Cop Watch

[Bottaboom]

As a carry over from the infamous "Stop Sign" thread I thought starting a cop watch thread would be beneficial.

[Ajack]

As a carry over from the infamous "Stop Sign" thread I thought starting a cop watch thread would be beneficial.

Great idea. Fight fire with fire. Apparently there is a few people here in the villages that like to watch people get pulled over. They drop a dime and then view the resulting actions for their daily entertainment.

[billethkid]

Good thing this is a tongue in cheek thread:police:

btk

[Ajack]

Good thing this is a tongue in cheek thread:police:

btk

I changed it. I wrote it in a hurry.:ohdear:

[Talk Host]

The administrators of Talk of The Villages could be held responsible if such a "cop watch" thread is concluded to be "interfering with the duties of a police officer."

Until the original poster or another interested party can show conclusively that such action is not outside the law, we will error on the side of caution. We won't permit an organized effort to warn of locations of traffic enforcement.

Even if it is deemed to be not illegal, we would still have to decide the value of such a thread and the effect it could have on the overall safety of the community.

JLK

[graciegirl]

The administrators have a great responsibility. I would never have thought of it that way.

[BogeyBoy]

I saw an unmarked patrol car with radar set up this morning.

In an effort to protect the location I will only say I have not left Florida today.

Please drive carefully. If you choose not to drive carefully maybe you'll be on the same road where I saw the deputy. Let us know how the conversation goes.

[golf2140]

Thanks TH there seems to be a few disgruntled new arrivals.

[Ajack]

The administrators of Talk of The Villages could be held responsible if such a "cop watch" thread is concluded to be "interfering with the duties of a police officer."

Until the original poster or another interested party can show conclusively that such action is not outside the law, we will error on the side of caution. We won't permit an organized effort to warn of locations of traffic enforcement.

Even if it is deemed to be not illegal, we would still have to decide the value of such a thread and the effect it could have on the overall safety of the community.

JLK

What about radar detectors? Aren't they legal in most states? How would warning motorists be "interfering with the duties of a police officer?" Is the reason for the ticket traps for slowing people down and obeying the Law"?
By logic, if the intent is to have citizens obey the law and not just make money, then warning people would make more people slow down and obey the law, right?
What is better? Having thousands of people slow down from people warning each other, or issuing tickets to a few motorists?

[bkcunningham1]

Like flashing your headlights at oncoming traffic to warn them of a police officer radaring. Is that illegal?

[Talk Host]

What about radar detectors? Aren't they legal in most states? How would warning motorists be "interfering with the duties of a police officer?" Is the reason for the ticket traps for slowing people down and obeying the Law"?
By logic, if the intent is to have citizens obey the law and not just make money, then warning people would make more people slow down and obey the law, right?
What is better? Having thousands of people slow down from people warning each other, or issuing tickets to a few motorists?

Flashing headlights that warn oncoming motorists of speed enforcement is illegal in Florida. Therefore I consider this to be the same type of thing. If you can show conclusive proof that this is not illegal, we might take it under consideration.

However, personally, I don't share your disdain for enforcement of our laws. If there was no enforcement there would eventually be anarchy. The same thing as people controlling people. It doesn't work.

Enforcement Zones are neither for raising money or slowing people down. They are for arresting lawbreakers who jeopardize their own safety and the safety of others.

You use the term "speed trap." There are all kinds of traps, rat traps, fly traps, ant traps, roach traps, speed traps. What do each of these traps catch? They catch what the trap is specifically intended for.

JLK

[BogeyBoy]

Like flashing your headlights at oncoming traffic to warn them of a police officer radaring. Is that illegal?

I've been trying to find out information on warning others of police. The flashing headlights issue comes up more than any other. And the jury is out, at least with the little research I have done. I have found people who say it is legal, and others who claim they have been ticketed and fined. (These are on forums across the US.)

As far as other warnings, I have found limited information, most seem to thing it is freedom of speech to tell others of police presence.

Another thought - traveling north on 301 there are billboards announcing speed traps in some of the communities. Gets my attention every time. If those warnings were illegal it seems they would be gone, they have been there for quite a while.

[Ajack]

I've been trying to find out information on warning others of police. The flashing headlights issue comes up more than any other. And the jury is out, at least with the little research I have done. I have found people who say it is legal, and others who claim they have been ticketed and fined. (These are on forums across the US.)

As far as other warnings, I have found limited information, most seem to thing it is freedom of speech to tell others of police presence.

Another thought - traveling north on 301 there are billboards announcing speed traps in some of the communities. Gets my attention every time. If those warnings were illegal it seems they would be gone, they have been there for quite a while.

Exactly, they will slow more people down then speed traps will.

[bkcunningham1]

I flash my headlights during the day and night to indicate to tractor trailers they can enter in front of me in my traffic lane safely. I most always get the courteous flash back from their back lights. I think it is defensive driving.

I'd hate for a police officer to misinterpret this gesture as an illegal headlight flashing to warn of a radar activity.

[Ajack]

Flashing headlights that warn oncoming motorists of speed enforcement is illegal in Florida. Therefore I consider this to be the same type of thing. If you can show conclusive proof that this is not illegal, we might take it under consideration.

However, personally, I don't share your disdain for enforcement of our laws. If there was no enforcement there would eventually be anarchy. The same thing as people controlling people. It doesn't work.

Enforcement Zones are neither for raising money or slowing people down. They are for arresting lawbreakers who jeopardize their own safety and the safety of others.

You use the term "speed trap." There are all kinds of traps, rat traps, fly traps, ant traps, roach traps, speed traps. What do each of these traps catch? They catch what the trap is specifically intended for.

You say enforcement zones are not for slowing people down but are for arresting them? Really.
JLK

I do not disdain laws, just the archaic ways of enforcement. Are you calling motorist's, rats, ants, and roaches?

[Talk Host]

Are you calling motorist's, rats, ants, and roaches?

People who break the law are caught in speed enforcement zones. If you don't break the law, you don't get stopped.

By the way, you added a line to my quote in your post. Please don't do that. You are deliberately misquoting me when you add to or change what I said.

[BogeyBoy]

Flashing headlights that warn oncoming motorists of speed enforcement is illegal in Florida.

JLK

I think the actually law is pertaining to flashing lights on vehicles that are similar to those on emergency vehicles. The law is broad enough that people have been ticketed for flashing their headlights. Here it is:

Title XXIII - 316.2397 Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.-

(7)Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway or except that the lamps authorized in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), and (9) and s. 316.235(5) are permitted to flash.

However if you read (8) it refers to police, etc.:

(8)Subsections (1) and (7) do not apply to police, fire, or authorized emergency vehicles while in the performance of their necessary duties.

So as I read it - 7 says no flashing lights - 8 says unless you are police, fire, etc. (Sounds like the law is referring to the flashing lights you would typically see on emergency vehicles.)

[Talk Host]

I think the actually law is pertaining to flashing lights on vehicles that are similar to those on emergency vehicles. The law is broad enough that people have been ticketed for flashing their headlights. Here it is:

Title XXIII - 316.2397 Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.-

(7)Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway or except that the lamps authorized in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), and (9) and s. 316.235(5) are permitted to flash.

However if you read (8) it refers to police, etc.:

(8)Subsections (1) and (7) do not apply to police, fire, or authorized emergency vehicles while in the performance of their necessary duties.

So as I read it - 7 says no flashing lights - 8 says unless you are police, fire, etc.

That's why I said, "flashing lights that warn oncoming motorists of speed enforcement." Police won't stop you if you use flash lights to allow a truck to pull in front of you, or to signal that somebody forgot to turn on their headlight, or to warn oncoming traffic that there is an accident or obstacle in the roadway. But if you do it with the specific intent of warning others about traffic enforcement, there is a law to cover it.

[bkcunningham1]

I think the actually law is pertaining to flashing lights on vehicles that are similar to those on emergency vehicles. The law is broad enough that people have been ticketed for flashing their headlights. Here it is:

Title XXIII - 316.2397 Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.-

(7)Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway or except that the lamps authorized in subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), and (9) and s. 316.235(5) are permitted to flash.

However if you read (8) it refers to police, etc.:

(8)Subsections (1) and (7) do not apply to police, fire, or authorized emergency vehicles while in the performance of their necessary duties.

So as I read it - 7 says no flashing lights - 8 says unless you are police, fire, etc.


I read an article where this very statute was questioned because of the word "are" as opposed to "is." "Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles..." Since it says "are" the verb agreement is with the noun "flashing lights" (object or thing) as opposed to flashing lights "is" which would be an agreement with the personal action of flashing lights.

[Ajack]

People who break the law are caught in speed enforcement zones. If you don't break the law, you don't get stopped.

By the way, you added a line to my quote in your post. Please don't do that. You are deliberately misquoting me when you add to or change what I said.

I don't see it, but if I did it, it was not intentional and I apologize.

[BogeyBoy]

I found this while searching the internet - interesting -

»Flashing headlights on/off to warn of speed trap (FL)(FS 316.2397(7) for flashing or blinking headlights)

Much has happened since my 12/09 ticket. An attorney fed up with government overreach agreed to represent me, filing a 6-page motion to dismiss. That worked.

Then, this week, he filed a class action lawsuit against the attorney general of the State of Florida for the 2400+ motorists who have been ticketed under the same statute - despite several court decisions (orders) that the statute did not apply to motorist communications.


(Note: Although the above says "this week" the info is from July 2010.)

From Channel 7 news, Miami:

http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/helpmehoward/MI89925/

[Indydealmaker]

No Pain. . . No Gain. There is no lasting health and safety gain from forewarning speeders. Just human nature.

[JenAjd]

In the midwestern city that I come from, the local media will announce that on that day the police will be monitoring motorists (speed and other infractions) in a certain area. I think the police still are successful in pulling over persons who are "pushing their limits".
It still amazes me how people seem to think they're being infringed upon when the laws are being upheld. If not for the law...we'd have mayhem.

[bkcunningham1]

I found this while searching the internet - interesting -

»Flashing headlights on/off to warn of speed trap (FL)(FS 316.2397(7) for flashing or blinking headlights)

Much has happened since my 12/09 ticket. An attorney fed up with government overreach agreed to represent me, filing a 6-page motion to dismiss. That worked.

Then, this week, he filed a class action lawsuit against the attorney general of the State of Florida for the 2400+ motorists who have been ticketed under the same statute - despite several court decisions (orders) that the statute did not apply to motorist communications.


(Note: Although the above says "this week" the info is from July 2010.)

From Channel 7 news, Miami:

http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/helpmehoward/MI89925/


That was good research. Very interesting.

[graciegirl]

Between the research done on here by bkcunningham, Tal, and now BogeyBoy I think I am gonna cut up my library card. I don't need it anymore.:wave::024:

[philnpat]

I can't believe so much has been written about stop signs and speeding.
For many years I was involved in business and office politics. I promised myself that when I retired I was going to simplify my life.
If the speed limit is 40MPH...I do 40MPH. Stop signs mean stop and yield means yield.
Why not play by the rules, keep things simple and enjoy your retirement that you've earned?

PS...Several years ago I flashed my lights at an oncoming car after seeing radar. The young lady gave me a one finger salute (apparently she didn't know what I meant) I looked in my rear view mirror and saw flashing lights and an officer pulling her over. I just smiled. Haven't flashed my lights since

[bkcunningham1]

In the midwestern city that I come from, the local media will announce that on that day the police will be monitoring motorists (speed and other infractions) in a certain area. I think the police still are successful in pulling over persons who are "pushing their limits".
It still amazes me how people seem to think they're being infringed upon when the laws are being upheld. If not for the law...we'd have mayhem.

I was a journalist in different states. The state police in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and other states where I worked would send press releases to the newspapers asking for stories before holidays stating where they were conducting sobriety checkpoints and where they were going to have extra law enforcement patroling for speeders, reckless drivers and such.

As a young reporter, I would call the police and make the press release my own byline story by including statements from the officers about the increase in traffic volume during holidays, the importance of not driving while tired, not to drinking and driving and then asking them to relate some tragic story they witnessed because of the someone not observing the above mentioned safety tips.

The police I worked with loved it because it helped raise public awareness, got them press clippings to send in for grant monies and mayber helped curtail accidents. The newspaper loved getting the notices from the police about where they patrols were going to be because it helped newspaper sales and in turn ad sales. So it was a win-win for everyone...unless you were one of the people who didn't see the flashing headlights and were dumb enough to break the law and got caught or injured someone.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

[quote=bkcunningham1;304629]Like flashing your headlights at oncoming traffic to warn them of a police officer radaring. Is that illegal?[/quo

[Bottaboom]

The administrators of Talk of The Villages could be held responsible if such a "cop watch" thread is concluded to be "interfering with the duties of a police officer."

Until the original poster or another interested party can show conclusively that such action is not outside the law, we will error on the side of caution. We won't permit an organized effort to warn of locations of traffic enforcement.

Even if it is deemed to be not illegal, we would still have to decide the value of such a thread and the effect it could have on the overall safety of the community.

JLK

Sounds like censorship to me. What happened to freedom of speech? It's no different from me telling someone that I saw a radar trap or even a sobriety check point. You're saying I might be arrested for that? Too funny. I know that when I am informed of such a trap I drive even more carefully then I already do. If someone thinks there is a trap they will be paying more attention to what's going around them. IT WOULD MAKE IT SAFER!!!!

[Talk Host]

Sounds like censorship to me. What happened to freedom of speech?

The first amendment guarantees you the right to stand on the street corner and speak your piece. It also allows you to start your own newspaper or internet forum to speak your piece without government interference.

The first amendment does not guarantee you the unfettered right to speak your piece on a privately owned newspaper, radio station, tv station, magazine or internet forum. Once you own your own newspaper or forum, you may say what you wish and you will personally be held responsible for everything that everybody says on it. You will guard your investment carefully so that you aren't arrested or sued for what somebody else said on your privately owned medium.

Violations of freedom of speech apply only to government intervention in your right to speak. The constitution reads: ""Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech."

Censorship, on the other hand, is perfectly legal. Encarta Encyclopedia says, "In modern times, censorship refers to the examination of media including books, periodicals, plays, motion pictures, and television and radio programs for the purpose of altering or suppressing parts thought to be harmful, illegal, or offensive.


JLK

[Bottaboom]

You're the boss.

[Bogie Shooter]

You're the boss.

You learn pretty quick!

[BigLew]

The administrators of Talk of The Villages could be held responsible if such a "cop watch" thread is concluded to be "interfering with the duties of a police officer."

Until the original poster or another interested party can show conclusively that such action is not outside the law, we will error on the side of caution. We won't permit an organized effort to warn of locations of traffic enforcement.

Even if it is deemed to be not illegal, we would still have to decide the value of such a thread and the effect it could have on the overall safety of the community.

JLK

anything you do to make it safer (i.e. letting drivers know where to be sure to drive 'legally') could not be construed as interfering with the duties of an officer, if anything you are helping to improve public safety :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[redwitch]

What a brouhaha over nothing. TH nicely stated that the admins did not want to chance being held responsible for a possible thread that might cause citations or a closure of this forum. So, why not just accept that this is something they don't want, respect their wishes and let it go?

[golf2140]

What a brouhaha over nothing. TH nicely stated that the admins did not want to chance being held responsible for a possible thread that might cause citations or a closure of this forum. So, why not just accept that this is something they don't want, respect their wishes and let it go?

Amen

[Bottaboom]

What a brouhaha over nothing. TH nicely stated that the admins did not want to chance being held responsible for a possible thread that might cause citations or a closure of this forum. So, why not just accept that this is something they don't want, respect their wishes and let it go?

It's a forum, we're having a discussion. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, that doesn't make anyone right or wrong. If TH didn't invite the debate he would have removed this thread from the forum. Debates like this help people learn and understand other view points. I know I have learned some things that will change the way I think. I never knew that flashing your lights can be illegal in some states and now I do. It can still be a problem where it's legal if the police want to give you a hard time because you're screwing up their "trap". We might as well live in the PRK if we can't speak our mind. Police are just people doing the job that their boss tells them to do. I have nothing but respect for anyone in uniform and would never blatantly break the law.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

:popcorn:

:)
Bill

[Indy-Guy]

Last year I wrote about speed traps below is a link to what was said about them. See if there is a pattern.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23891&highlight=trap

[Bogie Shooter]

Last year I wrote about speed traps below is a link to what was said about them. See if there is a pattern.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23891&highlight=trap

Looks to me like the places that traffic should have some speed checking going on. Pattern? No, just the right places.

[downeaster]

Like flashing your headlights at oncoming traffic to warn them of a police officer radaring. Is that illegal?

Not sure about Florida. Some states have laws about illegal use of lights but permit headlight flashing to warn on coming traffic there is an accident ahead.

If I pass an accident site I would not hesitate to flash my headlights to warn on coming traffic. I flash my headlights to indicate it is OK to change into my lane in front of me. I have given up on flashing headlights to truckers. I don't think they trust us any more.

[BogeyBoy]

Not sure about Florida. Some states have laws about illegal use of lights but permit headlight flashing to warn on coming traffic there is an accident ahead.

If I pass an accident site I would not hesitate to flash my headlights to warn on coming traffic. I flash my headlights to indicate it is OK to change into my lane in front of me. I have given up on flashing headlights to truckers. I don't think they trust us any more.

Read through the entire thread and you will see more info on flashing lights.

[Bryan]

I think the Administrators are being a little too sensative when they disallow an organized forum for speed traps. After all the internet has many such sites - CopSpy.com, Speedtrap.org, Traspter.com (a speed trap location site), etc. The chances of such a forum on this site causing problems is extremely miniscule.

That being said, I still don't like a forum or thread dedicated to speed trap locations (or other enforcement action locations - like stop signs or unregistered golf cart/vehicles on roadways). It gets too long to read easily. Just do as we have in the past - a qu9ck post of "beware of speed trap at Morse and 466" as a new thread and I can read that easily.

Of course, as another alternative, just obey the law and look at the road while driving instead of for cops.

[LB]

Just follow the laws. You will get there just as fast and may enjoy the ride!

[brostholder]

It seems that whenever a thread like this starts, people have split opinions. Some say something to the affect "give me a break, don't the police have something better to do than give out tickets for going 50 in a 40 zone." It sort of implies that murderers and rapists aren't being pursued because a patrol officer is ticketing speeders. It is my opinion that nothing could be further from the truth. Many large cities have found that when they started enforcing the "little" laws like jaywalking, graffitti, littering, etc. they also saw a drop in more major crimes. Whether or not this was the only cause of the crime reduction is unknown. I have always believed that the society I live in made the laws and that I should obey them. If I disagree with the laws then I should work to change them. But the few times in my life (and none in the last 18 years) that I have received a speeding ticket, I just kept my mouth shut and payed the fine. I know I was breaking the law, and I also know that there were probably a number of other times that I was speeding and didn't get caught. Also, the thought of some speeder losing control and hitting a car with my kids and grandkids in it is sobering. As to flashing my lights to warn of a speed trap? I don't do it anymore even though I did when I was younger. I want those speeders caught for the reasons I mentioned above.

[brostholder]

Just one more comment on the legality of flashing your lights to warn others of a speed trap. Having a license is a privilege, not a right. We have an obligation to operate our vehicles safely. People who don't deserve to be punished. If I saw cops staking out a "crack house" to bust drug pushers, would I be within my freedom of speech rights to warn the drug pushers about it? While my example may be a little extreme, I think the principle is the same. One more thought....often when police stop a car for one reason, they find more serious offenses (I know this from watching cops on television). Perhaps the car you flashed your lights at was the one that was vandalizing village property last month or had drugs in it, and the police never pulled them over.

[Talk Host]

It occurred to me this morning while riding my bike that it seems like people are blaming the officers themselves for traffic law enforcement. Being a police officer is like any other job. You do what your boss tells you to do.

The officer is told by the captain...the captain is told by the chief....the chief is told by the mayor or city council. WE ELECTED THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL. (Or sheriff in this case....elected by us as well)

The majority of the time, the elected decision makers act when there are sufficient number of complaints from constituents. They don't wake up in the morning and say, "let's figure out how to **** off the people." Also, since all city and county meetings are held in public, how is it that they could make a decision to use speed enforcement to raise revenue. They could never do it without being observed. There could never be a unanimous decision to do so by members of the body. Those against it would certainly scream to the press. (or to TOTV)

If you were a police officer, what would you rather be doing, handing out speeding tickets or arresting burglars and sex offenders.

In my case, when I was a deputy, we were told by the sheriff to "not" issue speeding tickets unless we absolutely had to (accident or complaint). He was afraid it would go against him on election day. That use to really frost us to watch a speeder doing 90 and not be able to stop them. I gave a guy a ticket one night and was called in by the sheriff himself the next day and got chewed out. The sheriff said the guy was a friend of his.

JLK

[bkcunningham1]

Talk Host, both you and brostholder had very insightful comments this morning. Very valid points. Both were good additions to this commentary IMHO.

[BogeyBoy]

I gave a guy a ticket one night and was called in by the sheriff himself the next day and got chewed out. The sheriff said the guy was a friend of his.

JLK

But did the ticket stick or was it "fixed"?

[Talk Host]

But did the ticket stick or was it "fixed"?

I have no idea, but I can guess.

[pooh]

What's the problem with driving at posted speed limits? Good grief, some sound like spoiled kids....I should be able to do whatever I want, drive at whatever speed I feel is appropriate for me.

When driving, speed limits change when one is in an area with homes, businesses, schools. It's not difficult, just slow down. You can speed back up when out of those areas and the speed limits are increased.

About private message boards and what moderators can and will do.....I'm a moderator on another board and though we allow for more "picturesque" language, it is a private message board and not a democracy. Not meant to be offensive, TH, it's just that I understand what you're saying, completely. People on our board are guests and we enjoy their company because without them, there would be no board....however, without the owners, who put in the time and $$ to keep the board up and running, the guest wouldn't have that particular place to hang out.
What I'm trying to say, and apparently not well, is respect the owners' wishes. The rules aren't difficult to live with.

Thanks for all your work, TH.

[joannej]

I flash my lights to oncoming motorists when I see animals in the road, specifically deer nearby back in Pa, turtles crossing the road here, or any perceived hazard I see.

[Walt.]

I'd bet that the same people who complain about "unfair" speed traps are the same people who "reserve" tables and chairs 6 hours before an event. They're also the ones with 16 items in the 10 item line. They're just a bit special.

[Challenger]

I'd bet that the same people who complain about "unfair" speed traps are the same people who "reserve" tables and chairs 6 hours before an event. They're also the ones with 16 items in the 10 item line. They're just a bit special.

Also the same folks that violate deed restrictions and architectural rules.

[Bottaboom]

Also the same folks that violate deed restrictions and architectural rules.

Holy cow! Those stop sign rollers must be the scum of the earth! "They" are responsible for all the things that annoy us. Are they also responsible for the economy? Instead of a ticket for rolling through a stop sign let's put them to death. That will solve everything.

How silly. :ohdear:

[Ajack]

Holy cow! Those stop sign rollers must be the scum of the earth! "They" are responsible for all the things that annoy us. Are they also responsible for the economy? Instead of a ticket for rolling through a stop sign let's put them to death. That will solve everything.

How silly. :ohdear:

:a20:

[Walt.]

Holy cow! Those stop sign rollers must be the scum of the earth! "They" are responsible for all the things that annoy us. Are they also responsible for the economy? Instead of a ticket for rolling through a stop sign let's put them to death. That will solve everything.

How silly. :ohdear:

Sneer and smirk all you want. Oh, and don't forget the ridicule when you have nothing else. Just follow the rules and there's no problem. The post was referring to a certain mindset (as you well know). Is that clear enough?

[Bogie Shooter]

The deputies were out in force south of Palmer CC yesterday afternoon. Had lots and lots of customers. :BigApplause:

[Bottaboom]

Sneer and smirk all you want. Oh, and don't forget the ridicule when you have nothing else. Just follow the rules and there's no problem. The post was referring to a certain mindset (as you well know). Is that clear enough?

I'm not sneering or smirking.......OK, maybe a little ridicule but mostly sarcasm.

Sorry, but saying that that these are the same people who "reserve" tables and chairs 6 hours before an event and they're also the ones with 16 items in the 10 item line is nothing less then ridiculous. First off they wouldn't need to reserve tables because they drive faster then you and would beat you there and so what if they get in the line with 16 items, it would take the cashier an extra 30 seconds or less to ring up those additional 6 items.

Oh, and I have lots more.

Like I said before, very silly.

[paulandjean]

First off I see alot of Me vs Them. meaning lots of people on this topic think they are right. Lots of people make it clear that they believe they are right. Went to a driveway party, This guy was talking about the people speeding and not fully stopping at stop signs. You should have seen him drive, "oh my god". he was so bad. So what I am saying maybe all of you are not that greay of a driver after all. Me I go a little fast, sometimes rolling stops, and yes I pass anyone who is going to slow.Thats the way I am. So maybe you should look at you own driving habits. Count me for 1 vote showing where speed traps are today.

[Indydealmaker]

Morals and Ethics
Where Have They Gone
Hither and Yon
Hither and Yon

[AnonChick]

I read an article where this very statute was questioned because of the word "are" as opposed to "is." "Flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles..." Since it says "are" the verb agreement is with the noun "flashing lights" (object or thing) as opposed to flashing lights "is" which would be an agreement with the personal action of flashing lights.

That was very sexy.

"Flashing is prohibited" vs. "Lights are prohibited" -

So, since it's the lights that are prohibited, then the word "flashing" is an adjective describing the lights. It is not a verb enacted by the user.

And so:

"Engaging in the activity of flashing your car's lights" is not prohibited.
However:
"Lights that are designed to flash" are.

Way sexy.

[bkcunningham1]

That was very sexy.

"Flashing is prohibited" vs. "Lights are prohibited" -

So, since it's the lights that are prohibited, then the word "flashing" is an adjective describing the lights. It is not a verb enacted by the user.

And so:

"Engaging in the activity of flashing your car's lights" is not prohibited.
However:
"Lights that are designed to flash" are.

Way sexy.


Sorta like a man in uniform...way sexy... :police:

[AnonChick]

Sorta like a man in uniform...way sexy... :police:

Maybe next time I'm there for a visit I'll have to find out where the nearest speed trap is, and give my Edsel the gas - ya think I'll get my very own man in uniform then, huh huh huh????

[Sparky-30]

Did you know Geico gave 20 million to various police agencies to purchase radar and laser guns.
Insurance companies spend 16 million dollars a year researching driving records.
Why....not to help you, but to raise your premiums which turns out to be big $$ for them, so watch out for that nasty little gecko, insurance companies are always good to count on for a scam.:sad:

[Rob Stevens]

I've heard of court cases about the legality of flashing one's headlights but I don't recall the outcome. Seems like it should be legal though. But, come on folks, you won't get a ticket unless you are speeding - maybe not even then. If you speed and get a ticket just consider it a cost of doing business. Then slow down. In another thread someone reminded us that speeding saves you little time on a short jaunt. And yes, I drive too fast.

[Pturner]

I remember back when:


It was common for motorists to flash their lights to warn oncoming motorists of police ticketing drivers.
During long-distance trips on the interstates, motorists would take turns being the lead car in the left lane (i.e., risk being the one ticketed).
Tractor-trailer truck drivers almost always flashed their lights to let you know when you could safely re-enter their lane if you passed them, since they need more room than cars do to stop.

Does that make me old? :shocked:

[Pturner]

... If a cop is cute, I'll watch him.

[Walt.]

Did you know Geico gave 20 million to various police agencies to purchase radar and laser guns.
Insurance companies spend 16 million dollars a year researching driving records.
Why....not to help you, but to raise your premiums which turns out to be big $$ for them, so watch out for that nasty little gecko, insurance companies are always good to count on for a scam.:sad:

It could also be to keep jerks from speeding and having accidents (and driving everybody's premiums up).
It's great that they gave 20 million. That's less the taxpayers have to pay.
People caught speeding have their premiums raised... oh that's so sad! :)

[tony]

Here's an opportunity if you want to slow speeders down.

Form a group. Call it The Flashers. This group would flash their lights at everybody the meet in oncoming traffic.

If this group grew large enough, then the speeders would slow down, or they would ignore the flashing lights and get caught. They would never know for sure if a radar unit lay in wait behind the next tree.

[getdul981]

Just a quick post about speeders. The other night we were leaving Spanish Springs and I was doing the speed limit of 10 mph. There was a car behind me that was almost pushing us. He even went so far as to blow the horn. I kept on doing 10 mph. I love to p!$$ people off legally.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Just a quick post about speeders. The other night we were leaving Spanish Springs and I was doing the speed limit of 10 mph. There was a car behind me that was almost pushing us. He even went so far as to blow the horn. I kept on doing 10 mph. I love to p!$$ people off legally.

Go Greg!!! :)

Bill

[Pturner]

I'm fine with police ticketing speeders and stop sign runners.
I fine with neighbors warning neighbors about the patrolling.
I fine with neighbors not warning neighbors about the patrolling.

Have a nice day. :)

[chuckster]

Well, that's......uh.......just fine.:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[The Great Fumar]

I remember back when:


It was common for motorists to flash their lights to warn oncoming motorists of police ticketing drivers.
During long-distance trips on the interstates, motorists would take turns being the lead car in the left lane (i.e., risk being the one ticketed).
Tractor-trailer truck drivers almost always flashed their lights to let you know when you could safely re-enter their lane if you passed them, since they need more room than cars do to stop.

Does that make me old? :shocked:

WOW !!! WHAT A MEMORY.............:popcorn:

[Bogie Shooter]

I remember back when:

[.
During long-distance trips on the interstates, motorists would take turns being the lead car in the left lane (i.e., risk being the one ticketed).

[/LIST]
Does that make me old? :shocked:

That is not old.
We have drivers right here in TV that make a turn off 466 on to Buena Vista south and drive in the left lane...................all the way to Old Mill Run, because they will make a left turn there. And, the speed traveled all the way is between 15 and 20 mph. Needless to say this causes many drivers to pass on the right, blowing of horns, etc.

[golf2140]

That is not old.
We have drivers right here in TV that make a turn off 466 on to Buena Vista south and drive in the left lane...................all the way to Old Mill Run, because they will make a left turn there. And, the speed traveled all the way is between 15 and 20 mph. Needless to say this causes many drivers to pass on the right, blowing of horns, etc.

Yes, it is a new driving experience in TV.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, it is a new driving experience in TV.

What do you mean. Never drove on a two land road before?? Ever seen a sign "Keep left except to pass""??

[Pturner]

WOW !!! WHAT A MEMORY.............:popcorn:

I remember when your momma dropped you on your head.

[graciegirl]

Boy Howdy.

This has been a day on the forum..:wave:

A funny thing happened to me on the way to the forum.:loco:

Did his mamma drop him on his head? Really? Well that explains a lot..:a20:

TOTV is all the news you need to know....and then some.

[eremite06]

Like flashing your headlights at oncoming traffic to warn them of a police officer radaring. Is that illegal?

According to my FHP brother-in-law, YES.:police:

[paulandjean]

If he passed you at 10 m.p.h. and then did 8 m.p.h. I think you would react a lot different.I think you would end up honking your horn.At 10 m.p.h. walkers, bicycles, and runners are passing you.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

If he passed you at 10 m.p.h. and then did 8 m.p.h. I think you would react a lot different.I think you would end up honking your horn.At 10 m.p.h. walkers, bicycles, and runners are passing you.

Sorry for the misinterpretation - I know Greg and was just kidding around. Hence the smiley face in that post. :) The passing at 10 then slowing to 8 is different than what I believe he was describing, though.

Yep, the 10 mph limit on the Lake Sumter bridge (or other places) does seem crazy-slow. It's probably due to the path being so narrow and/or the presence of the high curb separating it from the road.

Bill