perspectivs from UNDER the red lights

[John Fountaine <jfount@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>
>0) own up to your behavior
>
>1) do not lie to the officer/trooper
>   (or pretend you didn't know how fast you were going)
>
>2) do not insult his/her intelligence
>
>3) do not argue with him/her or display signs of an "attitude"
>
>4) do not play dumb
>
>5) do not have a visible radar detector (automatic ticket here. i was stopped
>   yesterday for 75 in a 55 zone while driving my 1 ton ford van; the trooper
>   wanted to know what the black radar detector sized box was on my dash. i
>   explained that it was an electric brake control for towing, and not a
>   detector, and he visibly calmed. i followed my rules, no ticket, just a
>   warning.)
>
>richard

I must concur here, as this is excellent advice. Just let me add that I
hate it when:

1) I ask if they know why I stopped them and they have a confused look on
their face and say, "no".  To use a line from Seinfeld's "soup nazi"
episode, "NO BREAK FOR YOU!"

2) They lie and say they, "weren't speeding, didn't run the light or
stopped at the sign" whatever the case may be, my response is, "then you
aren't paying enough attention to your driving, which is unsafe, so, "NO
BREAK FOR YOU!"

3) Arguments, playing dumb or attitude..."NO BREAK FOR YOU!"

4) Women who cry (think about how many women you know that brag about
getting out of tickets this way)..."NO BREAK FOR YOU!"

5) Sticking your head out the window before I get all the way to the car
and saying, "yeah?" or "is there a problem?" or "can I help you?" I stopped
you and you can be sure I will tell you why I am there and no you can't
help me, I do just fine on my own here so....NO BREAK FOR YOU!

As far as radar detectors in California, they aren't illegal.  A CHiPpie
might question it, but then again traffic is their primary mission. (scary
isn't it?)

Many people think that admiting you were speeding is bad, because it can be
used against you in court.  Believe me nobody cares about it in court.  I
am so pleasantly surprised when someone says they knew why I stopped them
that I let them go with a warning.

*obligatory BMW content to follow*

By the way, I read in the BMWCCA Golden Gate chapter club newsletter that
the CHP is testing some 540i's as a potential interceptor car.  Sounds like
a perfect new career opportunity for me! ;)

John
95 525iA

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