Got pulled over with a restricted licence...

[ctroutnerrun]

Fortunatley I am not a jackass and was only going home from work.

I noticed the officer after leaving an intersection, he had been behind the car on my right, and after that car turned, I recognized the headlights in my mirror. Checked my speed, not speeding, ok, he should just pass me.

He catches up to me , still one lane to my right, and hangs out in my blind spot.

I'm thinking, "great, he's running my plate, it will pop up I have a restricted licence, he'll pull me over to see where I'm going"

Sure enough about a mile later, he gets behind me, turns his lights on.

I have no idea what is normal procedure with someone who has a restricted licence, but I was half expecting to hear over the loudspeaker "PLEAS GET OFF THE MOTORCYCLE AND SLOWLY WALK BACKWARDS TOWARDS MY VEHICLE"

Instead, I turn around to see an officer in his mid/late 30's, smiling

We exchange friendly hello's and he informs me "the reason I pulled you over is one of the reflectors on your licence plate makes it hard to read, I'm just gonna run this real quick and get you on your way"

Thinking, "ok now he will run my plate and the smile will go away" . I start getting off my bike to check out the licence plate situation and he kindly asks me to remain on my bike until he is done, to which I reply, "yes sir"

30 seconds later, he says "ok, your all good. If you want to check it out, the reflector on the right makes it difficult to tell if the last number is a 2 or a 7"

I look, he's right, but that's not whats on my mind. He seemed pretty cool so I just asked him-

"Question for you if you don't mind. I currently have a restricted licence so I can only ride to and from work. Does that show up when you run my plate?

He said, "well, if you want I can tag (tig? ) your plate and see what it says" I didn't know how that differed from running my plate, which is what I assume he just did (I heard it all over his radio) but didn't want to waste his time, so I told him no thanks.

He asked me if I had any printout from the dmv or anything, I said no, he recommended I get one and told me he had pulled people over before who were under the impression they had a restricted licence, when they actually had a suspended licence.


What I'm kind of confused about-

Was he just bored? I have heard officers say (including here on barf) they will use situations like this as a reason to pull someone over in an attempt to gather more info, or just to check the person out, make sure they aren't drunk, have insurance, ect. but the officer never asked for any of my info!

When I have been pulled over in the past, half the time the officers asked for insurance/registration, but they ALWAYS have at least asked for my licence.

I'll mention again he followed me for a mile before pulling me over. Perhaps he happened to look over, saw the issue and did his job, let me know.

But then why did he hang out in my blind spot for so long? I had even slightly slowed down to see if he would pass, and also sped up a little. He matched my pace both times, which made me feel he was looking for something/running my plate. But then why didn't he ask for any of my info?



What I did that (I think) helped me-

Once he put the lights on, I immediately put on my blinker, got into the right lane, and rode for awhile until there was a driveway. (So I'm not that idiot that stops in the road) I have been in people's cars/seen people who "just stopped", the officer always sounds irritated over the loudspeaker "PLEASE PULL OFF THE ROAD"- not the best first impression, your already showing a lack of common sense and a lack of concern for the officers safety.

I continued into the parking lot until there was an open parking spot, and took it, so the officer could block me in from behind and make sure the wily motorcycle rider could not escape.

Turned the bike off, took off my helmet, stayed on the bike, turned and tried to give the friendliest and most innocent smile that I could while saying "good evening, officer!"

I'm not bothered by him pulling me over in the slightest, he had a legit reason, but it just seemed odd to me he didn't check me out more.

What are some of your thoughts on the situation? Similar experiences?

 

[humbug612]

They get bored, and pay raises dont happen if they have uneventful nights.
We ALL know its true.

 

[lefty]

(I am not a LEO)but, I'll tell you what helped you; You were a considerate person.

You hear about so many idiots who get bent out of shape because they are being 'harrassed' by cops and I'm sure their 'attitude' comes across when speaking to the officers.

I have seen the Rodney King vid's and I will never talk smack to a Cop. I try to always be considerate and a couple of times that has saved me from a ticket. I have had encounters with LEO's who should be working at Burger King, but I still remained cool-headed, (see referance to RK video).

You sound like a person who was taught proper manners by your parents and you most likely treat everyone you meet with respect. This is just my 2 cents, but that attitude will do more for you than an enableing Mommy and Daddy.

As to why he took so long scoping out your bike; perhaps he was bored and looking for any reason to pull you over and ask you out, LOL.

 

[gambit45]

(I am not a LEO)but, I'll tell you what helped you; You were a considerate person.

You hear about so many idiots who get bent out of shape because they are being 'harrassed' by cops and I'm sure their 'attitude' comes across when speaking to the officers.

I have seen the Rodney King vid's and I will never talk smack to a Cop. I try to always be considerate and a couple of times that has saved me from a ticket. I have had encounters with LEO's who should be working at Burger King, but I still remained cool-headed, (see referance to RK video).

You sound like a person who was taught proper manners by your parents and you most likely treat everyone you meet with respect. This is just my 2 cents, but that attitude will do more for you than an enableing Mommy and Daddy.

As to why he took so long scoping out your bike; perhaps he was bored and looking for any reason to pull you over and ask you out, LOL.

+1

Lefty and I think a lot alike. If you always treat everybody with respect first you will usually get it in kind.

Saying things like "yes sir", "no sir" and "thank you sir" shouldn't be isolated to police either. I was raised in an atmosphere where you HAD to speak in that manner to just about everyone. I think it's amusing listening to a lot of younger people talk to adults these days. They may not be doing it intentionally but a lot of the youngin's these days come off as arrogant little shits the way they converse.

It costs you nothing to be very polite to others and the payoff is usually more gratifying than you can imagine.

 

[Ironbutt]

Don't be fooled.. He's a great actor.. you made an involuntary admission because he persuaded you into talking.. got ya! if you weren't in the right already.. you'd be cuffed!

Nice or not.. nice just makes it more pleasant and easier going.

 

[scout]

He probably pulled you over because you acted tense and kept checking mirrors, etc.
He tried to run the plate to see if stolen, whatever, but also had trouble reading it, providing probable cause for detention.

You responded well, but next time don't ask about the restricted license or even make small talk. Even if small talk is initiated by the officer, I suggest to the point responses and then listen. Nothing more, as questions on the street, to me, are a waste of time.

 

[Karbon]

He probably pulled you over because you acted tense and kept checking mirrors, etc.
He tried to run the plate to see if stolen, whatever, but also had trouble reading it, providing probable cause for detention.

You responded well, but next time don't ask about the restricted license or even make small talk. Even if small talk is initiated by the officer, I suggest to the point responses and then listen. Nothing more, as questions on the street, to me, are a waste of time.

+1
From what i gather from hanging out with one of my LEO/CHP friends...

basically, give me a ticket, take me to jail or shut the fuck up officer. Of course be nice and cordial about it.

 

[jlhopwo]

Their job is to make you admit fault. The classic "Do you know how fast you were going?" is a great example of this. You are in no way obliged to incriminate yourself by answering any questions. Remember, they are highly trained to ask the right questions to make you say that you have committed a crime.

Of course, if you don't play their little game, they get pissed. Your job is what's called in the military "P and E up". P is for pride and E is for ego. You want to P and E up him while at the same time not incriminate yourself.

If you give him the silent treatment, that is P and E down. You are belittling him, saying in affect, "I am better than you, I don't have to answer your questions!" This is not a good thing to do. Police officers live on their pride and ego. That is the most important thing to them. For example, if you get pulled over and are wearing sunglasses, take them off. You may notice that most police officers where them when they talk to you. This is their "boss behind the desk" way of putting themselves in a powerful position by hiding their eyes from you. So you "P and E up" them by taking yours off. This is just one example.

So, you did a good job P and E upping him. However, you blew it when you incriminated yourself.

Suggested reading, "A Speeders Guide to Avoiding Tickets" by a retired highway patrol cop. Currently out of stock on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Speeders-Guide-Avoiding-Tickets/dp/0380807580/ref=pd_sim_b_title_6

The information in this book is not meant to make you invincible when you drive. It's not a get out of jail free card. But it will help you mitigate the power differential between you and a guy with a gun. Because really, the only reason we do what cops tell us isn't because we respect them, and it isn't because we're good citizens who occasionally break the law by speeding (the arbitrarily set and revenue-generating speed limit law); it's because he has a gun and we don't. LEO's, don't fool yourself giving us the polite, "May I see your license and registration please" bullcrap. Don't think we're smiling and happy and considerate because you're polite. It's because you have a gun, and we don't.

Sorry LEO's, it's us versus you, and information is king.

 

[Karbon]

 

[Espionage101]

subscribed!

 

[mototireguy]

Their job is to make you admit fault. The classic "Do you know how fast you were going?" is a great example of this. You are in no way obliged to incriminate yourself by answering any questions. Remember, they are highly trained to ask the right questions to make you say that you have committed a crime.

Nothing wrong with trying to do a good job. Be smart, answer questions politely and don't run off at the mouth.

Because really, the only reason we do what cops tell us isn't because we respect them, and it isn't because we're good citizens who occasionally break the law by speeding (the arbitrarily set and revenue-generating speed limit law); it's because he has a gun and we don't. LEO's, don't fool yourself giving us the polite, "May I see your license and registration please" bullcrap. Don't think we're smiling and happy and considerate because you're polite. It's because you have a gun, and we don't.

Sorry LEO's, it's us versus you, and information is king.

Gun's don't really bother me as long as they're holstered. And LEO's are usually the last people to be pointing one at you unless you've done something to deserve it. In most cases we have more important things to worry about, like the bail amount.

I agree with the P&E pride and ego analysis. Just be polite, have your shit together license/reg/ins, sign here and it's usually no big deal. Your bail amount may vary.

 

[EbolaMonkey]

I got pulled over for not having reflectors on my license plate

 

[lefty]

I forgot to add this......

I have NO idea why you started giving him ionfo that he did not ask for...? Do you want to see your bike on the back of a tow truck?

As others have said, be polite and concise.

 

[ctroutnerrun]

Don't be fooled.. He's a great actor.. you made an involuntary admission because he persuaded you into talking.. got ya! if you weren't in the right already.. you'd be cuffed!

Nice or not.. nice just makes it more pleasant and easier going.

Don't worry I'm not that foolish.

I only asked because the officer had told me I was "good to go", and hadn't asked for any info. If he had been the "Please keep your hands where I can see them sir" (while my hands are clearly visible ) type of cop, I would have just left, but he seemed like a cool guy, so I asked.

Not to mention I wasn't doing anything illegal. I was going home from work.

...Because really, the only reason we do what cops tell us isn't because we respect them, and it isn't because we're good citizens who occasionally break the law by speeding (the arbitrarily set and revenue-generating speed limit law); it's because he has a gun and we don't. LEO's, don't fool yourself giving us the polite, "May I see your license and registration please" bullcrap. Don't think we're smiling and happy and considerate because you're polite. It's because you have a gun, and we don't.

Sorry LEO's, it's us versus you, and information is king.

Must.....resist....soapbox.....:| Short version-cannot live in fear and intimidation, cops are people, just like us.....which is no good, because we, as a society, are filled with dumb-fuck assholes.

...As to why he took so long scoping out your bike; perhaps he was bored and looking for any reason to pull you over and ask you out, LOL.

He did fondle my junk for what seemed an unusual amount of time....

 

[nicholonious]

Police officers live on their pride and ego. That is the most important thing to them. For example, if you get pulled over and are wearing sunglasses, take them off. You may notice that most police officers where them when they talk to you. This is their "boss behind the desk" way of putting themselves in a powerful position by hiding their eyes from you. So you "P and E up" them by taking yours off. This is just one example.

So, you did a good job P and E upping him. However, you blew it when you incriminated yourself.

Suggested reading, "A Speeders Guide to Avoiding Tickets" by a retired highway patrol cop. Currently out of stock on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Speeders-Guide-Avoiding-Tickets/dp/0380807580/ref=pd_sim_b_title_6

The information in this book is not meant to make you invincible when you drive. It's not a get out of jail free card. But it will help you mitigate the power differential between you and a guy with a gun. Because really, the only reason we do what cops tell us isn't because we respect them, and it isn't because we're good citizens who occasionally break the law by speeding (the arbitrarily set and revenue-generating speed limit law); it's because he has a gun and we don't. LEO's, don't fool yourself giving us the polite, "May I see your license and registration please" bullcrap. Don't think we're smiling and happy and considerate because you're polite. It's because you have a gun, and we don't.

Sorry LEO's, it's us versus you, and information is king.

Pride and ego? Not really. What pride do I get from giving people traffic citations? It puts me at danger when I get out of my patrol vehicle and walk up to their vehicle in busy traffic. It ruins that person's day because I don't know anyone who likes getting pulled over. I'm polite to drivers because I treat them how I would like to be treated. It's never a game of wits or cornering someone into making a "incriminating statement". I've seen drivers pass through stop signs in plain view with a limit line clearly displayed at 15 miles per hour, stop them 1 block from that intersection and swear up and down that they made a complete stop.

Do we really feed off of our Ego? Not that I know of. Often I'll give tickets for those who really violated the vehicle code (such as speeding, running through a red light/stop sign, almost hitting pedestrians walking through a cross-walk, etc.) and a majority of the time I'll give people warnings.

And one last thing, what does a gun have anything to do with this? I have my gun available in my holster if a parolee attacks me with a shank, or if I go to a robbery in-progress at a late night liquor store where the suspect has a automatic pistol (which has happened before...). I'm not sure where you're going with the "LEOs carrying a gun and you aren't" statement...

 

[etbender]

hi,
the first run through the system is the Vehicle's plates, to see if anything pops up on the car itself, then, if the officer decides he wants/needs to know if there are any more traffic violations/wants/holds/parole/probation/federal warrants/city/state/INS/Interpol warrants on the PERSON, then he runs You through the system, a Restricted license does not show up as a red flag, but if your license is Suspended, or if you have a want from any agency, then he takes possession of your body. Never volunteer unasked for info, be polite, limit your responses to answering the questions, be cordial, but don't kid yourself, they are NOT JUST being sociable, they are slyly doing their best to smell your breath/clothes/, to look in your car, check the ashtray, check out your eyes, check your passengers out, get you to let something telling slip, or for you to show signs of erratic/drug/alcohol/suspicious behavior. Only cops and criminals know how to properly answer the question, "do you know why I stopped you?"
"No sir, but if I was doing anything wrong I apologize. What seems to be the problem, officer?"
I'm not a cop, and I don't play one on TV, either.
Nothing wrong with them as a whole, but as a sportbiker, they are not my allies. IMHO, most SFPD are pretty cool, (I've actually gotten a few Thumbs-ups from them while wheelying down SF streets), but the CHP are a bunch of Nazi's for the most part, just ask any beat cop what the CHP acts like to them.
Elliott
p.s. always consult a lawyer before performing any illegal act

 

[Sane_Man]

Damn dude, I guess it's a good thing you didn't have body parts in your back pack, or you would have admitted that too.

Being an honest good citizen is going to bite you in the ass one day, which is going to turn you into a bitter person saying "Fuck the Police". If you are so damn honest, why are you out on a restricted license?

 

[scout]

hi,
the first run through the system is the Vehicle's plates, to see if anything pops up on the car itself, then, if the officer decides he wants/needs to know if there are any more traffic violations/wants/holds/parole/probation/federal warrants/city/state/INS/Interpol warrants on the PERSON, then he runs You through the system, a Restricted license does not show up as a red flag, but if your license is Suspended, or if you have a want from any agency, then he takes possession of your body. Never volunteer unasked for info, be polite, limit your responses to answering the questions, be cordial, but don't kid yourself, they are NOT JUST being sociable, they are slyly doing their best to smell your breath/clothes/, to look in your car, check the ashtray, check out your eyes, check your passengers out, get you to let something telling slip, or for you to show signs of erratic/drug/alcohol/suspicious behavior. Only cops and criminals know how to properly answer the question, "do you know why I stopped you?"
"No sir, but if I was doing anything wrong I apologize. What seems to be the problem, officer?"
I'm not a cop, and I don't play one on TV, either.
Nothing wrong with them as a whole, but as a sportbiker, they are not my allies. IMHO, most SFPD are pretty cool, (I've actually gotten a few Thumbs-ups from them while wheelying down SF streets), but the CHP are a bunch of Nazi's for the most part, just ask any beat cop what the CHP acts like to them.
Elliott
p.s. always consult a lawyer before performing any illegal act

Some good thinking, but, the CHP are traffic, that's all they do, chase tail lights, take drunks, clean up after accidents, write speeding tickets, and not a clue about criminal law, in general. Certainly NOT Nazis, that's for certain. If you have a criminal problem, and a Chip comes, they'll call the Sheriff even before they get out of the cage, if you know what I mean.

Here's their official status: California Highway Patrol, State Traffic Officers. That pretty much gives you everything you need to know about our Chips. They are the front line dudes against driving under the influence. The very best life savers ever.

 

[Rel]

Whereas I appericate your comment about being life savers, the other comments sell CHP short.

The CHP badge reads Officer, not Traffic Officer. It did, however, no longer.

In addition, traffic code violations are what CHP know best, but CHP has plenty of Officers that work hard enforcing all levels of the law. From counter terrorism to auto/property theft, to SWAT, and drug interdiction. CHP handles shooting on the freeways, kidnappings, and domestic battery. If it happens on the highways/freeways, then CHP is prepared to handle it.

Off soapbox.

Some good thinking, but, the CHP are traffic, that's all they do, chase tail lights, take drunks, clean up after accidents, write speeding tickets, and not a clue about criminal law, in general. Certainly NOT Nazis, that's for certain. If you have a criminal problem, and a Chip comes, they'll call the Sheriff even before they get out of the cage, if you know what I mean.

Here's their official status: California Highway Patrol, State Traffic Officers. That pretty much gives you everything you need to know about our Chips. They are the front line dudes against driving under the influence. The very best life savers ever.

 

[JPM]

Fortunatley I am not a jackass and was only going home from work.

I noticed the officer after leaving an intersection, he had been behind the car on my right, and after that car turned, I recognized the headlights in my mirror. Checked my speed, not speeding, ok, he should just pass me.

He catches up to me , still one lane to my right, and hangs out in my blind spot.

I'm thinking, "great, he's running my plate, it will pop up I have a restricted licence, he'll pull me over to see where I'm going"

Sure enough about a mile later, he gets behind me, turns his lights on.

I have no idea what is normal procedure with someone who has a restricted licence, but I was half expecting to hear over the loudspeaker "PLEAS GET OFF THE MOTORCYCLE AND SLOWLY WALK BACKWARDS TOWARDS MY VEHICLE"

Instead, I turn around to see an officer in his mid/late 30's, smiling

We exchange friendly hello's and he informs me "the reason I pulled you over is one of the reflectors on your licence plate makes it hard to read, I'm just gonna run this real quick and get you on your way"

Thinking, "ok now he will run my plate and the smile will go away" . I start getting off my bike to check out the licence plate situation and he kindly asks me to remain on my bike until he is done, to which I reply, "yes sir"

30 seconds later, he says "ok, your all good. If you want to check it out, the reflector on the right makes it difficult to tell if the last number is a 2 or a 7"

I look, he's right, but that's not whats on my mind. He seemed pretty cool so I just asked him-

"Question for you if you don't mind. I currently have a restricted licence so I can only ride to and from work. Does that show up when you run my plate?

He said, "well, if you want I can tag (tig? ) your plate and see what it says" I didn't know how that differed from running my plate, which is what I assume he just did (I heard it all over his radio) but didn't want to waste his time, so I told him no thanks.

He asked me if I had any printout from the dmv or anything, I said no, he recommended I get one and told me he had pulled people over before who were under the impression they had a restricted licence, when they actually had a suspended licence.


What I'm kind of confused about-

Was he just bored? I have heard officers say (including here on barf) they will use situations like this as a reason to pull someone over in an attempt to gather more info, or just to check the person out, make sure they aren't drunk, have insurance, ect. but the officer never asked for any of my info!

When I have been pulled over in the past, half the time the officers asked for insurance/registration, but they ALWAYS have at least asked for my licence.

I'll mention again he followed me for a mile before pulling me over. Perhaps he happened to look over, saw the issue and did his job, let me know.

But then why did he hang out in my blind spot for so long? I had even slightly slowed down to see if he would pass, and also sped up a little. He matched my pace both times, which made me feel he was looking for something/running my plate. But then why didn't he ask for any of my info?



What I did that (I think) helped me-

Once he put the lights on, I immediately put on my blinker, got into the right lane, and rode for awhile until there was a driveway. (So I'm not that idiot that stops in the road) I have been in people's cars/seen people who "just stopped", the officer always sounds irritated over the loudspeaker "PLEASE PULL OFF THE ROAD"- not the best first impression, your already showing a lack of common sense and a lack of concern for the officers safety.

I continued into the parking lot until there was an open parking spot, and took it, so the officer could block me in from behind and make sure the wily motorcycle rider could not escape.

Turned the bike off, took off my helmet, stayed on the bike, turned and tried to give the friendliest and most innocent smile that I could while saying "good evening, officer!"

I'm not bothered by him pulling me over in the slightest, he had a legit reason, but it just seemed odd to me he didn't check me out more.

What are some of your thoughts on the situation? Similar experiences?

He was doing his job, looking for criminals, warrants, ect. You were both considerate and polite, each got to meet a new person in this world, and went on your way. Sounds like a good day for both.
If you really feel neglected you can always request a body cavity search the next time.