ComiFornia and its Pirates

[discothan]

Lots of dash cam options out there. Really depends on your requirements. But I think one of the important things to know is that if you have the auto-dimming rear view mirror there might be a plug you can tap into that power your dash cam (power active when truck is in Accessory/Drive mode). Though, if you are needing the dash cam to be active all the time, then you will have to run wires accordingly.

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[Patgal]

It's been a great 2 weeks enjoying my '24 F150. I love the way it looks, rides, and the thumbs up I get while driving.

Last night on my way home from a day trip to San Diego a local Pirate decided to "investigate" me.

As I was approaching an intersection at about 9pm, I spotted a vehicle doing an illegal u-turn cutting me off. I immediately flashed my high beams and laid on the honk to let them know of their stupid driving decision. As soon as I got next to the vehicle, I noticed it was a law enforcement SUV. At that very moment, I knew this officer was going to bullshit me as much as he did.

I got to the intersection, flashed my turn signal and made my right turn. SUV proceeded to follow me for about 1 mile until he activated his lights. This particular road doesn't have a shoulder and only a bike lane, therefore I continue to drive with my turn signal to pull over onto the very next side street where it was safe to pull over.

Immediately he confronts me with the "Why didn't you pull over!?" I stated it was not safe to do so and informed him that I was not going to risk my passenger and my life getting rear ended by someone doing 50+. He responded with an attitude he decides if it's safe or not, then proceeded to accuse me of having his car in traffic and how much of a safety hazard it was for him.

I immediately got the feeling this guy thinks he's above the law and knows he will lie to get his way. He then asked why I haven't replaced the temporary tags with the new permanent tags. I politely responded, they have not arrived, the truck was purchased July 29th. Besides, my temp tags are good for 90 days, so why does it matter? I also showed him on my phone the CA Temp Plate Law to prove my point. Not sure how that response was triggering, but this officer did not like it.

I provided proof of insurance, license and temp registration card and he went back to his car. After 10 minutes of waiting, he comes back to my window, hands me all my documents and proceeds to do a walk around of my truck, and says, "is this a show truck? You will be getting a ticket for illegal tint only. Make sure you install the plates when they arrive."

Really? WTF! My truck has the stock rear privacy window! Both front windows were rolled down the whole time. Not once did he see or prove my front windows are tinted. Not saying they are, however, they are the lightest you can go.

Honestly, I feel I was purposely pulled over and fucked with just because I called him out on an illegal U-turn. I will go to court and fight him there for an unlawful stop without evidence of a crime.

Definitely

It's been a great 2 weeks enjoying my '24 F150. I love the way it looks, rides, and the thumbs up I get while driving.

Last night on my way home from a day trip to San Diego a local Pirate decided to "investigate" me.

As I was approaching an intersection at about 9pm, I spotted a vehicle doing an illegal u-turn cutting me off. I immediately flashed my high beams and laid on the honk to let them know of their stupid driving decision. As soon as I got next to the vehicle, I noticed it was a law enforcement SUV. At that very moment, I knew this officer was going to bullshit me as much as he did.

I got to the intersection, flashed my turn signal and made my right turn. SUV proceeded to follow me for about 1 mile until he activated his lights. This particular road doesn't have a shoulder and only a bike lane, therefore I continue to drive with my turn signal to pull over onto the very next side street where it was safe to pull over.

Immediately he confronts me with the "Why didn't you pull over!?" I stated it was not safe to do so and informed him that I was not going to risk my passenger and my life getting rear ended by someone doing 50+. He responded with an attitude he decides if it's safe or not, then proceeded to accuse me of having his car in traffic and how much of a safety hazard it was for him.

I immediately got the feeling this guy thinks he's above the law and knows he will lie to get his way. He then asked why I haven't replaced the temporary tags with the new permanent tags. I politely responded, they have not arrived, the truck was purchased July 29th. Besides, my temp tags are good for 90 days, so why does it matter? I also showed him on my phone the CA Temp Plate Law to prove my point. Not sure how that response was triggering, but this officer did not like it.

I provided proof of insurance, license and temp registration card and he went back to his car. After 10 minutes of waiting, he comes back to my window, hands me all my documents and proceeds to do a walk around of my truck, and says, "is this a show truck? You will be getting a ticket for illegal tint only. Make sure you install the plates when they arrive."

Really? WTF! My truck has the stock rear privacy window! Both front windows were rolled down the whole time. Not once did he see or prove my front windows are tinted. Not saying they are, however, they are the lightest you can go.

Honestly, I feel I was purposely pulled over and fucked with just because I called him out on an illegal U-turn. I will go to court and fight him there for an unlawful stop without evidence of a crime.

Definitely get the dash cam video and his vest video under OPRA laws. If you have the paperwork from the dealer listing the tint bring that as well. You could deep dive and check fppc.ca.gov for any misconduct against this officer, if you want. I come from a family of LEO'S and their are always some that even we don't like.
Sorry this happened to you, enjoy your truck though.

 

[ReverendQ]

It's been a great 2 weeks enjoying my '24 F150. I love the way it looks, rides, and the thumbs up I get while driving.

Last night on my way home from a day trip to San Diego a local Pirate decided to "investigate" me.

As I was approaching an intersection at about 9pm, I spotted a vehicle doing an illegal u-turn cutting me off. I immediately flashed my high beams and laid on the honk to let them know of their stupid driving decision. As soon as I got next to the vehicle, I noticed it was a law enforcement SUV. At that very moment, I knew this officer was going to bullshit me as much as he did.

I got to the intersection, flashed my turn signal and made my right turn. SUV proceeded to follow me for about 1 mile until he activated his lights. This particular road doesn't have a shoulder and only a bike lane, therefore I continue to drive with my turn signal to pull over onto the very next side street where it was safe to pull over.

Immediately he confronts me with the "Why didn't you pull over!?" I stated it was not safe to do so and informed him that I was not going to risk my passenger and my life getting rear ended by someone doing 50+. He responded with an attitude he decides if it's safe or not, then proceeded to accuse me of having his car in traffic and how much of a safety hazard it was for him.

I immediately got the feeling this guy thinks he's above the law and knows he will lie to get his way. He then asked why I haven't replaced the temporary tags with the new permanent tags. I politely responded, they have not arrived, the truck was purchased July 29th. Besides, my temp tags are good for 90 days, so why does it matter? I also showed him on my phone the CA Temp Plate Law to prove my point. Not sure how that response was triggering, but this officer did not like it.

I provided proof of insurance, license and temp registration card and he went back to his car. After 10 minutes of waiting, he comes back to my window, hands me all my documents and proceeds to do a walk around of my truck, and says, "is this a show truck? You will be getting a ticket for illegal tint only. Make sure you install the plates when they arrive."

Really? WTF! My truck has the stock rear privacy window! Both front windows were rolled down the whole time. Not once did he see or prove my front windows are tinted. Not saying they are, however, they are the lightest you can go.

Honestly, I feel I was purposely pulled over and fucked with just because I called him out on an illegal U-turn. I will go to court and fight him there for an unlawful stop without evidence of a crime.

Having tint in CA is a risk, got a fix it ticket from a CHP who pulled me over for no front plate. In my case I found my local sheriff at a Starbucks and she signed it off not questions ask. I advise find a friendly law enforcement officer and do the same.

 

[HammaMan]

Having tint in CA is a risk, got a fix it ticket from a CHP who pulled me over for no front plate. In my case I found my local sheriff at a Starbucks and she signed it off not questions ask. I advise find a friendly law enforcement officer and do the same.

If he didn't see it and didn't meter it, complete lack of evidence which would show on body camera. Curious what he wrote in his report for the stop anyway.

 

[EL5_Zero]

If he didn't see it and didn't meter it, complete lack of evidence which would show on body camera. Curious what he wrote in his report for the stop anyway.

Reason for stop: Permanent plates not on vehicle
Citation: Unlawful window tint

Yesterday on my way home from work, I stopped by the police station to file a report. Since I arrived 10 minutes before closing, clerk asked me to please show up next day at least 30 minutes before closing. I thought they would be available 24 hrs, but I guess not. I went home, checked my mailbox, and there they were, my new permanent plates.

Today I will show up with sufficient time, and my supporting documents. Let's see what other obstacle they throw my way.

 

[ReverendQ]

Reason for stop: Permanent plates not on vehicle
Citation: Unlawful window tint

Yesterday on my way home from work, I stopped by the police station to file a report. Since I arrived 10 minutes before closing, clerk asked me to please show up next day at least 30 minutes before closing. I thought they would be available 24 hrs, but I guess not. I went home, checked my mailbox, and there they were, my new permanent plates.

Today I will show up with sufficient time, and my supporting documents. Let's see what other obstacle they throw my way.

If you were in Mira Mesa, RB, Poway, even Skinnyquitos you have money and won't shoot when pulled over, so you get a ticket. Drive in Logan Heights for example and no problem.

 

[HammaMan]

Reason for stop: Permanent plates not on vehicle
Citation: Unlawful window tint

In most states proper display of temp tags isn't probable cause for a stop. Not sure how the DPRC handles such thing.

 

[EL5_Zero]

Update: Yesterday I received the ticket in the mail with multiple options to pay. It came out to approximately $185. The official charge, "Windshield Obstruction" . This is just ridiculous at this point. The only thing on my windshield was the temporary registration piece of paper that was taped on by the dealership which measures 2"x6", and a very small electromagnetic decal used for the toll roads. Can't wait for my court date in October

 

[TarnishedCopper]

Update: Yesterday I received the ticket in the mail with multiple options to pay. It came out to approximately $185. The official charge, "Windshield Obstruction" . This is just ridiculous at this point. The only thing on my windshield was the temporary registration piece of paper that was taped on by the dealership which measures 2"x6", and a very small electromagnetic decal used for the toll roads. Can't wait for my court date in October

 

[TarnishedCopper]

Take good close-up photos showing the windshield, and the very small items with the big windshield . Print and take them to court with you. Advice from an old retired cop.

 

[EL5_Zero]

Take good close-up photos showing the windshield, and the very small items with the big windshield . Print and take them to court with you. Advice from an old retired cop.

That's exactly what I plan on doing this weekend. Hopefully my new dashcam comes in as well.

 

[VRFlyer]

2 channels to follow --- lots of LEOs doing wrong out there. I have friends and family that are LEOs so it's not a knock on them, it's the tyrants that are the problem.

https://www.youtube.com/@LackLusterMedia
https://www.youtube.com/@thecivilrightslawyer

Both are good channels to follow!

And as an Ex-K9 Officer, most of these LEO's are embarrassing to watch.

 

[VRFlyer]

That's exactly what I plan on doing this weekend. Hopefully my new dashcam comes in as well.

I've had great luck with VANTRUE on all of my vehicles. For the truck, I went with a 2 Channel this time around.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

If I may give some first hand opinion… (you don’t have to read this, I know some people just don’t wanna hear this).
If all you got was a fix it ticket for window tint and you don’t have window tint you go to the court and show that, and it’s all done. If you do have window tint then it seems your biggest complaint is that he gave you a ticket that you don’t want. The only tint that is illegal in CA is front side windows and windshield. Any tint can be considered obstruction of view, but some people are more reasonable than others and light tint doesn’t really obstruct your view.

As for the cop doing an illegal U-turn, cops violate vehicle codes all all the time in the furtherance of their duties, and it’s allowed unless it causes an accident (obviously they shouldn’t cause accidents and there should be consequences if they do). If someone stole your car and it drove by a cop would you want him to turn around and get your car, or wait until he could conduct a legal U-turn? Obviously this is very different, but the same rules apply.
Do you mind if I ask where this stop occurred? The simple fact is that many police departments sole/major focus is traffic enforcement. Maybe it’s to generate profit, maybe it’s to make the streets safer, I’m not here to argue one or the other.

You can’t go to the department and demand the video. They will say no. They can say no. It will be done through the courts (again, this is just a fix it ticket…)

I hear a lot of your word vs the cops and all that, if your ticket is for window tint, show your window and it’s not a him vs me, it’s either illegally tinted or it’s not.

As for a complaint, if he was discourteous you have a right to complain, it will likely do absolutely nothing to him nor his career, especially at a small department. If you think he did something illegal that’s a different story.

I agree with everyone else here, get a dash cam, record if you get stopped. You can’t have the phone in your hand during the stop so place it somewhere to record it. Most cops that are doing their job correctly don’t care. Most cops are good, some are complete assholes, a few are genuinely bad people. If you treat them with disrespect (like it seems you did) then you can only make it worse on yourself. If he wants to see your insurance (he has the right to) and you show him your phone but pull it away, it’s harder to verify that way, you were being rude, you don’t have to. You can, you don’t have to give him your phone, it doesn’t help anything. Almost everyone is willing to hand their phone for a moment to verify information.

As for waiting to pull over, you can have your reasons, I don’t disagree with them, however, people don’t pull over right away in an attempt to hide illegal items, including firearms. Obviously that’s not what was happening here, but the cop doesn’t know that. Cops deal with very dangerous people and many times don’t know their dangerous until they are being shot at, in a fight, etc etc, so everyone is treated as a threat until they have proven otherwise.

I want to make sure you don’t read this and think I’m agreeing with the cop,
I’m not. Window tint tickets are the lamest thing ever. However, there is such a thing as talking yourself into a ticket. Sometimes traffic stops are to educate rather than to cite. If the person gives attitude the whole time, argues, doesn’t want to listen to anything, etc etc etc, a verbal warning won’t suffice and now you’ve talked yourself into a ticket. Maybe you did that, maybe the cop was a dick and you were getting a ticket either way.

I promise you, if the cop is a dick and you’re polite, it will show in court and work in your favor and make him look bad. If you’re both a dick, the court will see a cop that has to deal with this shit day in and day out, and a dick citizen.

If my opinion on this bothers anyone, I’m sorry, I’m not on this forum to bother anyone…

 

[EL5_Zero]

Thank you for the reply, and I appreciate your opinion. JustSomeGuy


My issue with the officers reasoning for pulling me over was unjustified in my eye. After we both gave our statement of the event, the judge asked me if I had the ticket signed off for window tint or video evidence of the interaction. I responded with no. She then declared me guilty and ordered me to pay the window tint citation. (I guess unlawful stop didn't apply in my case). At the end of the day, it's my word against his. I paid the window tint ticket and moved on with my life. I see it as a small donation towards the city.

Moving forward, my truck is now equipped with cameras for those "just in case" moments. I still drive every day down the road I was pulled over and have witness the same officer a handful of times. Fortunately, he has not attempted to give me a hard time.

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