[mitchntx]

I am cruising, putting easy miles on my new motor when the DPS trooper I meet hooks a U and lights me up. When I saw him, I knew it was gonna happen ... 2 lane hiway, no traffic ...

I immediately pull over, right tires just off the pavement in some weeds. Gonna make it tough if he wants to look at the exhaust.

He walks up and sees me sitting, hands on the wheel and seat belt still on.

<not exact words, but close enough>

He says,
DPS trooper, sir, do you know why I've pulled you over?

I respond,
Well, I wasn't speeding, no traffic to follow too close to, I know my lights all work because I just replaced a couple of lamps and I had my seat belt on. It must be the front plate that you didn't see.

Him,
Yes, you must display a license plate on the front and rear of the car.

Me,
It's up there, just really low. (I have it attached to the air dam)

He walks about 15' in front of the car and says,
It needs to be visible.

Me,
Standing, 15' in front of the car it isn't visible, I understand. But sitting in your car 50' in front of me, it's perfectly visible.

Him,
But I can't read it.

Me,
Really? You should be able to read 4" tall letters from 50', sir. And you also said visible, not legible.

Him,
I'm just gonna issue you a warning, no violation citation.

Me,
Thanks. I've read very closely that statute with an attorney and it is so loosely written, it can be interpretted many ways.

Him,
It sure can

Me,
And I realize driving a car like this, I'm a target. And anything questionable will give you an excuse to pull me over.

Him,
That is true.

Me,
So when you profiled the car, did you expect an old man to be driving it?

Him,
<silent>

Me,
<silent> (I figured I had pressed my luck far enough)

He asked me a few more qustions about where I was headed and why I needed a roll cage in the car ...

I took the warning, said be carefull and have a nice day and then drove away.

Oh well ... it was 3 minutes out of my life and maybe it will cause him to think a little next time. That makes 4 times in a year. Does anyone else keep a file of the warnings received?

Now, the funny thing is, as I was sitting there and the trooper running my 28/29, an Eclipse w/ the typical coffee can out back came by and revved me and the trooper. I snickered.

I laughed out loud when I saw the Eclipse pulled over about 3 miles down the road. It was hard, but I resisted a rev back at him ....

So, in the grand scheme of things, everything worked out just fine!
:gruffy:

[2000Z-71]

I got pulled over 2 months ago on my way home from work in Paradise Valley. For those of you not familiar with Phoenix, Paradise Valley is the fascist little municipality that came up with the idea of photo radar. So I'm on the side of the road with absolutely no idea why I've been pulled over. The cop walks up to the car, takes a look at me and says, "Oh sorry I thought you were a kid and I was going to write you up for a load exhaust. Sorry about the misunderstanding have a nice day." I was like WTF? I was pissed but kept my mouth shut, no use in opening it and risk getting a ticket. So explain to me how is a Camaro SS with a stock exhaust, even if it is the SLP center mount option loud enough for a ticket and what does a driver's age got to do with anything?

[sgarnett]

The traffic stops don't get REALLY exciting until it's for suspected armed robbery.

It took them quite a while to decide that finding only a large deli cake (I was on my way to a picnic) instead of anything related to a holdup didn't really fit their theory.

Meanwhile, somebody in a car apparently similiar to mine got a LONG head start on their getaway (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I was around 16~17 at the time.

I was also pulled over once specifically for obeying the speed limit. The cop seemed really baffled to find that I was not intoxicated or breaking the law in any way.

[Dewey316]

I try to block out some of my run-ins with the local authorities. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (don't ask what i pay for insurance.)

I have a few very good storys though.

I was pulled over by the same officer 6 times, in 12 days. He wrote me six tickets, including: Speeding 46mph in a 45mph zone. 61 in a 55 (on I-84 through Portland, if you have ever driven this stretch of road, you will understand how stupid that ticket is. i was in the right hand lane, and a tripple trailor was flashing his headlights at me to speed-up.). Luckily the state of Oregon and Multnomah county agreed that this could constitute harrasment, so none of those tickets made it to my record. I beleive the officer is now driving a golf cart, checking parking meters.

My friend and I got pulled over in his Bright Yellow S4, regardless of the fact, that the registration, insurance ect, was all in his name. Which matched the liscense, they did not believe it possible that 2 19year could be in that car, for any reason other than it being stolen. After a trip to jail, and an impounded car, we finaly sorted things out, later that afternoon.

Amazingly enough, I have only been pulled over, and warned once for my front plate though.

[mitchntx]

I was with you when you started that fire (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif) I mean, uh, taught me about putting both feet in

Good ride, good times (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Gotcha ...

I recall your immediate comment to my asking if you were OK was ...

"I was just waiting for us to turn over."

[AllZWay]

Mitch... I gave up fighting the "Law" a long time ago and just put my plate back on.

In an arrest me red Z-28, I was getting stopped all the time. I never got a real ticket...just warnings, but it is still a hassle.

BTW... I was there to witness the grass fire. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[GlennCMC70]

Mitch - tell the one about Officer Bacon! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[pknowles]

i avoid attracting attention to myself by cruising at 65 in a 55 while everyone passes me. i don't care. im in no hurry and i spend way to much time on that road to rush.

I drive the same way, is the extra 5 mph really going to save you that much time? Plus 25 and a red Camaro is prime target for a ticket. I have the front plate on my Camaro, but not on my truck. The truck came from Michigen where I geuss they don't need them.

Some cops are cool some just like to pick on people to make them feel better. When I was 16 and very stupid I got stopped in my 79 Chevy Malibu, grey and red two tone paint with red interior (pimpen) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) . Was speeding in the car with no headlights, no taillights, exhaust fell off and was loud (best sounding 305 I ever had though with the 4v carb not the 2v (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif) ), cracked windshield, half put together Suzuki GS550 motorcycle in the trunk (remember when cars had trunks), and a disassembled 3 speed manual tranny on the passengers seat (on my way to the junk yard to get a new one). Cop was one of the "good ol' boys" and had a southern accent. He walked around the car and siad "Son I could fill my quota on you" then asked for my registration, which I had to use a screw driver to break into the glove box because it was stuck. Needless to say he let me off with just a speeding ticket, which I was very happy with.

[00 SS]

I actually got a ticket for no front plate. I was on a 4 lane highway with next to no traffic. I see a cop following a small brown car very closely comming up the on ramp. I slow down and set the cruise at 73 (70 mph limit). I very slowly drive by the cop and the brown car. The cop pulls out and hits his lights and pulls me over. He actually asked me why I was speeding. I explained that I didn't know I was and had the cruise set at 70. He said he was doing 70 and that I passed him. I told him I knew he used his radar gun because the detector went off as I passed him and asked how fast I was going. He said somewhere between 73 and 75. I said the cruise control must need to be recalibrated. Not being a very technical person, the cop bought it. He then asked why I had no front plate? I said I do, it's right here and I pulled it out from under the passenger seat. He didn't like that. He asked why it wasn't on the front of the car. I told him I didn't get a bracket when I bought it so I never put it on. He gave me a $15 ticket and let me go. I figure I can afford a $15 ticket now and then, so I will not be installing the front plate.

[mitchntx]

Mitch - tell the one about Officer Bacon! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Glenn and I were headed to Witchita Falls, about 2 hours from Ft. Worth, to trade some wheels/tires for a set of heads.

In the middle of nowhere, a trooper pulls me over, again for no front plate. Honest to God ... his name was Bacon ....

I go through basically the same scenario about it being up there, just low.

He interviews me and then Glenn about our little trip. So, I guess he's satisfied that we aren't some chop shop runner.

So, I take the oppurtunity to ask why a front plate is needed?

He responds that when folks drive up to convenience stores with the intent to rob it, w/o a front plate, surveillence cameras don't get the plate number.

We are standing in a ditch in the middle of BFE. I look up and down the hiway as if looking for a convenience store and he says ... "Don't go there." and we both kind of chuckle.

I ask him if he expected an old man to get out of the car and he said no.

I have found that most of the time, they are pretty cool ... if given an oppurtunity.

[GlennCMC70]

you forgot the part about him asking what you do for a living.

[mitchntx]

Sorry ... you must have thought that more memorable than I did.

Please remind ...

[GlennCMC70]

never mind.... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[CMC #37]

I'm going to be very upset if I have to drill holes in the nose of my '97 TA! So far the cops in my locale just smile at me in the way that folks do to one another in cool cars. In Sacramento they are actively looking for ! front plate so I may rig something up on the dashboard. I have one of those kewl 9/11 Memorial plates with the American Flag in the background, it would be nice to display that, just not on the nose! (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[sgarnett]

We don't have front plates in KY. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[kgkern01]

We don't have front plates in KY. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Yes, thank god for that. I think front plates are worthless anyways, I never understood why some states really require them. If a cop is coming at you, he has to turn around and get behind you to pull you over anyways, so whats the point?

Our great state also just got rid of the VET (Vehicle Emissions Testing) program last year also. Stated that it wasn't needed and that industry was the one's causing all of the pollution. Which in Louisville, is true. It wasnt too bad anyways, OBD2 cars weren't even ran through the sniffer, just the computer checked for codes and released on your way. Also, of 4 times testing my 2 LT1 F-bodies I had, not once did they ever know where the EGR was and passed me with "Inaccessible" for EGR.

[beuke23]

I think front plates are worthless anyways, I never understood why some states really require them. 

Here in NYC, they have cameras on some intersections. If you run the red light, you guessed it, you get a free picture of your car. And they want a lot of money for that pretty picture...

[beuke23]

I drive the same way, is the extra 5 mph really going to save you that much time?  Plus 25 and a red Camaro is prime target for a ticket.  I have the front plate on my Camaro, but not on my truck.  The truck came from Michigen where I geuss they don't need them.

Some cops are cool some just like to pick on people to make them feel better.  When I was 16 and very stupid I got stopped in my 79 Chevy Malibu, grey and red two tone paint with red interior (pimpen) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) .  Was speeding in the car with no headlights, no taillights, exhaust fell off and was loud (best sounding 305 I ever had though with the 4v carb not the 2v  (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif) ), cracked windshield, half put together Suzuki GS550 motorcycle in the trunk (remember when cars had trunks), and a disassembled 3 speed manual tranny on the passengers seat (on my way to the junk yard to get a new one).  Cop was one of the "good ol' boys" and had a southern accent.  He walked around the car and siad "Son I could fill my quota on you" then asked for my registration, which I had to use a screw driver to break into the glove box because it was stuck.  Needless to say he let me off with just a speeding ticket, which I was very happy with.

Man oh man, that just brought back memories of my younger days...I'm still chuckling trying to visualize a Malibu full of parts.

And I used to have a red Camaro and a 79 Malibu...so I can relate!

[94bird]

The most surprising ticket I ever got was when I was driving a Mini to work in England on a 4 lane highway (A road). I had my driver's window down and my arm on the door. My left arm was doing the steering. I made a couple of lane changes and was about ready to get off at the next exit when a cop pulled me over. I had no idea why he would have stopped me but he soon explained that it was not legal to drive with one hand. I just naturally thought he was going to give me a warning, but I got a full fledged 20 UKL ticket. Things are obviously different in the UK. They drive so much more "properly" than us. As soon as he heard my American accent he gave me that lecture.

I was about 3 weeks away from moving back to the US and came REALLY close to just telling them to stick it with a letter to the local constabulary on the day I was going to leave, but thought better of it. The sad thing is that was about 8 years ago now and I have never been back. I would have loved mailing that letter . . .

[Jon A]

he soon explained that it was not legal to drive with one hand.

How do they turn on the radio? Do English cars have the cupholders removed? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

As for front plates; photo radar, stoplight cameras, providing a nice reflective target for laser guns, etc. That's all they're good for. I stopped running mine as soon as they told us here they couldn't afford to send us new tabs for them--but the plates were still required. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)


Edit: English!

[rmackintosh]

just traded in the wifes car last night.....lease was up....

AND I JUST FINISHED TAKING OFF THE FRONT PLATE AND THROWING IT AWAY.....

....hope she can cry her way out of any problems....

I HATE FRONT PLATES....

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rant.gif)