To Our LEO Forum Members

[st11ray]

What is the best excuse you have gotten for a speeding ticket and did you let the "perp" off because of it?

[Diggers1300]

Hmmmm.


Trying to get some ideas? :D

[dbst1300]

One of the troopers assigned with me to work an air-speed detail stopped a high ranking Air Force officer who stated he was driving so fast (somewhere around 100mph) because he had a "promise" and and an "erection" and was enroute to take care of both. He was cited and delayed by the arresting trooper about ten minutes.

I worked at a Honda motorcycle dealership for four years while I was in college. Shortly after I joined the Illinois State Police. While back in my home area for some days off, I rode the new 1979 Honda CBX...courtesy of the shop I worked at. Upon my return to duty in the Chicago area, I paced a bike at over 110 mph, stopped him, and found it to be a new CBX just like I had ridden two days earlier. The driver did not have his driver's license on his person and I placed him in my car to chat and obtain his driver's information. This was thirty years ago and we made small talk about how his new bike ran. He was reluctant to say or admit anything. I closed the conversation by saying how cool the bike was and how I had just ridden one just like his for a day................I said see ya, slow down a little, and we parted without a warning or citation. He is probably still telling the same story!

Similar story............stopped a 1969-1970 Plymouth Superbird at 400am in the morning on a deserted stretch of highway at over 100mph. He thought he was had..............we talked, BSed , and looked the car over for 20-30 minutes and then we parted without a ticket or warning.........

Since I am a life long bike rider...........OBLIVIOUS drivers always ticked me off and were often cited.

Dennis

[agia]

Best excuse: Somebody shot a gun at him (a passenger was struck in the arm). Not cited (of course!)

Worst excuse I can remember at the moment: Slowing down is bad for my brakes. Driver cited.

I had a M/C rider paced at 105 mph on I-15 on a CB1000. Rider confessed & let go with a warning.

[snowmoer]

I was on a midnight to 8 am shift. It was about 6:30 am. on a warm summer morning and a small convertible two seater goes by 65 in a 45 with the top down. Pulled the car over and it was a man of the cloth dressed in black with the white collar! He said he was out to get his thoughts together before church. I told him I should be giving him a ticket, but just could not do it. He said he was fine with a ticket as he was in the wrong. I still let him go with a warning.
:)

[hawkeyeST]

Here's one NOT to use.

"If you knew how to drive, it wouldn't have taken you so long to catch me."

:)

[st1300r]

Or
"Can we make this quick, I'm trying to make last call"

[Ray]

When I was working narcotic interdiction in North East Texas I stopped a young lady for doing 90MPH in a 50MPH Speed Zone. I asked if she had an emergency she was responding to and she said that she "had to take a crap real bad" and that she was just trying to get to the next gas station. I then had to ask her why she did not stop at the three gas stations that she had just passed. She could not explain why so I wrote a ticket and then let her go. I then followed behind a bit to make sure she wasn't telling the truth. Of course she drove by the next two gas stations and a Walmart Supercenter and proceeded to drive out of town. :hotpepper
I think one of the worst excuses I have heard of was when a trooper stopped a sports car for over 100MPH. When asked why he was driving so fast the driver responded "Can't you see? I just washed my car and I am trying to dry it before it starts to spot." :shock: Guess what he got.

[st11ray]

Well, my "phishing" isn't producing the "catches" that I thought. I guess you guys don't want to give me something that I might be able to use. I guess I better slow down!
One that a friend of mine used that did not work was, " Sir did you realize that you were going 82mph"? Well Officer, you were too!

[DaBear]

My fave: "Whydj'a stop ME, officer? Was Dunkin' Donuts closed?"

Back in nineteen seventy-eight, my brand new KZ1000 wasn't fast enough (!), so I installed an American Turbo-Pak turbocharger on it. At two in the morning on northbound I65 on a twenty mile straight stretch with no on/off ramps, I got that puppy up to 138 -- and the front end started to shake, and threaten a tankslapper.

I eeeeaaaaaased off the throttle, and got it down to rational speed, and then pulled off and stopped. I was shaking so badly that I had trouble removing the seat cover from my clenched butt.

About then, an Indiana State trooper pulled in behind me and told me that he had radared me at 135. I just nodded, still shivering and damn near crying with grateful relief for having gotten stopped in one piece.

He studied me for a minute or so, and then told me to get into his car -- in the front. He talked to me for about ten minutes, until I was rational again, and let me off. He said that the scare seemed more intense than any ticket or judge's lecture.

I still remember that trooper, and may he live a thousand years, and people the Midwest with his offspring.

[st1300r]

My best luck seems to be being respectful, direct and honest.
Yes sir. No sir. works well. Admitting you know or don't know the reason for the stop. Humor from the get go depends on the mood of the LEO. I figure they have heard far better, and worse, than I can come up with.

5 minutes ago they may have dealt with someone speeding, crossing white line, while talking on the cell phone and tossing a smoke out the window, then rolling their eyes and acting annoyed that they got pulled over. A joke is going to make you just another clown after that.

Last stop was in a construction zone.
Admitted I didn't know the reason for the stop. Clocked me at 55 in a 50.
Asked him if he was sure he got a lock on me. I wasn't looking at my speedo but I know I was in the right hand lane and in between 2 cages. Looked him directly in the eye and didn't blink. Not a sales job but simply how I saw it.
If my attitude said 55 in a 50 what's the big deal and I'm late for work, you know what's going to happen.

Result Warning

Time before that "You were doing 67 in a 55"
"Doh! Sorry about that just came from 70mph territory". Truck was all loaded up with camping gear and ended up talking about vacation etc.

Result Slow down have a nice day.

I think it helps when you're a little older, wearing gear and don't come off as a squid. Passing on the right on a busa in a t shirt exercising you right to not wear a helmet and you are asking for it. LEO knows a performance award is the only way to get the point across.

[agia]

Well, my "phishing" isn't producing the "catches" that I thought. I guess you guys don't want to give me something that I might be able to use. I guess I better slow down!
One that a friend of mine used that did not work was, " Sir did you realize that you were going 82mph"? Well Officer, you were too!

There is no universal phrase. You might do better with a patrol LEO vs. a traffic LEO. Motor officers -- forget it...

I've heard your friend's phrase above many times... Yes, sometimes we must speed, roll through stop signs & red lights to effectively catch violators.

[STScott]

No one phrase works for me...If you are polite, have a valid DL, good insurance, and a fairly clean driving history you are driving away from a stop made by me with a verbal warning.

No DL and no insurance? You're not getting any tickets....you're going to jail and I'm impounding your car.

I don't write many tickets.

[thesmithiz]

I can't believe nobody came up with my favorite....."well you see officer my wife just left me 2 weeks ago for a cop and I was afraid it was you and you were chasing me to give her back..................."

[DAVE LEE]

Someone mentioned the age thing and I think that helps. I'm in my sixties and ride aggressively. One early morning I was tooling along outside of Greenville, Maine and got pulled over by a townie for 67 in a 45. I took off my helmet and gave him my paperwork and he noted my age and asked how long I've been riding and had I ever had a bike accident. Told him I'd been riding 45+ years and have not YET had an oops. He asked me if I would slow down if he gave me a ticket and I honestly told him not really but at least until I got out of town. He said thats what he thought I'd say. He said watch out for the moosies and have a nice day......

[st1300r]

While we're on the topic for the LEOs out there.
What effect does presenting a State Police Benevolent Associating card along with your lic/reg/ins have ?

NJ worded "bearer of this safety card has been cited as a safe and curteous driver...."

[thumperjdm]

Stopped a lady who was driving a mid-eighties American-made car, which was built in the day of the "double nickel" speed limit, and speedometers that ended at 85mph.

When I told her I had her at 97mph on radar, she repeatedly pointed to her speedometer, and argued her car won't go more than 85!

My attempts at explaining the difference between the car's capabilities, and the speedometer max reading fell on deaf ears. Unfortunately for her, a few weeks later the judge's explanation, and ruling, sunk-in better...


And my philosophy is the same as STScott's.

[STScott]

While we're on the topic for the LEOs out there.
What effect does presenting a State Police Benevolent Associating card along with your lic/reg/ins have ?

NJ worded "bearer of this safety card has been cited as a safe and curteous driver...."

In Texas....none.

[Mark]

In my case being respectful and honest has resulted in garnering a ticket every time I have been stopped in the last 40 years of riding and driving.

I still plan on being honest and respectful the next time to... doubt that I'll get a warning though... :)

Mark

[John Anthony]

... About then, an Indiana State trooper pulled in behind me and told me that he had radared me at 135. I just nodded, still shivering and damn near crying with grateful relief for having gotten stopped in one piece.

He studied me for a minute or so, and then told me to get into his car -- in the front. He talked to me for about ten minutes, until I was rational again, and let me off. He said that the scare seemed more intense than any ticket or judge's lecture.

I still remember that trooper, and may he live a thousand years, and people the Midwest with his offspring.

Man, I love stories like this. From a citizen's perspective, I think this is at the heart of good law enforcement. Definitely one of those teachable moments.

John

[spotz]

"No DL and no insurance? You're not getting any tickets....you're going to jail and I'm impounding your car"

Scott
this should be the way it works, and keep em there

[George]

What has worked for me the last _three_ stops is, "...would it make any difference if I mentioned that my son is a LEO in Warrenville, IL?"

Otherwise, respectful, actually _ask_ for a break, be friendly and _smile!_

AZ CHP responded, "It wouldn't make any difference if _you_ were a Leo!" with a strong scowl. Still just wrote me a warning, for 65 in a 45. :D

Turns out the CHP were on heavy patrol in the area due to a major chopper/cruiser show in Cottonwood. They were looking for any excuse for a stop to check VINs, recover stolen goods. Lucky break for me.

[Viggo]

I periodically get calls from basically a telemarketing firm looking for donations to the Police Benevolent Fund (or something like that). I've always declined since I doubt that very much of the money ever goes to the Benevolent fund.

The last time they called was just before a meeting we (my Masonic Lodge) had scheduled with the local Police Chief. We were working on sponsoring a stress management/reduction seminar for the town cops. Anyway, I asked him about that telemarketing campaign and he was very non-commital about the whole thing. It seemed he did not want to bad-mouth them in any way but sure couldn't come up with a ringing endorsement either. The upshot was that he gave me the name of the officer currently overseeing their local fund so I could make a direct contribution, if I so desired. That's what I did. Of course, I didn't get any silly card to carry around to flash at LEOs but I am pretty sure they're worthless anyway.

Respect and honesty have worked for me. I haven't gotten a ticket in over 20 years (got more than my share when I was young and stupid but that's another story). On the other hand, I've only been pulled over 3 or 4 times in that 20 years. I think a lot of LEOs give you credit for being aware enough to slow down right away if it's just a matter of being well over the speed limit as long as you're not weaving through traffic, tailgating, or doing something else dumb.

[STScott]

"No DL and no insurance? You're not getting any tickets....you're going to jail and I'm impounding your car"

Scott
this should be the way it works, and keep em there

You would be surprised...then again maybe not..how many of those cars get auctioned instead of the owner's claiming them.

Fortunately this is a philosophy wholeheartedly endorsed by my PD from the top to the bottom.

[STScott]

I periodically get calls from basically a telemarketing firm looking for donations to the Police Benevolent Fund (or something like that). I've always declined since I doubt that very much of the money ever goes to the Benevolent fund.

The last time they called was just before a meeting we (my Masonic Lodge) had scheduled with the local Police Chief. We were working on sponsoring a stress management/reduction seminar for the town cops. Anyway, I asked him about that telemarketing campaign and he was very non-commital about the whole thing. It seemed he did not want to bad-mouth them in any way but sure couldn't come up with a ringing endorsement either. The upshot was that he gave me the name of the officer currently overseeing their local fund so I could make a direct contribution, if I so desired. That's what I did. Of course, I didn't get any silly card to carry around to flash at LEOs but I am pretty sure they're worthless anyway.

Respect and honesty have worked for me. I haven't gotten a ticket in over 20 years (got more than my share when I was young and stupid but that's another story). On the other hand, I've only been pulled over 3 or 4 times in that 20 years. I think a lot of LEOs give you credit for being aware enough to slow down right away if it's just a matter of being well over the speed limit as long as you're not weaving through traffic, tailgating, or doing something else dumb.

Good call on not giving to the telemarketers....the associations that use them only get about 15 cents on the dollar. You're much better off giving to a fund run by a PD that directly benefits fallen/injured officers and their families.

Our association hired one of those groups once (without talking to the rank and file first)....that lasted about two weeks and we put the kibosh on it quick once we found out about it. One of the brainiacs from the company called my Mom and told her that "if she donated to the association they would send her a sticker that would gaurantee she would never get a ticket in _____ city"

[SupraSabre]

Since my last ticket was in November...of 1975, I haven't run into that many Leo's over the years. But back in '87 I was riding my faired 85 VF700 Sabre (I had had it for maybe a couple of months at the time) A 750 Honda with fairing and saddlebags passed me and a number of cars by busting through at about 70 (Traffic & I were doing about 40). A few miles down the road, I saw a cop following me and when I looked down I was doing about 10 over, but just running the same speed as the cages around me. :o:

I pulled over a lane and so did the cop, so I just pulled off on to the shoulder. When he came up to me I handed him my papers and said that I wasn't the turkey that was busting traffic. He said that he realized that after he pulled me over and just gave me a verbal warning to keep my speed down, which I did for the next mile or two and decided that keeping up with traffic was safer! :D

[helicopper]

I used to work a radar traffic unit. Be honest, be respectful, and maybe a little embarrassed. If you put kids a risk, you're toast. Most days I used to let more go with a warning than I cited, but not always. If you're pulled over in a directed enforcement effort (a specific program to slow speeders in a particular area) your chances go way down.

I've had people apologize to me and say that they are not speeders by nature, and that they promised to be more mindful in the future. That's pretty much what traffic enforcement is about. Reminding people to slow down in order to reduce accidents and save lives. If the LEO is convinced you get that principle, your chances of a warning are better.

All the other factors about age, attitude, sarcasm, and humor, also come into play. Most LEO's become experts at BS detecting and make very quick judgments about people. Their first concern is that you're not a physical threat. Put them at ease by making sure your hands are visible and that you're not reaching into a saddle bag, tank bag, or some pocket that might conceal a weapon. They may look relaxed and matter of fact when they’re approaching you, but any decent LEO is watching you like a hawk to see what you do with your hands. These are skills that are trained and honed over time. (Fight over your gun a couple times and you learn to smile and put someone else at ease, while being poised to react very quickly.)

Once they see you as a non-threat, be respectful. There's no guarantee, but those actions should give you the best chances at a warning, and it's the right thing to do anyway.

[agia]

While we're on the topic for the LEOs out there.
What effect does presenting a State Police Benevolent Associating card along with your lic/reg/ins have ?

NJ worded "bearer of this safety card has been cited as a safe and curteous driver...."

None for me.

[Klackey]

Not an LEO but had a positive run in recently. I was on I5 heading down to the Turbo Toms tech day early in the morning. It was just as the sun was coming over the mountains and cold, cold. I was going over the pass and came to this long sweeping turn down a valley and up the other side. I had a few cars behind me and not a car to be seen ahead so I decided to let the ST fly a little. I took off, zipped around for a few minutes/ miles then I came up over the rise and started to back off of the near 100mph mark. I noticed a set of headlights in my lane coming up FAST. I was still doing 80+ but was afraid to hit the breaks and get hit by him so I slowly rolled off the gas. It was a CHP…….. He stayed behind me for a long time (two miles). I almost just pulled over …. I was nailed! No question about that. He pulled up beside me and gestured for me to slow down. I nodded frantically that I understood. He passed and I found myself still following him at 10 over. Stupid, so after a mile I just pulled over for a short thinking break. I felt very lucky and he taught me a lesson more then a ticket. I can only guess at why he did not nail me but my thought was that I was not driving crazy (high speed yes, but the road is 4 lane, clear, and I was in my lane) or endangering anyone and that as soon as I saw him I slowed down and showed respect. I was very thankful and really watched my speed the rest of the trip.

Actually this was the second time I have been waived to slow down by LEO. The other was last summer in Nebraska on a country road. Came over a slight rise and she was coming at me. She flashed her headlights and as we passed put her hand out and made the down motion. I hit the breaks so she would see I understood. I was about 15 over. I have been lucky on the bikes so far… now in the car……………………..

[snowmoer]

While we're on the topic for the LEOs out there.
What effect does presenting a State Police Benevolent Associating card along with your lic/reg/ins have ?

NJ worded "bearer of this safety card has been cited as a safe and curteous driver...."

When I worked on the NJ/PA line, I saw them all the time. It did not help.

[juddspaintballs]

Last time I got nailed for speeding I was doing 65 in a 40 on New Year's about 12:30 AM. The trooper was heading the opposite direction and I saw him pass so I turned off at the next road which was an alternate route to my house anyways. I made it about a mile down the road and saw headlights back there a ways from me. I figured it was him so I just went ahead and pulled over and shut my engine off. He came up, checked my license and registration out, asked if I had been drinking (nope), gave me a quick sobriety test and then asked why I turned down that road and stopped. I told him I knew he had me so I figured I would go ahead and stop on a safer road for him to pull me over rather than on the busy road with no shoulder. He gave me my license and registration back and told me wished me a Happy New Year. Not five miles down the road he had a tow truck driver in cuffs for what I assume was DUI.

[spd2918]

A guy once told me he was speeding because he had to urinate. Since I saw him pass 5 gas stations, I wrote him the ticket. He pissed himself and called my SGT.

[st1300r]

You didn't sit at the killing fields on 202 Between Hunterdon and Bucks county did you. Wide flat straight no traffic low speed limit. Perfect hunting ground. :)


When I worked on the NJ/PA line, I saw them all the time. It did not help.

[snowmoer]

You didn't sit at the killing fields on 202 Between Hunterdon and Bucks county did you. Wide flat straight no traffic low speed limit. Perfect hunting ground. :)

It was in the Delaware Water Gap NRA, part of the National Park Service. It was Rt. 209 between I 80 and I 84. People would use it as a short cut and wanted to make some time. Sorry, you are in a National Park!

[Ray]

A guy once told me he was speeding because he had to urinate. Since I saw him pass 5 gas stations, I wrote him the ticket. He pissed himself and called my SGT.

I'm sorry but that's funny.:amflag:

[Geoff]

Early spring 1990 Came around the bend on Rte 78 just before the pa border heading west and there was the NJ trooper with instant on..my radar detector went off and I knew I was nailed..I am driving a red 88 mustang GT ..he lights me up and of course I pull over right away..this young kid about 22 leans down and gets my paperwork and says to me.."if you tell me how fast you were going and your right I'll let you go"..wow what a loaded question since I was doing about 90 in a 55..I thought real quick about insurance and the consequences of more than 14 over the limit and said.."I thnk I was doing 69"...well for some reason he didnt agree with that and did say since I had admitted to speeding he was going to write me for the 69 that I confessed to...wrote the ticket came back to the car and presented it and said " have a great day and by the way I got you at 88 on the gun"..a good guy..if only he knew I was doing about 120 two miles before that.;) ;)

[msnyder755]

Im either really lucky or need to drive faster because Ive only been stopped once but that was stupidity on my part and I admitted it and got "have a nice day Mr. Snyder". I have had the lights on hand out the window slow down motion a couple of times but really never had to "come up with an excuse" for my actions.

[tnman]

Everyone wants the 100% sure "catch all" excuse. I can tell you that there is not one unless you are willing to bleed or something for a medical excuse and even then you would have to be in the right area and headed in the right direction. Also what works for one officer may guarantee you a ticket with another officer. Some let you go for crying, some write anyway, it’s all a case by case and everyone is different.

Most of the excuses or reasons that I have let people off for are very situational. A good laugh is hard to write, but to be honest I see more people fail at this than succeed. The speed you are travelling some times has a lot to do with it as many officers will stop for slower speeds as P/C to check out other things, so that person comes up with a lame excuse and thinks it worked when really they were not going to get a ticket anyway. On the other hand, running your mouth and making statements that will not be well received by the officer is pretty much a sure way to guarantee written documentation of what you were doing wrong. This is the same mentality of walking in to a car dealership with cash in hand, walking up to the sales person, cussing him and telling him that you pay his salary and you hate all car salesmen and then trying to get the best possible deal on the car you intend to purchase.

At the end of the day, law enforcement are "average Joes" with families just like everyone else, the career is a little more involved but at the end of the day it is a job that we chose to provide for us and our loved ones. We go to work with the desire to go home at the end of the day and for many of us pulling people over when they do things wrong is a part of the job, and yes, that also includes writing tickets. You do not like to be treated badly at work by your co-workers or customers (if you have to deal with the public) and neither do we. I have been called every name in the book, threatened with everything all the way to having a largest gauge catheter stuck in my *$()#. At the end of the day I go home and get paid for doing what I love, the people that get all worked up over a ticket for doing something wrong probably end up on a couch talking to a shrink.

[sandy]

Ok guys........My beST STop was going thru Az on the way to WeeeSTOC in Ashland,Or.....no ticket tho
Was doing 95 in a 35 when I got pulled over.
juST happened to have a bag of ice taped to my cheST area (before I got cooling veST)
I tend to wear "muscle" type t-shirts in the summer under my gear.
After I pulled my helmet and the 2 young cops realized I was female....I then took my jacket off and held it above my head for shade.
Got talked to for 45 minutes...then they followed me for 10 miles at 35 mph !
dang...got nailed again 2 weeks later but got that ticket

[Mark]

Tnman,

I note that on some forums it is always "why wasn't that policeman (obviously not verbatim!) out catching criminals".

I think we all know you guys are doing your jobs and hope that we are never the ones to give you grief.

Mark
P.S.
I still think riding an ST for work Rocks(!) too! :D

[agia]

...I note that on some forums it is always "why wasn't that policeman (obviously not verbatim!) out catching criminals"...

I love this one. Hear it all the time. This is where I would explain that my department has deputies assigned to patrol functions. Amongst their many duties, one of them is to "catch criminals". Also on our department is a traffic component. Their function is to enforce traffic laws, investigate collisions, etc. Sometimes traffic deputies catch criminals. Sometimes patrol deputies write tickets but statistically, each group more or less sticks to their assignment.

Furthermore, I would assert to the complainant that the department has a strong belief that criminals are known to operate motor vehicles. (At this point, the complainant is now bracing themselves because they can see where this is going :D ) Sometimes I would be countered with, "Do I look like a criminal to you?", and I would answer "Yes". I would go on to say that in my 20+ years in this business, I learned that "criminals" look like everyone else: you, me, and whoever -- not the image Hollywood portrays. When a deputy makes a traffic stop, they often do not know who they are stopping. It could in fact be a criminal until they believe otherwise.

I would then conclude the conversation with the fact that our traffic deputies are a contracted service paid for by the city they were cited in (CHP handles our unincorporated areas). In the contract city I last worked in, the citizens were always demanding traffic enforcement in their neighborhoods or near their businesses. To that end, my department was honoring their request for traffic enforcement. Sometimes, traffic deputies would be assigned to the area or the radar trailer (which always gives warnings and never writes tickets) would be used.

If the complainant was still listening at this point, they often left with a better understanding of our job. Most seemed to get it at this point.

[iride]

How about this one,,,, LEO, Do you know why I stopped you??
Bike rider,, No sir If you don't know why you stopped me I dam sure don't!!!!
Its cute, but I don't think it would work......

[squirrel Hunter]

A number of years ago there was a book with LEO's best heard excuses, my favorite was the one, as the officer approached the driver's side door the driver flipped open his wallet with one hand and spoken in to it....Quick Scotty beem me up!

[George]

"Do you know how fast you were going?"

"Your'e the one with the calibrated speedo, you tell me!"

Prolly won't work. :D

Also,

"Had to be below the posted speed as I'm a law-abiding citizen"...

...prolly wont' work either. :D

[Bones]

I think it pays to be honest, if not specific.

"Do you know how fast you were going?"

"Probably faster than I'm supposed to, otherwise you wouldn't have stopped me."

[st1300r]

off another board

I was driving along one day minding what I thought was my own business, and kind of daydreaming. I must have gone a little faster than I should have and was pulled over and stopped by a state police officer. My husband is a former police officer and told me how he always let someone go if they could tell him a reason for speeding that he hadn't heard before. I knew I had to think quick because he was now approaching my door. He advised me that the reason he was stopping me was I had exceeded the posted limit by 15 miles over. I looked him in the eye and asked him sternly "Do you have any idea what I did to the last cop who stopped me for speeding?" He looked a little shocked and began feeling more cautious. I said, "I married him." I believe he is still laughing

[bluedragon]

Some very funny stories here. I like the one about returning the wife and marrying the last cop that stopped you. But, like was posted earlier, if you are stopped by a motorcop you better be warming up your hand cuz you are going to be signing your name. However, honesty, respect and being nice always works with me and will sometimes result in a warning cite (we both win, you don't get a real ticket and I get a stat), but the 'ol late for work excuse or needing to go to the bathroom will always win you a ticket.

That being said, I recently stopped a nice older guy. He pulled in front of me on my motor with like 70 feet between us and then instead of accelerating, he continued at about 15mph in a 40 zone (stirke 1). I was on my way to lunch and was prolly going 45ish. I suspected he might pull in front of me so I had begun to slow and prepare for his turn. I slowed down behind him and lit him up and instead of pulling to the right, he changed lanes to the left, came to the nearest cross street, waited for oncoming traffic and then made a left turn (strike 2) and stopped.

He said he thought I was in the other lane when he pulled out. When asked why he yielded to the left instead of the right, he said he thought it would be safer. After I explained how wrong he was he told me he was a retired fire captain (strike 3). Needless to say, he got a cite.

[Diggers1300]

Be honest. Be polite. Be honest.

I was tired of following this long line of traffic that was traveling at 5 below the posted 65 on a two-lane highway. Came to a long (we're talking miles) straight stretch (I think it was an old railroad right of way) and decided to twist it.

I noticed a dark blue sedan as I passed him on the left and thought to myself that it looked like an unmarked.:cool:

Sure enough! About five miles later I was systematically blocked in by 5 of Wood County's finest. Guess they were preparing for me to run. The one behind me lit me up and I pulled over. Deputy said they had a report of a BMW travelling at a high rate of speed. I told him that I was travelling about 8 over then remembered passing that long line of cars. I admitted that I did speed to pass all those cars 'cause I was tired of riding 60 in a 65. About then the blue unmarked out of jurisdiction LEO pulled up and verified my story to the deputy. I heard the deputy say "That's not a BMW and we clocked him at 67". (the speedo error is great!) I was told that speeding even to pass is against the law and to have a nice day.

Now you be the judge as to why I got off. I was on my way to Chuck's in Wichita Falls for a CruiseSTOC. He says its the "geezer factor" (not a squid). :D

Oh yeah not about speeding but a stop sign. I was pulled for rolling through a four way stop in a neighborhood. Came up to the sign and rolled through it to the right. Going straight or turning left leads to a dead end :confused: so no one stops at it.

LEO: Didn't you see the stop sign back there?

Me: Yes Sir. It was you I didn't see!

LEO: (Busting a gut) Have a nice day!

:D

[Byron]

Hey bluedragon, only a ticket and no request for re-examination of his ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in California? :)

[tnman]

Had a funny one today... Stopped a guy for having an expired inspection sticker on his Benz. I asked him if he was aware that it was expired and he replied " yes, but this thing is about to get repo'ed" I write him the ticket and I ask him his occupation ..... Loan Officer. I had to laugh!

[George]

Here's a coincidental article (http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/02/06/cops.stop.cause/index.html) I just came across, retired NV CHP

[bluedragon]

Hey bluedragon, only a ticket and no request for re-examination of his ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in California? :)

Well, yeah, there was a re-exam too, but didn't want to seem like an @$$hole.

[BridgeMan]

To all LEO's reading this thread:

You guys have my highest respect for the jobs you do. And it's a job that I wouldn't do for any amount of $$$--just too many crazies out there wanting to drastically shorten one's life. When I get pulled over for speeding, it's because I probably deserve it, so you won't hear me sniveling, crying or lying. Not like one of my old girlfriends, who liked to drive very fast but boasted about never getting tickets--she would start undoing her top blouse buttons as soon as she saw the lights in her mirrors, and said the few times that didn't work, she'd start crying real tears and it was all over, with most officers begging her to stop crying and wishing her a good day, never writing her up.

[dmilb45]

One day going to work as i was the only one on the road toped a rise and there was a Highway Patrol. before he could turn on his lighs i as pulling over.
He ask me why i was going so fast.I told him the truth had head up my a**
and listing to music as i was headed to work he gave me a warning.

[BendBill]

**hijack for humor break**

officer to ST rider: "I've been waiting for you all day."

ST rider: " I got here as fast as I could."

------------------------------------------------------------

officer to fast ST rider: "Do you know how fast you were going?"

fast ST rider: " No sir, I was too scared to look." ;)

[ST Dan]

stopped a car for speeding (30 over) a while back....walk up to the car and see a younger guy in the backseat holding a watch. there was a woman with a rather large belly sitting next to him and an older couple in the front...

me-going to the hospital sir?
him-yes sir!
me-bye!!

[Mark]

stopped a car for speeding (30 over) a while back....walk up to the car and see a younger guy in the backseat holding a watch. there was a woman with a rather large belly sitting next to him and an older couple in the front...

me-going to the hospital sir?
him-yes sir!
me-bye!!

:bow1: :bow1: :bow1:

Short, sweet, to the point...
:D

Mark

[Byron]

Well, yeah, there was a re-exam too, but didn't want to seem like an @$.

You're among friends here, you can let it all hang out. Unless you try and post a picture of it, right Fred! :crackup

[spd2918]

Not like one of my old girlfriends, who liked to drive very fast but boasted about never getting tickets--she would start undoing her top blouse buttons as soon as she saw the lights in her mirrors,

I see this now and then. I still write the ticket and am tempted to say "Thanks for the show", but that would be wrong.

[NCrider]

I just want to thank all the LEO's for a hard job well done, I've always respected the job and the people that do it.

As for tickets, I've had more than my share. I think it's my tendency to drive sports cars, love them. Never had one on a bike though.

I'm always honest and respectful......except maybe this one time:

I was in an MR-2, turning left at a busy intersection, girl friend in the car with me.
Car in front of me, car behind me, red light at the next intersection(less than 100yds away).
Policeman pulls from a drive on my right and blue lights me...?
I turn right at the light and pull over in a safe spot.

Two policemen(city) get out.
The first comes to my window and ask for my papers.
I give and ask him why he pulled me over.

He says "It looked like you were going to speed."
Honestly, that is what he said to me.
I just said, "Where was I going to speed to? There's a car in front of me and the light is red"

I lost it, made me mad, not sure why just rubbed me way wrong, I didn't say anything else.

He walks back to his car and his partner walks up and asks me if I was wearing my seatbelt.
Then I said something uncool and I shouldn't have.
"I took it off to give the other idiot my license and registration!!!!"

I think he was a bit surprised.

They let me go with a verbal warning, for what I'm not sure. Sure glad I had a witness in the car with me.

[kindofblue]

Hi Officers,
Is there any truth to the often cited idea that if you keep your speed under 10 over the limit that your chances of getting a ticket are slim? I'm referring here to non-urban highways and bi-ways. The reason I ask is that here in NM most rural drivers seem to do this. if one rode the speed limit you'd get run over ;-).

[George]

Doc, can't speak for everyone and everywhere, but...

the new mobile speed cameras in Arizona are supposedly set for 11 over.

[Ray]

Hi Officers,
Is there any truth to the often cited idea that if you keep your speed under 10 over the limit that your chances of getting a ticket are slim? I'm referring here to non-urban highways and bi-ways. ;-).

I think it depends on where you are at and the department. Here in Texas the Highway Patrol have a policy that says if someone is speeding 5 over it is optional to write a ticket but if they are doing 6 MPH or more over then they are suppose to write the ticket. That is why at times if you ask how fast you were doing they comment that you were driving a little fast. All of their traffic stops are recorded.:04biker:

[Phillyrube]

I usually cut them loose if they tell me the truth, like their actual speed, or the light was really red.

Was working radar one day on a long stretch of road that runs through a state park. I'm watching some cars coming towards me, about a mile off, and I see a headlight weaving through the pack, the radar pops at 101, and a kawa rice rocker blasts past me. Heck, I spill coffee all over myself and go after the guy. I have to go through a curve in the road and there the guy sits on the side. I pull up, and ask him why he stopped, he could have hid or kept going and I could never have caught him. Guy just shrugged and said he knew i was just doing my job and he knew he was speeding. He got a warning.

Just don't use that line, "gee Sarge, you look like the guy in the picture on my girlfriend's night stand....."

[thumperjdm]

Hi Officers,
Is there any truth to the often cited idea that if you keep your speed under 10 over the limit that your chances of getting a ticket are slim? I'm referring here to non-urban highways and bi-ways. The reason I ask is that here in NM most rural drivers seem to do this. if one rode the speed limit you'd get run over ;-).


Like Ray said, it just depends. He's a motorcop, so your chances might be slimmer with him--but then traffic enforcement is his primary duty.

I'm currently not assigned to traffic, so you'd probably be safe with me. Just don't push your luck--if you see a patrol car tailing you, for goodness sake, slow down to the speed limit until the patrol car is out of sight. Oh, and we hate when you drop behind us in our blind spot, and stay there (you're not invisible, and we didn't forget about you).

I will almost always stop someone who's speeding ahead of me (or passes me!), and then doesn't slow down when it's obvious I'm pacing them.

Just use common sense, and you should be fine.

[Bones]

Just use common sense, and you should be fine.
Fail to use common sense, and you should be fined.

[S2000-Dave]

Here in Denver(Aurora) when I was on patrol, I let 15 over go, cause we are short on cops and we needed to stay on call. Not to say everyone did that, but 15 was usually the cut off. When I worked in TX, 10 over was no big deal, but 12 was. The speeding matrix is a funny thing and its complicated, how many guys called in sick, is it a busy day, is the Sgt on my butt for tickets, it goes on and on. 10 over you should be ok, but then again, theres that speeding matrix thing!haha

[agia]

No magic number for us either. I tend to frown upon speeding on residential streets much more so than open roads. 13-15 over the posted limit always got my attention (my limit was higher than most) but then again, the majority of my time was in patrol -- not traffic. I've been driving a management desk since 2005 so I don't get to play anymore...

[STScott]

Not like one of my old girlfriends, who liked to drive very fast but boasted about never getting tickets--she would start undoing her top blouse buttons as soon as she saw the lights in her mirrors, and said the few times that didn't work, she'd start crying real tears and it was all over, with most officers begging her to stop crying and wishing her a good day, never writing her up.

Ahhh....those women!! When I stop a hot chick who is pulling one of those stunts I write them for as many violations as I can find. I am much more likely to give an ugly chick a break than a hot one....ugly chicks don't get many breaks in life as it is.

[BruceP]

I was seeping along Highway 1 in Alberta in my Van. Was only 15 mph over and got stopped. I told the officer that I had an emergency repair on a CT scanner with a critical patient on the table. The officer did not believe me and radioed in to the hospital. It turned out it was another officer on the table. Lights and siren all the way in and I could hardly keep up. NO TICKET.