cop question...

Kajun · #1 05-28-2007, 03:58 PM

does a cop need probable cause to pull over someone? or can he pull people over at just cause he wants too?

tsubaki · #2 05-28-2007, 04:11 PM

Depends on what state.
With (or without) certain vehicle requirements, local, state or highway (D.O.T) patrol officers have the authority to pull you over without "probable" cause. Safety inspections, tires almost bald, etc, which will lead to something ticket writeable.

#3 05-28-2007, 05:29 PM

yea, it depends on the state but if the law is probable cause and the officer wants to pull you over then probable cause is easy as he "saw" you swerving from side to side or whatever he wants to say to pull you over. in other words if he wants or decides to pull you over then your *** is as good as pulled over. just my .02 ;D

tsubaki · #4 05-28-2007, 06:49 PM

About 1980, Georgia repealled the safety inspection decals required for all vehicles which were required to get your tag. This meant the officials could now set up road blocks and do insurance and safety checks at any given time and pull over suspect vehicles for most anything. Now with the federal mandate seatbelt laws, it leaves it wide open.
As always smile, cooperate and pay the piddly fine if incurred.

msbhammer · #5 05-28-2007, 11:43 PM

Police need P.C. to pull you over. They can not simply pull you over and then look for violations. Not unless it's a check point.

Not sure if this has to do with the seatbely law, but when observed by a police officer that you are not wearing a seatbelt, it's a violation that was observed ib the officers presence, just like as if you were speeding, a broken tail light, ect, ect. Its all moving violations.

macojoe · #6 05-29-2007, 01:19 AM

In MA they can not pull you over for seat belt, they need a different reason.

And know I never wear mine!!

tsubaki · #7 05-29-2007, 08:56 AM

In GA they can. I got my first ticket in 25 years about 3 weeks ago. It took two weeks to process it so I could pay it. $15 which was not a moving violation, just failure to were safety belt.

tsubaki · #8 05-29-2007, 10:37 AM

And please keep in mind I'm not anti "cop".
Actually I wish policemen were given back the ability to think on their own and make judgement calls on a perticular situation given the cirsumstance.
These days are way behind us now and the real criminals get away with a higher percentage of offences than in the past all in the name protecting our rights (and theirs).

#9 05-29-2007, 12:45 PM

i was going through georgia back in 96 and apparently they had some sort of radar thingy with a camera on the i20. two weeks later i get a letter with a speeding tcket and a pic of my car. i sent them a picture of a hundred dollar bill.

THEFERMANATOR · #10 05-29-2007, 01:25 PM

Did they send you a picture of a prison cell?