Cops and sequentials
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,411
From: Southeast Virginia
No, they don't. They have to have probable cause, or have very tightly controlled checkpoints.
Probably true, but they can't just stop you.
It wouldn't take a cop very long to manufacture a reason (seems sequentials are one example in some places) but they have to have a reason. They also can't search your car without probable cause, nor can they pull you over for one thing and then look for another.
I think it was already mentioned, but some states prohibit a person from tampering with, or changing in any way, some or all safety equipment installed in a vehicle by the manufacturer. In other words, it would be illegal to retrofit newer equipment into an older vehicle.
Probably true, but they can't just stop you.
It wouldn't take a cop very long to manufacture a reason (seems sequentials are one example in some places) but they have to have a reason. They also can't search your car without probable cause, nor can they pull you over for one thing and then look for another.
I think it was already mentioned, but some states prohibit a person from tampering with, or changing in any way, some or all safety equipment installed in a vehicle by the manufacturer. In other words, it would be illegal to retrofit newer equipment into an older vehicle.
I think the whole "illegal to retrofit newer equipment into an older vehicle" is stupid! Like if we have a flat, we go buy new tires not necessary the stock kind but an aftermarket type or even larger tires. Or if our headlights blow out, we have to purchase sometimes an aftermarket brand. What about old cars that you can't find parts for? The law needs to be revised.
1st Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 100
From: Florida
First of all, yes cops do pull you over for no particular reason. Waaaay back when I was working early in the mornings (2 am) I got pulled over because the cop wanted to know what kind of car I had. He didn't see the Plymouth emblem on the back.....what an idiot! Cause me to be late for work!
An article on the subject.
I think the whole "illegal to retrofit newer equipment into an older vehicle" is stupid! Like if we have a flat, we go buy new tires not necessary the stock kind but an aftermarket type or even larger tires. Or if our headlights blow out, we have to purchase sometimes an aftermarket brand. What about old cars that you can't find parts for? The law needs to be revised.
In addition, most of the laws are written to allow users to install items that work exactly as the original equipment - so a headlight bulb with the same fitment and wattage would be allowed; an HID in place of a halogen might not be allowed.
Whether or not you and I agree with the law, it is in place because more often then not, when someone tries to retrofit an item it doesn't actually work as well as a factory install on a new car nor does it work as well as the old unit that was in the car to begin with.
To be fair, I can't find a cite for this law, so, unless someone can, I don't trust my memory on this one. I remember such a law, but I remember being a lot more suave and debonair too
5th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,115
From: Pineapple under the Sea
A friend of mine got pulled over for no reason whatsoever, with witness in the car and additional cops that were called after. The cop that pulled him over didn't even turn on his camera. Sadly this cop was driving a police stang too. Lets just say this whole incident left the cop suspended without pay.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 702
From: Cali
SO yesterday in beautiful Southern California i had a cop tell me that my sequentials were actually better because people would notice them more and i would be more likely to turn them on so people around could see how they worked.
So i would say that they were legal and or something like that they just dont care about. Didnt even ask if they came like that just said that they were neat and let me on my way.
So i would say that they were legal and or something like that they just dont care about. Didnt even ask if they came like that just said that they were neat and let me on my way.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 618
From: Rhode Island
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,411
From: Southeast Virginia
[QUOTE=HeadonaStick;6713226]Think what you like, but for the police to pull you over they MUST have probable cause. I wouldn't get in an argument with an officer but although weakened, the 4th Amendment still has teeth.
QUOTE]
Think what I like? I "think" he was a stupid young cop with nothing else better to do! I asked him when I got pulled what was the matter, he just said he wanted to know what kind of car I was driving.
We had a 1980 Plymouth Champ that was just newly painted a cool retro greenish/blue color by a friend who painted show cars. I guess the stylish color caught his eye....I don't know. Once he saw it was a Plymouth Champ, he let me go on about my way.
So THAT particular stop was abusive and unnecessary. I should have gotten his badge number or remembered his name and reported his butt!
QUOTE]
Think what I like? I "think" he was a stupid young cop with nothing else better to do! I asked him when I got pulled what was the matter, he just said he wanted to know what kind of car I was driving.
We had a 1980 Plymouth Champ that was just newly painted a cool retro greenish/blue color by a friend who painted show cars. I guess the stylish color caught his eye....I don't know. Once he saw it was a Plymouth Champ, he let me go on about my way.
So THAT particular stop was abusive and unnecessary. I should have gotten his badge number or remembered his name and reported his butt!
