and guns in the trunk?" (Someone actually gave this answer on an episode of Cops.) "Because of the blood all over the back seat?" "Because I was SPEEDING, SWERVING, DRAG RACING,...etc.?"
    BETTER ANSWER: "I don't know officer. Why did you stop me?"

    2. "DO YOU STILL LIVE AT THIS ADDRESS?" (officer, while looking at your license)
    Analysis: An "innocent" question which will cost you at least a $10 fix-it ticket (with a $25 "administrative fee") if you get it wrong; also, it gives the officer an easy excuse to start writing your ticket. According to VC 14600a, you have 10 days to notify the DMV of a change of address, for which they will issue you a paper document which you must present with your license when stopped. Failure to notify the DMV within 10 days is a citable offense.
    BAD ANSWERS: "Dude, I haven't lived at that address since the DEA busted up the meth lab--about 2 years ago."
    BETTER ANSWER: "Yes officer, that is my current address." or "No officer, I moved two days ago to the following address...."

    3. DO YOU KNOW HOW FAST YOU WERE GOING? (OR ONE OF ITS INDIRECT VARIANTS: WHAT'S THE HURRY? OR DO YOU KNOW THE SPEED LIMIT HERE?)
    Analysis: Again, this type of question is trying to make you admit to breaking the Prima Facie (VC 23352) or Maximum (VC 22349) Speed Law by stating a specific number (which the officer will record as evidence) or otherwise admitting to speeding.
    BAD ANSWERS: "75." "85." "95." "About your I.Q." "Who knows, the signs blur out when I pass 100."
    BETTER ANSWER: Yes. I was going a SAFE AND REASONABLE speed for conditions in accordance with the BASIC SPEED LAW (VC 22350).

    STAGE FOUR--ASK, DON'T BEG, FOR A WARNING

    THE OFFICER STATES THAT YOU HAVE BROKEN SOME LAW BUT HAS NOT YET WRITTEN A TICKET---ASK FOR A WARNING (approximately 1 of 4 CHP traffic stops last year ended in a Warning, yet officers will seldom ask if you want one--this is your job!) A safe and courteous traffic stop on your part will vastly improve your odds here.
    EXAMPLE: (SPEEDING VIOLATION) : "Well Officer, though you may think I was going a bit over the posted limit, I always drive safely and I know my speed was SAFE & REASONABLE for conditions---would you please give me a WARNING as a reminder?
    EXAMPLE: (other violations) : "I'm always a safe driver officer, and now that I see that sign (or understand this law) I'll certainly never violate it. Would you please give me a warning as a reminder?"

    STAGE FIVE--IT'S LOOKING BAD--HE WANTS TO WRITE IT

    1. EXCUSE TIME--NEVER BE AFRAID TO GIVE AN HONEST & LEGITIMATE EXCUSE AS TO WHY YOU MAY HAVE BEEN DISTRACTED AND INADVERTENTLY VIOLATED THE LAW
    (I have a friend who was cited for speeding while taking his pregnant (in labor) wife to the hospital. Sound absurd? What's really absurd is that he did not inform the officer of his situation, feeling that it was a "private" matter. Remember though, even an ambulance can not legally drive more than 15 mph over the posted limit. Other "legitimate" excuses for distraction: trying to control children or pets, adjusting child seat, arguing with spouse..etc. Being "in a hurry" for non-emergency reasons is never a good excuse. REMEMBER THAT ANY "EXCUSE" MIGHT BE USED AGAINST YOU IN COURT AS AN IMPLIED ADMISSION OF GUILT.)

    2. QUESTIONING THE EVIDENCE: WITH A BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLE CODE YOU CAN POLITELY ASK THE OFFICER QUESTIONS WHICH MAY PROVE HIS EVIDENCE ILLEGAL IN ITSELF AND UNUSABLE IN COURT.
    QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK THE POLICE:

    (
    SPEEDING): Motorist: "Officer, how did you determine my speed?"
    Officer: "I paced you."
    Motorist reply: "Fine. When was your speedometer last calibrated? May I see proof of calibration?"

    OR

    Officer: "I used radar."(MOST TICKETS OFF FREEWAY ARE RADAR)
    Motorist: "Fine. May I see your tuning fork and calibration record?"(Many radars are calibrated with a tuning fork.)
    Officer: "Here they are." (Note: officer not legally required to show you the radar reading itself, but feel free to ask.)

    OR

    Motorist: "When was the required TRAFFIC AND ENGINEERING SURVEY last conducted on this road? Was it conducted within the last seven years? If so, what did it determine the SAFE SPEED on this road to be?
    Officer: "I don't know any of that?"
    Motorist: " Then can I assume this is a SPEED TRAP by definition of VC 40802 and that your "evidence" is illegal by VC40803?"

    If the last question seemed a bit too complex, try this:

    Motorist: "Officer, how long have you guys had this Speed Trap set up?"
    Officer: "'Bout half an hour."(though any answer not categorically denying that he is conducting a Speed Trap might work.)
    Motorist: Thanks for that information, officer. Are you aware that Speed Traps (VC 40802) and Speed Trap Evidence (VC 40803) are illegal?"
    Officer: "You got me there. You're free to go." (Yes, this might occur.)

    (other citations): Ask him about his ticket "quota" indirectly:

    Motorist: "Officer, are you permitted to give me a warning or are you required to only write citations today?
    Officer: "They sent me here to write tickets, not to give warnings."
    Motorist: "I thought you were here to promote traffic safety; what you described sounds like a quota." (quota's are illegal: VC 41602)
    (Officers can always write a warning for a 1 point infraction, so if he tells you he can't, he's indirectly admitting to some sort of directed quota.)


    STAGE SIX--ONE LAST CHANCE BEFORE HE WRITES CITATION

    PLACE TO APPEAR (VC 40502b): "Upon demand" cited person may have his ticket adjudicated (tried) at the county seat of the county he is cited in if the county seat court is closer to his home or work than the court closest to his place of "arrest". For example, if you are stopped in either North County, South Bay, Escondido, or El Cajon judicial districts, demand that your case be heard at the county seat court, San Diego Superior Court in Clairmont, as is your right in accordance with VC 40502b before the officer writes your ticket. Most officers serving in these outlying districts do not like to travel all the way to Clairemont and will often write you a warning when you demand this right.

    IF OFFICER REFUSES: Write on the signature line of citation: "I demand my legal right to appear at county seat (VC 40502b)." Then sign and smile at the officer. This will enable you to prove, in court, that you did demand to appear at the county seat court, at the traffic stop, and thereby guarantee your right to appear at the county seat.
    Jesse Sez: If you're ever in a midget-tossing contest, always go for the happy midget. It is definitely much harder to toss them when they're unhappy

  2. #2

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Push come to shove if you get real desperate and don't want a ticket pick your nose in front of the cop and try to pull out a big booger. He'll get disgusted. Worked twice for me
    Jesse Sez: If you're ever in a midget-tossing contest, always go for the happy midget. It is definitely much harder to toss them when they're unhappy

  3. #3

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    WTF to the above????????????????

  4. #4

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Quote Originally Posted by speedracer2169
    Push come to shove if you get real desperate and don't want a ticket pick your nose in front of the cop and try to pull out a big booger. He'll get disgusted. Worked twice for me
    LOL...why dont you play with yourself while you're at it.

  5. #5

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    seriously the cop will be so disgusted that he wont give his pen to sign the ticket so he'll just give you a warning
    Jesse Sez: If you're ever in a midget-tossing contest, always go for the happy midget. It is definitely much harder to toss them when they're unhappy

  6. #6

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Lol ... He is right about that.

    And just a +1, remember, laser doesn't need to be calibrated. I know you didn't say it needed to be, and I've read this whole thing before, it is good advice.
    [email protected]<br />[quote author=tabio42 link=topic=33309.msg6898185#msg6898185 date=1165510353]<br />[quote author=909Evo link=topic=33309.msg6897860#msg6897860 date=1165465766]<br />Lol cmon bro, you haven&#039;t figured out what I do for a living?<br />[/quote]<br />From the looks of your avatar I would say underwear model. Or Motorcycle model. Or a combination of the two :)<br />[/quote]

  7. #7

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Thats disgusting! I wouldn't want him to use my pen either!
    05&#039; Silver MR<br />Magnaflow Ti 80mm Catback<br />HKS RS intake<br />Apexi SAFCII <br />Apexi Turbo timer<br />Dejon Tool MBC<br />Walboro fuel pump<br />Denso 720cc injectors<br /><br />http://www.nitrodynesystems.com

  8. #8

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    for me, i just give them my Military ID, BSing about IRAQ and the best Doughnuts for about 5-10 minutes and i will be on my way
    <br /><br />[size=10pt]Tuning, Installation, Services/maintenance[/size]<br /><br />[quote author=wj4 link=topic=2189.msg6822683#msg6822683 date=1156809182]<br />yes charlie will drive your car as if he was playing it on gran turismo 4. but there is no restart button.[/quote]<br />[quote author=robi link=topic=33026.msg6896425#msg6896425 date=1165355690]<br /> racing is about WHO shows up.........not who talks later.<br />[/quote]

  9. #9

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Thanx for the post...I sent it to everyone in my family & close friends...

  10. #10

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Quote Originally Posted by C-Spec
    for me, i just give them my Military ID, BSing about IRAQ and the best Doughnuts for about 5-10 minutes and i will be on my way
    used to do that....until i was issued my purple heart license plate from the great state of CA...now they just come up and ask me about my deployment..and then 'mention' that my exhaust is not legal...

    then its on my way....no tickets....
    Espelir JGT500 Exhaust, Defi HUD VSD Concept, Tein Type Flex w/ EDFC, Defi D-Gauge Boost and Oil Temp, Ralliart Radiator Shroud, Greddy V-spec FMIC, Random Technologies HFC, Buddy Club 264/272 Cams, ARP Head Studs, HKS RS Intake, Work VS-SS Wheels<br /><br />Need money for a new turbo?* Ready for your track suspension?* New baby on the way?* Ask me how I can help you finance any of those things.* Email me at [email protected]

  11. #11
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    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    samething here about the military i.d. .... one time i didnt even have my license and gave him the i.d. .... he let me roll 2min later... no ticket or warning

  12. #12

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    i need this county seat thing cleared up a bit more

    so if i get pulled over in tustin* orange county* and i live on rancho cucamonga *san bernardino* and i state i want this couty seat thing will the cop have to go to court in the san bernardino county seat? or will i have to go to the orange county seat which is is santa ana?
    admire the stevo8<br /><br />heres one for my dead homies!!!<br /><br /><br />MODS!- K&amp;amp;N drop in, APS BOV, Dejon Tool MBC, Walbro 255 fuel pump, Tuning Tech LICP, WOT 65mm Throttle body/intake mani, HKS mivec cams 272, turbo back exhaust, secret JDM soy sause, and Alfred tuned!!! oh ya and cracked windshield

  13. #13

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    all the cops in my area know me and HATE me so doesnt really matter wat i do however i've gotten off like three times outta 10 i just got on the fone with my lawyer and that scared them away :)
    [size=1pt]Mitsumaster Techs<br />2003 Evolution VIII<br />Mods:<br />My car is DRUNK 24/7 :)<br />^ 1200cc of Alcohol Injection<br />Dr. Gray Tune!<br />Custom 3&amp;quot; DP with QTP cut out<br />Invidia O2 Housing<br />HKS RS Intake with K&amp;amp;N filter<br />Perrin MBC<br />HKS 272 i/e Cams<br />Stiffy Torque Dampener<br />TRE Stage 2 Tranny with cryo, shot peen, gearing<br />RC Engineering 750cc Injectors<br />Whineburro 255 lph fuel pump<br />ARP Headstuds<br />Race Ported Head<br />Polished Combustion Chambers<br />Port Matched Intake Manifold<br />Ported Exhaust Manifold<br />GReddy Counter weight shift knob<br />JDM C-West Full Body Kit- gone<br />Stock evo VIII front bumper<br />CF Canards<br />APR Splitter<br />JDM IX Rear Bumper<br />Seibon OEM-Style Carbon Fiber Hood<br />Stage One Weight Reduction<br />Project Mu B-Force Brake Pads<br />1st Gen DSM BOV Recirculating<br />Dejon Tool UPIC<br />Speed Source Shifter Bushings<br />B&amp;amp;M Short Shifter<br />ACT HD SS Clutch[/size]

  14. #14

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    speedracer2169...In your experience, what is the most effective booger repulsion technique?Â* Should you roll it around on your fingertips, or stretch a gooey booger between your thumb and forefinger?Â* Or, do you have another preferred methodology for extracting and handling boogers during an unplanned meeting with a law enforcement officer?

  15. #15

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    lol

  16. #16

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Quote Originally Posted by cky_bam_marg
    i need this county seat thing cleared up a bit more

    so if i get pulled over in tustin* orange county* and i live on rancho cucamonga *san bernardino* and i state i want this couty seat thing will the cop have to go to court in the san bernardino county seat? or will i have to go to the orange county seat which is is santa ana?
    yea , im not very clear on the county seat thing... i thought they made u go wherever you got your ticket. i didnt know you could change the place.

  17. #17

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Excellent advice! Learn something new every day.
    Hmmm.. So if I never mod/ track my Evo, I shouldnt own it? Well, my reasons for an Evo purchase dont have to match yours.<br /><br />-Chirico<br /><br />Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and Im not sure about the former. <br /><br />-Einstein

  18. #18

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    Started doing a little research on this...

    You may want to reconsider asking all that sh*t. (from the mouths of cops):

    http://forums.officer.com/forums/arc...p/t-39452.html

    See my post below

  19. #19

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    It has been my observation/experience, that most if not all peace officers, L.A and sourrounding counties. will simply ask for you for you DL, Veh. Reg. and proff of insurance, walk back to their patrol car and then after some time, come back and give you your citation.

  20. #20

    Re: What To Do When you get pulled over (can we sticky this please)

    I like to keep a digital recorder in my car. When ever i get pulled over, I pull out the tape recorder and place it on my dash next to my keys. I inform the officer that i am recording our conversation after they ask me if i know why i have been stopped.
    [move][/move]

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