I Did a Reckless... and the Fuzz Got Me (but didn't ticket)

"oldestyoungn" (oldestyoungn) 03/12/2014 at 11:11 • Filed to: None

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So I was 20 minutes late for an activity, right? First off I was going 5 mph over everywhere. 55? No it's 60. 35? No, 40.

Anyways I get to this one road with literally nothing along it except an abandoned house and the backside of a fenced in yard (I don't know if it's junk, mechanic shop, or whatever. I've never looked.) What is the speed limit along this wide road with shoulders to boot? 25 mph. I decided screw it since it's only a quarter of a mile long and step on the gas. I'm shifting loudly and about to go into third and max out at 60 (by choice, not crappy car) when the flashing blue lights of harassment show up in front of me. This is my first time getting pulled over, and I'm 16 so I'm pretty freaked out.

I get my documents and roll with window down an inch and a half. Officer walks up and I hand him the stuff. He looks and says "Oh you're from [insert city 1 1/2 hr away]?" and I let him know I just recently moved. "Do you know what the speed limit is?" "25." "And you were going...?" "At least double" "I clocked you at 53." [stern look] "Any reason why you were doing this?" I explain how I'm late, the place I'm going is just a bit up the street, and admit what I did was foolish and stupid.

He looks at my license again (presumably to check my age) and asks "Now if I write you a ticket who's gonna be paying for it?" I admit my parents would have to pay upfront and the money not going to gas, insurance, and the car would go to them. This is where he decided to let me go with nothing more than a warning. (Wait do warnings usually come with slips of paper?) I drove along and he tailed me until I got to the activity and then left.

I'm so stupid. I'm bad, and I should feel bad. My need for speed, sliding, oppositelocking, and all other sorts of hooning are starting to drive me insane and I think I let it leak through almost full blast for the first time at just the wrong time.

TL;DR I was late so on a 25 mph road (1/4th mile in length) with nothing along it I chose to get up to 60. Oncoming officer clocked me at 53 and pulled my young inexperienced self over. I freaked out and got my documentation. Typical officer stuff and then he had mercy and let me go. I'm stupid, I should feel stupid, I need somewhere to hoon, and some officers are pretty awesome.

(Hattip to CounterTorqueSteer for giving me the confidence to admit this by !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

P.S. Possible buildup to my mistake. I found a big quarry lot (less than 2 miles from my house) that's not blocked off and is actively used with a trailer park office and tried my hand at a Scandinavian Flick. Slid along for about a fourth of a second but felt pro and left intoxicated with adrenaline.

CalzoneGolem > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:17

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flashing blue lights of harassment

It's not harassment if you are breaking the law.

Party-vi > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:17

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Dis why we don't do dat on public roads.

STORY TIME! Sitting first at a light I floored it to 60 (50mph zone) and then noticed the cop a lane over from me (he was also apparently at the light). He pulled me over and was furious! A few minutes later he came back and gave me a warning. I still don't know why I didn't get a ticket.

Rainbow > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:18

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Whoa, you got off lucky. When it comes to police stops, honesty is not always the best policy. Never estimate your speed if they ask, because they could have clocked you much lower than you think. If his radar had said 35, then your "at least double" would give him enough reason to put 50 down on the ticket instead had you gotten one. If they ask how fast you were going, quote the speed limit or just say that you're not entirely sure.

That said, it seems like you actually got off better this way by owning up to it. I guess it varies from cop to cop.

Crocket Bernet > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:19

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What do you drive?

oldestyoungn > Crocket Bernet 03/12/2014 at 11:21

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2013 Mazda3. My parents signed the papers and it's under their name, and they paid for the first few months, but now I'm paying.

offroadkarter > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:22

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1. Shit happens, cops sometimes pick those desolate roads to try and find people who do what you did.

2. When I get pulled over, I roll ALL of my windows down ALL the way. When a cop is approaching a vehicle, theres always a level of uncertainty to whats inside. Is this person armed? Are they in possession of drugs? Letting them see inside as they come up helps to lower the tension level. Which is why I would say dropping the window only an inch and a half is a no no. Which follows into.....

3. Usually if you are polite and compliant, unless the cop is out to get his numbers up he'll let you off with a warning. Obviously this is what happened to you. I'd also say you're lucky because a lot of times cops like to make an example out of new drivers thinking they won't pull this stuff again.

oldestyoungn > CalzoneGolem 03/12/2014 at 11:22

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80% of the I've seen them that's what they are so I've just tended to call them that.

Still, you have a valid point.

oldestyoungn > Rainbow 03/12/2014 at 11:23

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This officer had the heart of the saint... even if it was just temporarily.

Team6.1 > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:24

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Should have told him you live your life a quarter mile at a time EDIT: Find a friday night drag strip, auto cross, drift days, track days, anything that is sanctioned and not ln public roads. It will help satisfy in a safe environment. I've found I also tend to drive slower and safer because I know I can get it out of my system

oldestyoungn > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 11:25

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I've always been taught to keep the window up to keep the officer from feeling welcome to look inside and invade your privacy (this is just the logic behind it from those have taught me it) but it was night and all my lights were on (scrambling for documents) so he could easily see the booster seats from my siblings and the pile of crap from the glovebox.

CalzoneGolem > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:25

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This guy could have screwed you over hard and he didn't. Cut the cops some slack they're just peeps doing their job.

oldestyoungn > Party-vi 03/12/2014 at 11:26

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Interesting... Were you really polite or something? Another thing is he may have backed down because he felt being furious made him overreact.

oldestyoungn > Team6.1 03/12/2014 at 11:27

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I wasn't clever enough to think of that in such an adrenaline pumping, nerve racking moment. I was freaking terrified I wouldn't be able to have a license and even if I did I couldn't afford insurance anymore.

Mattbob > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:28

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pro-tip: don't do it, unless you can afford the ticket. Also if it's unsafe.

offroadkarter > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:28

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I see what you're getting at but since its not like I keep a bong on the back seat I never have a problem rolling my windows down. Usually since I get pulled over for doing stupid shit (The last time I got a ticket is because I went WOT from a stop under a bridge) I want to increase my chances as best as possible that I won't get dicked over.

Also, when I get pulled over I keep my hands on the wheel until he is at my window. Reason being, fumbling around in the car can be mistaken for A. grabbing a weapon or B. hiding something illegal. When he asks for my papers I tell him "My license is in my back wallet, and my insurance/reg is in the glove box. May I reach for them?".

Party-vi > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:29

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I pissed him off by signaling and pulling off to a side street before coming to a halt (probably a 1/4 mile after his lights came on). The 3-lane road was very busy and I was concerning about our safety. My SOP when I get pulled over is to shut the vehicle down, roll down the window and place both hands on the wheel with my keys in my left hand. Standard "yes sir" and "no sir" responses. When asked I tell the officer "I am going to reach into my back pocket for my wallet", or "I am going to open my glove box to get my registration information". I think this may have helped. The safer you make the officer feel the better. Each time they approach a vehicle they don't know who is inside or with what.

oldestyoungn > CalzoneGolem 03/12/2014 at 11:29

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I didn't say this guy was one of those guys. I was just saying that's what I tend to call those flashing lights. I fully admit there are times cops have hearts of gold and that they're doing their job. This particular cop is probably the nicest I'll meet.

oldestyoungn > Mattbob 03/12/2014 at 11:30

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No kidding... Since then I haven't dared go a mile over.

The man in the iron mask > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:31

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I remember when i was like 17 (4years ago) I had a friend in the passenger seat and i wanted to show him that a corner was awesome to drift, it was at night, and the road was wet, so i did and then out of nowhere appears the lights of a cop and stopped me. I wasnt scared i just felt like shit, im busted, but then came up with an excuse and said to the cop that the car skidded and i tried to save it, acting like i was scared of what had just happened, so i didn't get a ticket.

Team6.1 > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:32

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You had your paperwork and told the truth. Just learn from it. I got 93 (dropped to 80) in a 70 and 22 in a 20...yes I typed that correctly. That's a giant bullshit story. Also added an edit above.

thebigbossyboss > Rainbow 03/12/2014 at 11:36

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When they ask me "do you know why I pulled you over??" or "how fast do you think you were going??" I just say no comment. You don't have to incriminate yourself. Saying no comment, lets the cop know you heard his question (so you're not being a dick by ignoring him), but doesn't admit any wrong doing.

Admitting wrong doing to the police is a sure fire way to end up with a ticket or worse. I barely say anything during traffic stops anymore.

Ever watch that show from 'Murica called the first 48? The cops love confessions, and they even admit it in the show. They say "it's time to tell your side of the story" and sure, it's fun to tell your side of the story everyone loves being the centre of attention, but literally all you can do is incriminate yourself.

If you say something that can help your case, it's hearsay, if you say something that incriminates yourself it's evidence.

Educate yourself young Oppo

CalzoneGolem > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:38

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I know you weren't saying that about this dude. Generally if you treat cops with respect you get it right back. If you have the attitude that you're the victim and they are harassing you it won't go as well.

DollaMoneyAve > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:41

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offroadkarter is right dude. Roll all the windows down all the way. Anything you can do to make the officer feel at ease will help you. If you have nothing to hide then why WOULDN'T you do that? You make yourself seem like someone who does have something to hide by acting like that, in which case they WILL invade your privacy. Also, don't retrieve your documents until asked to do so. Sit there with your hands on top of the steering wheel. I've been pulled over a bunch of times and let go because of these simple things and being generally courteous.

oldestyoungn > Party-vi 03/12/2014 at 11:46

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Cops feeling stressed is very valid point.

I think from now on I'll remember to turn off the car, and keep the documents I need in the glovebox in a way I can get them quickly so when the officer approaches everything is ready, he can see my hands on the wheel, and the situation won't be as tense.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 11:47

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My drivers ed instructor, an ex Boston cop, told me to NEVER roll all the way down unless the officer says so... apparently it makes them nervous.

oldestyoungn > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/12/2014 at 11:50

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So I should continue on with rolling down the least amount possible? Is it because rolling down all the windows is out of the ordinary and that causes stress?

jariten1781 > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:52

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Well, one of many lessons you've learned: When speed limits are inexplicably low that's most likely where the police will be. Anytime you see a totally out of place 25 mph speed limit you should expect them and not even bother with 5 over. Usually it's for half a mile or less anyway so you're not really losing any time.

offroadkarter > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/12/2014 at 11:52

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That would make them more nervous than having 20% tinted windows rolled up?

Arben72 > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 11:57

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Valentine one, and be more cautious.

oldestyoungn > Arben72 03/12/2014 at 12:08

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My parents would think I'm being bad even if I wasn't if I got one, and I don't really speed enough to warrant one. Then again I think I may get one just as a way of sticking it to the man so even when I'm safe I know they're there.

Then again having one would tempt me...

Team6.1 > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 12:23

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In addition to this I will turn the interior lights on if it is dark outside. Also I keep both hands on top of the wheel as the cop walks up. I don't want them to think I'm rummaging around for a weapon. Also i always start by telling them I have a conceal carry permit even if I don't have any guns with me.

Team6.1 > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 12:25

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What was the ticket/warning for that? I don't think "big ass burn out" is legal jargon. Unsafe start? Something like that

Barbarian772 > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 12:31

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I'm so happy to be from Europe, when I read stuff like this... 160 on a 130kph highway are 35 € and no matter how fast you were going, they are always nice You won't get pulled out of your car or aimed at with a gun for speeding... and you won't get arrested for driving fast EVER. If you didn't kill injure someone...

JeffFurbs > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 12:33

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Everyone on the internet is right. I personally do what offroadkarter has suggested. On top of that I take my keys and put them in plain sight on the dash. I have been pulled over a few times (1 ticket) and I have always been met with pleasant officers, besides the state-y that gave me the ticket. That is not to say that what jqj213 said doesn't have merit. We also have to understand that not every cop has the same beliefs about every issue.

If I were a cop, and I'm not, nor do i know what it is like to be a cop or know anything about their training, would think that a window rolled down only a little bit is suspicious. But again I don't know anything about their jobs.

Furthermore, I believe Jalopnik did a AOTD or something like that a long time ago about things to do if you are pulled over. Might not hurt to go search for that.

Most importantly though, every situation is different and I don't think there is one right answer for your question. Did I make you question more? If I did then good because I'm trying to figure out if anything besides my first few sentences were useful

oldestyoungn > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 12:41

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Mine aren't tinted.

oldestyoungn > JeffFurbs 03/12/2014 at 12:43

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This is probably the most helpful comment here.

Paul, Man of Mustangs > Party-vi 03/12/2014 at 13:00

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Last time I got pulled over, I moved to a side street, shut off the car, put the keys on the passenger seat, and had my information ready for him. Only got a warning. Making the officer feel safe is the best way to get out of a ticket, for sure.

offroadkarter > Team6.1 03/12/2014 at 13:03

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"Racing the engine" carless driving

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 13:16

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Im not really sure.. he said something like if they are fully open, officers think that you will do something stupid like reach for their gun or touch them.. if its only cracked a little, the driver cannot reach out or stick a weapon out or the likes.

offroadkarter > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 03/12/2014 at 13:36

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out of the sake of science I'm gonna ask this question in the LEO only section of a forum I'm on

Dusty Ventures > offroadkarter 03/12/2014 at 13:52

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I am very interested in hearing what they say

Mercedes Streeter > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 14:34

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Ha! I've done even worse! So, very early last year I bought new wheels for my car. The wheels came with free, very lightly used snow tread (see photo).

The Winter turned out to be excessively mild, so the tyres ended up spending 99% of the season driving on dry ground (bad). So, by time Spring rolled around, they were worn and slippery in wet weather.

One day, after my Meteorology class had ended, I bet a classmate I could make my car drift in the damp parking lot of the college campus.

I was successful...VERY successful...I did it for a good ten minutes, forgetting that not only does every light pole in the parking lot have a camera, but the campus has a full blown police force.

As I was finished my shenanigans by pulling into a parking space, I saw a white Dodge Durango materialize out of nowhere, blues and reds activated.

The officer hopped out, walked up to the car, asked for my info, then proceeded to ask me if I knew what Reckless Driving was. When I said "you get a ticket" he responded back with "NO! You get arrested, your license revoked, and your car impounded. So what exactly were you doing?"

While simultaneously shitting my trousers, I told the officer: "my friend here is a mechanic, and we were trying to diagnose why my rear right CV joint makes an odd noise while making hard left turns".

He then decided to run my information right in front of me. His dispatch read my stats back (no felonies, no warrants, just one lousy ticket over a year before, car is clean, etc.) then he walked back to his Durango. Five minutes later he walked back and handed me a pink slip.

He said "I seriously doubt your car can do any damage whatsoever, so I'm writing you a warn...I can't because the chief wouldn't understand...no I can...I'm writing you a warning for driving around in circles. Next time, do it in any parking lot that's not the college's. Have a good day...sweet car by the way."

I feel like framing the warning because of how silly it was worded.

TL;DR - Stupidly went drifting in a college parking lot, cop didn't believe my car could inflict any damage.

The Compromiser > Paul, Man of Mustangs 03/12/2014 at 14:46

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I raced a cruiser once. same car, same year. I lost. He had a hemi and i a 3.5. was fun doing just a little bit more, little bit more and never going too far over the limit.

davedave1111 > oldestyoungn 03/12/2014 at 19:14

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I did plenty of slightly daft things when I had as much experience behind the wheel as you. The trick is learning from them, even when you don't get pulled over. If you can see why something you did was hazardous, even if only after the fact, you're less likely to do it again (at least on purpose).

Something to think about here is your overspeed as a proportion of the speed limit. Getting caught 25 over in a 70 zone isn't too bad. 25 over in a 25 zone is double the speed limit.

Another thing to consider is that sometimes roads have a limit that seems to low but for is a good, non-obvious reason. (Of course, sometimes it's just too low for the road for no good reason, too.) There are quite a few roads near me which look fine for a forty limit - or even higher - but are restricted to thirty to keep the traffic noise down for people who live along them.