Some people think that police should not warn you for a "broken taillight" or "6 MPH over the limit" since they are not "real crimes". Do you buy into this?
by 
Bartman
ANSWERS: 5
-
but they are revenue enhancers.
-
No, it's still a crime. Most officers won't waste their time on small offenses, but it's still against the law. That's like saying, I robbed a store but I only got 6 dollars.
-
I see their argument, but as ANNOYING as it usually if not always is, those routine traffic stops do keep the populace on alert and more vigilant to the environs and to the capabilities of the vehicle. A broken taillight, if not fixed, can mislead someone who could have been alerted to a quick right or left turn, and that would always be helpful, for not everyone slows down as they should. Also, either or both of these could catch drunk drivers, for I doubt a guy with a .08 count cares for either. Also, catching said drunk drivers saves a TON of trouble before it boils over and is too late. Also, catching someone 6 mph over the limit does more good for the safety of other drivers, for while only a few are nailed with "crap" like this, those that aren't will usually see it and shape up, increasing the safety on the streets.
-
I feel there is a reason for such laws, and lines have to be drawn somewhere. A broken tail light may not be a "real crime", but tail lights and speed limits are required for safety. Who decides when it is unsafe? 6 MPH isn't setting any land speed records, but where is the line? 10 miles over? 20 miles over? Why not 17.69 miles over? The line has to exist somewhere. We agree to abide by these laws when we get our driver's license; our signatures on the license affirm we understand and will obey the law. So yeah, you could say I bought into it when I got my license. Personally, I'd rather have a warning than a ticket. Since I don't like to be pulled over, I find it easier to obey the law than to fight against this particular well established law.
-
Actually, these things are not crimes. Technically they are infractions. A crime subjects you to a potential loss of liberty. An infraction does not. Should they warn you about these? Well, I would rather get a warning than a citation, but if you some people prefer the prefer the ticket, who am I to complain?
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC