Lane Use Ticket in California

[rdtebeau]

I was pulling a cargo trailer behind my bike in the LA/Burbank area on an eight lane interstate. I was in the left most lane (not HOV) to avoid traffic coming onto and exiting the freeway. It was early morning and there was not a lot of traffic on the road. There was no traffic behind me or approaching behind me. A LEO officer pulled me over and ticketed me for riding in the wrong lanes. He said it was against the law to ride in any lanes beside the two most right lanes while towing a trailer. I was unaware of this law (I live in GA) and it sorta stunk that I didn't at least get a warning from the LEO. Secondly, a week earlier I was hit in the rear while sitting behind traffic at a red light. After we pulled over and the LEO arrived and talked with both the other driver and myself he said that it would be useless to write an accident report, it would only cause our insurance to go up, etc. So, we basically got the shaft after getting rear ended in LA. I guess there is not a lot I can do, just wanted to blow off some steam. Anybody in CA have any input?

Thanks,

[DavidTaylor]

In the accident I would have demanded an accident report from the officer, or for his watch commander to be called to the scene to file a complaint and issue the report. If you were rear-ended the other driver was at fault, plain and simple.

As for the trailer towing ticket, by the letter of the law he has you, but that's a pretty crappy ticket for him to be writing on a motorcycle. I guess someone pissed in his Cheerios that morning.

[Zotter]

I had a get off in an effort to avoid an impact on a failure to yield (pre LT days). Cop didn't want to cite or write. Backed 'em up and made it happen. He was whine'n about how it would have to be a roll over report (yup, bike rolled). I simply asked, "and?". He was pissed - but it was the right thing to do. She was cited. No insurance claims (bike was so ratty I figured they'd total it. Instead I rode it for a couple more years.). I did my paper work too for the state, the ticket stuck. And maybe, just maybe she'll not really hurt someone.

Would I do it again? In a heart beat.

[Ted]

Secondly, a week earlier I was hit in the rear while sitting behind traffic at a red light. After we pulled over and the LEO arrived and talked with both the other driver and myself he said that it would be useless to write an accident report, it would only cause our insurance to go up, etc.

+1 on what David said above, but, I am curious - where in CA did you get rear-ended, and, I'm hoping by the sounds of this it wasn't much of an impact.

It is hard to imagine a LEO responding the way they did. Using that logic could make anyone's workday pretty easy! Apparently, the LEO didn't think you were too upset, injured, or no/minimal damage to your vehicle. Otherwise, why would you let the person who hit you off the hook?

[BUGKILLER]

My first ticket in CA when I first moved here was that very same thing (out of states plates still on ). No negotiating with the LEO. I got the "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" speech. Followed by some statistics about traffic impedance and the cost on the economy coupled with traffic accident ratios and trailers Blah Blah Blah.... I thought a warning would have been appropriate. We make lot of money from tourism here.We don't need to ticket our visitors for chicken shit local laws. Hope you do come back.

[UncleRock]

Thou Shalt not occupy the Passing lanes, unless passing.

As for the report, I would have made his boss do it. As soon as he declined writing it, forcing him would make a bias report. Has something else to do besides his job I guess.
Rock

[munson]

Secondly, a week earlier I was hit in the rear while sitting behind traffic at a red light. After we pulled over and the LEO arrived and talked with both the other driver and myself he said that it would be useless to write an accident report, it would only cause our insurance to go up, etc. So, we basically got the shaft after getting rear ended in LA. I guess there is not a lot I can do, just wanted to blow off some steam. Anybody in CA have any input?
I'm not in CA, but in Dallas, TX, the cops will not come to an accident if there are no bodily injuries. They suggest you exchange insurance info, and file your own accident report with the Dept. of Public Safety. The last time somebody ran into my car, I did not file a report, but called my insurance agent and gave him all the info. The other guy's insurance paid the claim with no hassle. In the big cities there are not enough cops to deal with the minor stuff.

[dshealey]

In CA, trucks and vehicles pulling trailers are required to stay in the right two lanes on any highway that is three or more lanes.

You can also get written up by exceeding 55 MPH when pulling a trailer. Does not happen often, but I know one motorcycle rider that was ticketed, pulling a trailer at 80! Surprised it was not a speeding ticket, but a trailer lane violation. Of course on most of CA freeways you have to be going over 85 to get a glance your way. I miss that now. :(

[Bobnoxous]

Seems kind of silly to apply a law meant for tractor/trailers (a presumption on my part) to a motorcycle. I doubt you were impeding traffic. I think he wanted to meet his ticket quota, and being out of state, you're an easy mark. If you were local, it may have been a warning because you might actually contest it.

I was rear ended in stop-and-go traffic while in my cage a couple years ago on I90. I pulled over, the other driver didn't.I got his plate, and called the cops. After a while a motorcycle cop shows up. When I flagged him over he seem surprised, so I don't think he was responding to the call.

We filled out the report and he said he'd run the plate, but it was probably an invalid license plate. Being an older car with a possible illegal alien in it (and I'm not dissing illegal aliens. I'd happily trade one hard-working illegal alien for 1 welfare-case citizen any day, but it is more likely they don't have insurance or a valid plate), I should have followed that car while calling the cops. I could have; the car wasn't significantly damaged, although when he hit, it sure felt like it should be. Anyway, out of pocket for that. Sucks.

One funny side note. When I gave the LEO the plate #, I used names for the letters. Apparently, they happened to be the same names the LEOs use. Maybe it was my childhood of watching Hawaii 5-0. Anyway, he perks up and asks if I used to be in law enforcement. I said no. I'm wondering if I would've said yes, maybe he would've worked a little harder at finding this guy. But, I'm too honest for that.

[munson]

Maybe it was my childhood of watching Hawaii 5-0.
For me it was "Car 54, Where Are You?" :)

Able, Baker, Charlie...

[motorman587]

Not writing up a report is bad business.

About the ticket, well if it makes you feel better I was ticketed going to Alaska. He knew I was a cop and told me, "We treat everyone the same", thank you Nebraska Highway Patrol. That was the second day into the trip and $244 later. :)

[Tallyho]

Although I think they should exempt motorcycle trailers California's trailer laws are definitely not just for tractor-trailers but to any vehicle pulling a trailer. Recreational, utility, horse, equipment, boats, etc. With the proliferation of utility trailers and boats in NorCal lately there are plenty of folks, maybe new to trailering, abusing the laws. I frequently see speed and lane violations plus a number without proper braking systems and the lights not hooked up. The speed limit restriction is regularly posted in California but not the lane restrictions. On the other hand, if you know pulling a trailer is posted at 55 mph why would one think it's OK to be in the number one lane or even the diamond lane? Another problem is size. There are huge 5th wheels and conventional toy haulers over 10K lbs gross being towed by folks without the proper endorsements. I think it's an increasing problem and there are certainly plenty of "real" pickins for the LEOs besides the rider with the trailer on holiday.

[gr8fulfred]

For me it was "Car 54, Where Are You?" :)

Able, Baker, Charlie...
All together now - "There's a holdup in the Bronx, Brooklyn's just broke out in fights. There's a traffic jam in Harlem that's backed up to Jackson Heights. There's a scout troop short a child, Kruschev's due at Idylwild. Car 54 where are you?"
Sorry for the thread hijack but I just couldn't resist. Another in the long list of useless crap I've managed to keep in my head for years.

[hschisler]

On our trip to and from CCR I saw many, many signs advising "vehicles with trailers" to stay out of the far-left lane. I'll admit that I figured it had to apply equally to motorcycles, but come on -- a bike towing a Uni-go is considered the same as an SUV towing a boat or whatever? Doesn't seem quite "right"...

Anyway, I did use the passing lane from time to time, even with my little teeny trailer. I'm such a scofflaw... :rolleyes: If I had been pulled over I sure couldn't have argued that I wasn't aware of the law. The signs were very clear, and abundant.

[rdwalker]

... I know one motorcycle rider that was ticketed, pulling a trailer at 80! Surprised it was not a speeding ticket, but a trailer lane violation. ... :(

My guess is that the cop was being nice. Depending on state laws, trailer rule violation may not result in points; speeding certainly will.

I recently happily accepted a windshield-obstruction ticket for my radar detector. Yup.

[jayjacobson]

I was pulling a cargo trailer behind my bike in the LA/Burbank area on an eight lane interstate. I was in the left most lane (not HOV) to avoid traffic coming onto and exiting the freeway....Anybody in CA have any input?
I have some input: can you say CHICKEN SHIT!
Not writing up a report is bad business.
No, actually, it's good business. If you have a big city beat, and took a t/c report every time two vehicles collided, that's all you would be doing your entire shift. Needless to say, it's necessary to triage your response to calls. Non injury or minor injury t/c's are not even on the radar screen!
.....He knew I was a cop and told me, "We treat everyone the same", thank you Nebraska Highway Patrol....
Just another WEAK excuse not to use a little judgement in the performance of your duties. Sure hate to catch officer "Friendly" in my neck of the woods....

[motorman587]

We are full service agency. We respond to all calls. If the person was rearend and wanted a police report than I would want a police report. How are going to say is at fault. What happens if the guy that did the rearending claims the other backed up?? I have seen that happen. I too would be pissed if the LEO did not want to do a simple crash report.

[calikid]

California has been having a really bad problem building up the last several years with people driving and wreaking with there trailers. The CHP has finally stated cracking down on the trailer laws that were almost ignored to anybody that was not in a commercial vehicle. Alot of people here pull there trailers speeding and cutting in and out of lanes. Sometimes it is worse driving behaviors then they would drive without the trailer with them. Many accidents have accrued with wrong lane usage and speed. Not being in the proper lane makes it extremely dangerous for all the morons that cut in behind others without looking for trailer when they are not expecting it. Then as stated before if your following the speed limit for having 3 or more axels then it would not be safe to be anywhere but the right lane. Not knowing the law here is bull there are signs everywhere. When you come into the state they post signs making the lane usage and speed limit very clear to anybody with a trailer. Oh yea before anyone points out that not looking for a trailers before changing lanes does not happen I had a lady merge into the side of my 53 by 13.5 foot trailer and told chp and insurance she did not see me after being stopped next to me at light before the merge. So I say go CHP and please start going after the tailgaters. That will take care of the two most common accidents that I am stuck behind on the road.

[kdog]

About the ticket, well if it makes you feel better I was ticketed going to Alaska. He knew I was a cop and told me, "We treat everyone the same", thank you Nebraska Highway Patrol. That was the second day into the trip and $244 later. :)
Just another WEAK excuse not to use a little judgement in the performance of your duties. Sure hate to catch officer "Friendly" in my neck of the woods....
"Whaaaa Whaaaa, I got treated like an ordinary citizen!!" http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/baby.gif

If you had even the slightest concept of what "a little judgement in the performance of your duties" meant, you would be applauding that Nebraska cop for applying the law FAIRLY.

What makes you think cops are above the laws that they're supposed to uphold? You reckon there should be two classes of people in our society -- citizens who are supposed to obey the law, and cops who can do whatever the hell they want? So where does it end? Speeding tickets? Parking tickets? Drunken driving? Murder? Pretty slippery slope, isn't it?

Oh well, I'm sure you'll add me to the list of folks you'd "hate to find in my neck of the woods" now.

[munson]

All together now - "There's a holdup in the Bronx, Brooklyn's just broke out in fights. There's a traffic jam in Harlem that's backed up to Jackson Heights. There's a scout troop short a child, Kruschev's due at Idylwild. Car 54 where are you?"
Sorry for the thread hijack but I just couldn't resist. Another in the long list of useless crap I've managed to keep in my head for years.

Very good! Hey, anything to lighten up a Law and Order thread is a good thing!:)

As for me, I'm going to keep praying that I will learn to love my neighbor as myself.

[deputy5211]

"Whaaaa Whaaaa, I got treated like an ordinary citizen!!" http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/baby.gif

If you had even the slightest concept of what "a little judgement in the performance of your duties" meant, you would be applauding that Nebraska cop for applying the law FAIRLY.

What makes you think cops are above the laws that they're supposed to uphold? You reckon there should be two classes of people in our society -- citizens who are supposed to obey the law, and cops who can do whatever the hell they want? So where does it end? Speeding tickets? Parking tickets? Drunken driving? Murder? Pretty slippery slope, isn't it?

Oh well, I'm sure you'll add me to the list of folks you'd "hate to find in my neck of the woods" now.

Hey, at least you're not doing that pathetic Harley-bashing thing that seems to flare up around here from time to time. :histerica

[kdog]

Hey, at least you're not doing that pathetic Harley-bashing thing that seems to flare up around here from time to time. :histerica

Nah. http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/Disappointed.gif I never met a bike I didn't like. It's people I have a problem with. :histerica

[deputy5211]

Nah. http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/Disappointed.gif I never met a bike I didn't like. It's people I have a problem with. :histerica

I'm glad we got that settled. I'd hate to see another Harley-bashing thread here, ON A STEEK. :rotf:

[jayjacobson]

....If you had even the slightest concept of what "a little judgement in the performance of your duties" meant, you would be applauding that Nebraska cop for applying the law FAIRLY.
Kdog, it's important that PRIOR to your panties wadding, you read exactly what I said. Poor judgement applied to everyone ("fairly") is STILL poor judgement! Now, if you want to talk about applying the law fairly, well, that's for another forum.
What makes you think cops are above the laws that they're supposed to uphold? You reckon there should be two classes of people in our society--citizens who are supposed to obey the law, and cops who can do whatever the hell they want?....
I NEVER said ANYTHING about ANYONE being above the law! This is all YOUR INTERPRETION of what I said.
Oh well, I'm sure you'll add me to the list of folks you'd "hate to find in my neck of the woods" now.
Not in the slightest, sir! Please don't let a little sarcasm throw you off. You, as well as "Officer Friendly," are ALWAYS WELCOME in my neck of the woods. If I stopped you, I could always throw the book at you, telling you, "We treat everybody the same." Or, I could use my best INDEPENDANT "fair" judgement, based upon the totality of the facts. Yes, I know, it's much easier if "we treat everybody the same," right?

[grifscoots]

Yes, I know, it's much easier if "we treat everybody the same," right?But not Joel (kdog). The only thang he understands is having the ever loving shit kicked out of him. Hard headed bastige :D (Hi Joel, YFF!)

[jayjacobson]

....How are going to say who is at fault. What happens if the guy that did the rearending claims the other backed up?....Hey John, the last time that happened to me, "they" called it "failure to anticipate!" :D

[motorman587]

"Whaaaa Whaaaa, I got treated like an ordinary citizen!!" http://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/baby.gif

If you had even the slightest concept of what "a little judgement in the performance of your duties" meant, you would be applauding that Nebraska cop for applying the law FAIRLY.

What makes you think cops are above the laws that they're supposed to uphold? You reckon there should be two classes of people in our society -- citizens who are supposed to obey the law, and cops who can do whatever the hell they want? So where does it end? Speeding tickets? Parking tickets? Drunken driving? Murder? Pretty slippery slope, isn't it?

Oh well, I'm sure you'll add me to the list of folks you'd "hate to find in my neck of the woods" now.

Nope, you have your opinion and I respect that. I always have a saying, what come around goes around. I knew that I would get a back lashing, but here is what I told the trooper. If he was in any kind of trouble on the side of the road, like getting his a$$ kicked I would be the first to stop and render aid. I also because of training would know what the level of force to use in any situation. Which the ordinary citizen does not know. What other ordinary citizen has to call their place of employment and let their bosses know that they got a ticket?? As I have said, I know I was wrong, and like ordinary citizen that I was that day, was trying to talk my way out of a ticket. Just did not work. ;) In court the other day was called, "an expert wittness", cause of all that training we LEO's get. but I know, I know, here on this board, "I am just an ordinary citizen. Love ya man, :)

I do not think you can compare, speeding tickets and parking with murder or drunk driving. Also do you know how many warnings I have given????? or people I have let go for different reasons, which in LEO they call it discretion.

Do you think, if I pulled you over and you go, "Hey are you motorman587", do you think I would write you??

[calyrider]

I'm glad we got that settled. I'd hate to see another Harley-bashing thread here, ON A STEEK. :rotf:

Yea, why would anyone ever bash a Harley? They ride legally just like anybody else.....well with the small exception of the peanut helmets, ape hangar handlebars, and ridiculously illegal exhausts!

I will give them one thing, they do not speed! But I'm not sure that they can :histerica

Hey, but I don't want to start any HD bashing, cause we all know that they should be provided extra rights under the law. Safety and noise laws are just for those low-lifers who think that laws actually apply to them!!! And if 80% of all HD owners think the law is for everyone else, I would agree, cause after all, they drive a Harley!

After all, a Harley's not actually a motorcycle, but a transport from one Bar to another Bar, where they all sip soda and play pool, so normal laws shouldn't apply anyway. So we're all in a agreement then!

[kdog]

Kdog, it's important that PRIOR to your panties wadding, you read exactly what I said. Poor judgement applied to everyone ("fairly") is STILL poor judgement! Now, if you want to talk about applying the law fairly, well, that's for another forum.

Well, maybe I misinterpreted what you said, Jay. John said he got a ticket. You said the cop exercised bad judgement. I interpreted that as you saying the bad judgement was for one cop to give a ticket to another. Honestly, I don't see any other way that remark could have been interpreted. Are you saying it was bad judgement for that cop to have given a speeding ticket to anyone? Or what exactly were you saying? :confused:

[tmgs]

I was pulling a cargo trailer behind my bike in the LA/Burbank area on an eight lane interstate. I was in the left most lane (not HOV) to avoid traffic coming onto and exiting the freeway. It was early morning and there was not a lot of traffic on the road. There was no traffic behind me or approaching behind me. A LEO officer pulled me over and ticketed me for riding in the wrong lanes. He said it was against the law to ride in any lanes beside the two most right lanes while towing a trailer. I was unaware of this law (I live in GA) and it sorta stunk that I didn't at least get a warning from the LEO. Secondly, a week earlier I was hit in the rear while sitting behind traffic at a red light. After we pulled over and the LEO arrived and talked with both the other driver and myself he said that it would be useless to write an accident report, it would only cause our insurance to go up, etc. So, we basically got the shaft after getting rear ended in LA. I guess there is not a lot I can do, just wanted to blow off some steam. Anybody in CA have any input?

Thanks,


It is and always has been our responsibility to obey other states traffic laws, this includes obeying the insurance laws of other states as well, I tried telling a friend from fl this once as we headed to Myrtle beach for a bike week one year, he would not listen, it cost him.

Left lanes are meant for passing anyhow!!!!!!
and I think in most states it is this way, I wish they would start ticketing people for just riding/driving the left lanes after some time it would start doing it's job and keep them open.

As far as the rear ended thing, I would have insisted on a traffic accident report for my insurance carrier.

Tom

[kdog]

Nope, you have your opinion and I respect that. I always have a saying, what come around goes around. I knew that I would get a back lashing, but here is what I told the trooper. If he was in any kind of trouble on the side of the road, like getting his a$$ kicked I would be the first to stop and render aid. I also because of training would know what the level of force to use in any situation. Which the ordinary citizen does not know. What other ordinary citizen has to call their place of employment and let their bosses know that they got a ticket?? As I have said, I know I was wrong, and like ordinary citizen that I was that day, was trying to talk my way out of a ticket. Just did not work. ;)

Hey John, you didn't get any back-lash from me. There's nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops to try to get out of a ticket. I certainly would. My comment was directed at Jay's assertion that the cop who gave you the ticket used bad judgement. There's no bad judgement in treating people fairly. Quite the contrary. It sucks that he was such a hardass, but technically the cop was the in the right, and it appears you agree with that. Good for you.

Regarding this comment by you above: "What other ordinary citizen has to call their place of employment and let their bosses know that they got a ticket?? " Yeah, that sucks too. However, the solution is simple -- don't get stopped! I've criss-crossed the country tons of times and have never gotten a speeding ticket on the highway -- around town, yes, but not on the highway. Just set your cruise control 8 or 9 MPH over the speed limit and you are fine. Also, use a radar detector. So how fast were you really going when you got the ticket? I'm guessing it was more than 10 MPH over. Am I correct? And I'm almost certain you don't have a radar detector. Correct again? Sounds like you need to follow the same rules that the rest of us have figured out: Stay under 10MPH over the limit and use a radar detector. ;)

Cheers,
-joel

[Bobnoxous]

It is nice that cops can get tickets too. If there was some unwritten code that you don't write up fellow LEOs, it would hurt their credibility. But I don't blame anyone for trying to save a few bucks. If I had a card, I'd play it too. Almost everything in life is negotiable. :)

I haven't seen the signs in CA saying you cannot drive in the left lane with trailers, but I have never had a need to look. I don't doubt it is posted with some regularity.

Just a note, though, on ignorance of the law is no excuse; that's not always true. (the following comments do not represent the opinions or views of this station or BMW Luxury touring forums). The public has to have been notified of a law. Otherwise, legislatures could pass a law, tell no one, and LEOs' just start busting people or writing tickets. I think this comes under the "due process" clause in the constitution, but I'm not sure (don't tell my instructor). You are not expected to call the local police dept every time you cross into some new jurisdiction and ask for a copy of the traffic laws, or road restrictions, or etc., etc.

So, if a law is not posted and a person wouldn't reasonably know it was the law, it could be challenged. Not that it's worth it in this case, or that'd you'd win, but that's the premise. Bear in mind I know only enough about the law to give really bad advice. Take it all with a grain of salt.

As for always treating the left lane as a passing lane and ticketing people for sitting in it, I think there's a value in giving people guidelines without the force of law, and letting people work with it. It would just leave too much judgment to the LEOs. How could you say in a trial that I was or wasn't sitting in the passing lane? It's all shades of gray. I like my laws better defined.

I've been stuck behind someone in the left lane before. I finally passed in the 2 lane, got in front of them, and slowed down (way down, cuz they were going so slow) until they were stuck behind me. They kept flashing their lights, but I wouldn't move over. Finally, they discovered the #2 lane, then I took off, and the line of cars stuck behind that bozo could finally move forward. People can help educate people.

[Bobnoxous]

Sounds like you need to follow the same rules that the rest of us have figured out: Stay under 10MPH over the limit and use a radar detector. ;)

Cheers,
-joelIn Southern Cal, you can get by with 15 over on the freeways, and probably 20. When I leave this state, I will miss that. :D

[kdog]

In Southern Cal, you can get by with 15 over on the freeways, and probably 20. When I leave this state, I will miss that. :D
No kidding, huh? I was once tooling down I5 doing probably high 80's and looked over to see CHP pulling along side of me. He just nods at me, gasses it and diappears off into the sunset, leaving me with heart palpitations. :eek:

On the other hand, the speed limit in Arizona on I40 is 75 MPH. So you can set your cruise at 84 MPH and never have a problem. Not bad! ;)

[jayjacobson]

Well, maybe I misinterpreted what you said, Jay. John said he got a ticket. You said the cop exercised bad judgement. I interpreted that as you saying the bad judgement was for one cop to give a ticket to another. Honestly, I don't see any other way that remark could have been interpreted. Are you saying it was bad judgement for that cop to have given a speeding ticket to anyone? Or what exactly were you saying? :confused:
You know, Joel, I had to think (for which I apologize in advance!) about this for a minute....as I spend much of my time confused also....I have pulled over a few off-duty officers that have had an atrocious bedside manner and really needed a ticket. Instead of citing them, however, I chewed their ass clean off! BUT, they did not receive "special" treatment because I have done the same with many non-officer motorists.

I will go back to using your best independent judgement to resolve a situation most appropriately.

[CalLT]

I've been stuck behind someone in the left lane before. I finally passed in the 2 lane, got in front of them, and slowed down (way down, cuz they were going so slow) until they were stuck behind me. They kept flashing their lights, but I wouldn't move over. Finally, they discovered the #2 lane, then I took off, and the line of cars stuck behind that bozo could finally move forward. People can help educate people.

Good way to get yourself rammed or shot.

[Bobnoxous]

Good way to get yourself rammed or shot.I was in a cage, it was Indiana, not Southern Cal, and the guy was older. You need to be careful who you try and "help".

[grifscoots]

I haven't seen the signs in CA saying you cannot drive in the left lane with trailers, but I have never had a need to look. I don't doubt it is posted with some regularity.

When I was delivering barbara to Raffy, I saw a bunch of signs coming in from the state line on speed limit pulling trailers. Good thang I can't read.

[grifscoots]

On the other hand, the speed limit in Arizona on I40 is 75 MPH. So you can set your cruise at 84 MPH and never have a problem. Not bad! ;)80 in West Tejas after leaving Kerr County.

[motorman587]

Hey John, you didn't get any back-lash from me. There's nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops to try to get out of a ticket. I certainly would. My comment was directed at Jay's assertion that the cop who gave you the ticket used bad judgement. There's no bad judgement in treating people fairly. Quite the contrary. It sucks that he was such a hardass, but technically the cop was the in the right, and it appears you agree with that. Good for you.

Regarding this comment by you above: "What other ordinary citizen has to call their place of employment and let their bosses know that they got a ticket?? " Yeah, that sucks too. However, the solution is simple -- don't get stopped! I've criss-crossed the country tons of times and have never gotten a speeding ticket on the highway -- around town, yes, but not on the highway. Just set your cruise control 8 or 9 MPH over the speed limit and you are fine. Also, use a radar detector. So how fast were you really going when you got the ticket? I'm guessing it was more than 10 MPH over. Am I correct? And I'm almost certain you don't have a radar detector. Correct again? Sounds like you need to follow the same rules that the rest of us have figured out: Stay under 10MPH over the limit and use a radar detector. ;)

Cheers,
-joel

I can not say more than, I was wrong. If fact I liked getting the ticket as when people complain about there speeding ticket I issue, I say, "I totally understand". The difference in the tickets I issue and the ticket I got, is that mine was wide open country, no vehicles, no traffic, just me and the LT. The tickets I issue are in the city, crowded traffic, ped. traffic etc...... but again I was wrong, trying to safe money and just paid it.

I have no radar detector. I usually do the 10 mph rule. But we all been there. OPEN WIDE USA COUNTRY, and the LT was a purrrrrrrring. :)

[motorman587]

You know, Joel, I had to think (for which I apologize in advance!) about this for a minute....as I spend much of my time confused also....I have pulled over a few off-duty officers that have had an atrocious bedside manner and really needed a ticket. Instead of citing them, however, I chewed their ass clean off! BUT, they did not receive "special" treatment because I have done the same with many non-officer motorists.

I will go back to using your best independent judgement to resolve a situation most appropriately.

Stop a lady for speeding today. Her small son was not buckled. She claimed that her son unbuckled the seatbelt. Which he was about 3 or 4. So instead of writting a ticket I told her to take care of it at home.

[CalLT]

I was in a cage, it was Indiana, not Southern Cal, and the guy was older. You need to be careful who you try and "help".

Whooaaa there, big fella. Just a friendly piece of advice. Take it or leave it. Meant no offense.

I have learned over the years that it's not a good idea to do anything to antagonize people out on the open road, because there are some stark, raving lunatics out there. And that goes for Indiana as well as California.

One time I hitch-hiked with a friend from Mobile, Ala., to Morgan City, Louis. ... and was SHOCKED by the number of people who gave us rides that were jacked out of their ever loving minds on pills and booze. Lots of guns. You mess with those people at your own risk. And believe me when I tell you they are everywhere.

That's just my opinion.

[Bobnoxous]

Whooaaa there, big fella. Just a friendly piece of advice. Take it or leave it. Meant no offense.

I have learned over the years that it's not a good idea to do anything to antagonize people out on the open road, because there are some stark, raving lunatics out there. And that goes for Indiana as well as California.

One time I hitch-hiked with a friend from Mobile, Ala., to Morgan City, Louis. ... and was SHOCKED by the number of people who gave us rides that were jacked out of their ever loving minds on pills and booze. Lots of guns. You mess with those people at your own risk. And believe me when I tell you they are everywhere.

That's just my opinion.Ugh. This darn typing. The "be careful who you help" was not me telling you not to help me, but me saying I'm careful who I help on the road. No offense taken at all, Gerhard.

You are right. You never know what situation you can get yourself into. It all comes down to judgment.

[kdog]

80 in West Tejas after leaving Kerr County.
:eek:

Ok, that does it. Lock up yer women, I'm movin' to Texas! :D

[grifscoots]

:eek:

Ok, that does it. Lock up yer women, I'm movin' to Texas! :DI don't reckon one would have to worry much about a West Texas woman. :p

[deputy5211]

Yea, why would anyone ever bash a Harley? They ride legally just like anybody else.....well with the small exception of the peanut helmets, ape hangar handlebars, and ridiculously illegal exhausts!

I will give them one thing, they do not speed! But I'm not sure that they can :histerica

Hey, but I don't want to start any HD bashing, cause we all know that they should be provided extra rights under the law. Safety and noise laws are just for those low-lifers who think that laws actually apply to them!!! And if 80% of all HD owners think the law is for everyone else, I would agree, cause after all, they drive a Harley!

After all, a Harley's not actually a motorcycle, but a transport from one Bar to another Bar, where they all sip soda and play pool, so normal laws shouldn't apply anyway. So we're all in a agreement then!

Good thing you're not one of those ignoramuses that think they're better than anyone else because they ride a BMW, eh Kevin? Geez, newbies! ;)

[deputy5211]

You know, Joel, I had to think (for which I apologize in advance!) about this for a minute....as I spend much of my time confused also....I have pulled over a few off-duty officers that have had an atrocious bedside manner and really needed a ticket. Instead of citing them, however, I chewed their ass clean off! BUT, they did not receive "special" treatment because I have done the same with many non-officer motorists.

I will go back to using your best independent judgement to resolve a situation most appropriately.

Not to butt in, well hell, yeah, I'm butting in. . .

Try to chew my ass off on a traffic stop and you're likely to get the same, in spades, and then some. My position is write me or cut me loose, but don't presume to lecture me. When the supervisors in my command do their random reviews of in-car video recording of traffic stops (required under Texas law), one of the things they do not look favorably upon is officers lecturing alleged violators as this goes beyond the scope of the traffic stop.

I know that you know this, and knowing you, I would bet that you most likely used the phrase "chewed their ass clean off" to make your point. Discretion is the better part of valor, and we all exercise discretion every day, regardless of our profession or occupation.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled feud, already in progress. :D

[rdtebeau]

Just to add a little more on my CA incident. Not that it matters, but will clear up a couple of other points that have come up in this thread.

I never saw a sign that said that vehicles, cars, etc towing trailers had to ride in the right two lanes.

The highway I was on, said that autos towing trailers / trucks speed limit 55 mph. Nothing about motorcycles or vehicles.

I was not impeding traffic, I was actually passing traffic, prolly bout 75 mph or so (speed limit 70 mph or 55 mph w/trailer?). Maybe my speed is what got me the attention in the first place??

I was also following the direction of the signs that said thru traffic merge to left lanes.

I guess the LEO's don't have time to check into minor accidents cause they need to be bringing in the cash.

I asked a friend if he knew this and he said he had gotten a verbal warning about towing a trailer behind the bike. I think the LEO needed to meet his quota, aggravated about working on Labor Day or just saw easy pickings with my out of state plates.

Anyway, live and learn. Just a little more meat for the discussion.

[Ted]

I guess the LEO's don't have time to check into minor accidents cause they need to be bringing in the cash.

Still curious - which town/city did you get rear-ended?

[mikerd400]

Just to add a little more on my CA incident. Not that it matters, but will clear up a couple of other points that have come up in this thread.

I never saw a sign that said that vehicles, cars, etc towing trailers had to ride in the right two lanes.

The highway I was on, said that autos towing trailers / trucks speed limit 55 mph. Nothing about motorcycles or vehicles.

I was not impeding traffic, I was actually passing traffic, prolly bout 75 mph or so (speed limit 70 mph or 55 mph w/trailer?). Maybe my speed is what got me the attention in the first place??

I was also following the direction of the signs that said thru traffic merge to left lanes.

I guess the LEO's don't have time to check into minor accidents cause they need to be bringing in the cash.

I asked a friend if he knew this and he said he had gotten a verbal warning about towing a trailer behind the bike. I think the LEO needed to meet his quota, aggravated about working on Labor Day or just saw easy pickings with my out of state plates.

Anyway, live and learn. Just a little more meat for the discussion.

The LEO was not meeting a quota. There are thousands of violators. California has a problem with autos/motorcycles with trailers using the left lanes. The trucking industry gets tickets for it and they want it enforced fairly. That means everyone.

[jayjacobson]

Not to butt in, well hell, yeah, I'm butting in. . .
No, no, I INSIST that you do, sir!
....I would bet that you most likely used the phrase "chewed their ass clean off" to make your point....
If I were a bettin' man, I'd take that bet!
....I guess the LEO's don't have time to check into minor accidents cause they need to be bringing in the cash....
Umm, NO! If you work in the big city, you don't have time to check minor collisions because you're too BUSY handling MORE IMPORTANT calls. Example: the other day an escaped CRAZY DUDE tried to run over TWO of my junior partners with his car. BUT, that doesn't mean he's a bad person!
....I think the LEO needed to meet his quota, aggravated about working on Labor Day or just saw easy pickings with my out of state plates....
Umm, NO! JUST CHICKEN SHIT!

[Skozar]

Hauling my trailer with my LT and my buddy's HD Road Glide to a job in Oxnard in late June this year. Just over the state line from Las Vegas got a performance award for exceeding 55 mph hauling a trailer. CA plate units (car and trailers) flying by me like I was going east rather than west. Guess it was the red Texas pickup and two motorcycles. CHW officer was more interested in the LT than the Harley but his curiosity and a my Texas civility did not do me any good. Thought he was going to ask me for the insurance and registration for the bikes and give me three tickets. Oh well $225 lighter in the wallet and happy to see the "Welcome to California" sign in my rear view mirror when I left six weeks later.

Regards,
Skozar

[motorman587]

die. Let it go. Let it go.