Another firsthand experience on being told my car is illegal - Page 2

***Neanderthal Racing*** · 12-22-2004, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njmf

"Isnt recognized by the state of New Jersey?"

"in that case i INVITE you to write me for all 3 tickets and we'll see if the judge knows more anout bone stock subaru's than you do."

btw, writing a pile of frivolous tickets on the same stop (not including the seatbelt) is proof that the intention was harrassment. they'll get thrown out and he'll look like an idiot.

njmf · 12-22-2004, 02:15 PM

I didn't actually get the tickets, he just threatened to give them to me next time he sees me. It's actually really pathetic around here and I've been through my "Fight the power" phase. It sounds sad but it just isn't worth it because you can never win. When I had my RS i was stopped for absolutely no reason, searched without my permission and then written a ticket for something I didn't even do. I tried to fight it and the entire court including the judge, prosecutor, and police basically laughed in my face. I don't know if everyone is suggesting I report him because he was vulgar or what but its the norm for the cops around here. Bridgewater and Clinton Township are the worst, the surrounding towns rarely ever give tickets unless the person is doing something thats actually illegal. You would think it would be a red flag but it's not. A friend of mine was pulled over and the cop called him a "****ing guinea" he responded calling the cop a "****ing N-----". Which of course Is wrong, but insulting his ethnicity to begin with is just as offensive to me. For months the cops pulled him over every night after he got out of work, he filed harrassment charges and nothing ever came of it

P.S - I was wearing my seatbelt, I took it off to get my Insurance and registration out of my briefcase in the back seat

***Neanderthal Racing*** · 12-22-2004, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njmf

I didn't actually get the tickets, he just threatened to give them to me next time he sees me. It's actually really pathetic around here and I've been through my "Fight the power" phase. It sounds sad but it just isn't worth it because you can never win.

normally i'd agree with you but in this case, you would win - no doubt in my mind. you'd have to go to court but, hey, it could be fun making an idiot of of him on this one. sport, really.

donmei · 12-22-2004, 02:35 PM

Sounds like a request for a scheduled meeting with the chief is in order. I've found that the place to discuss a disagreement is NEVER on the side of the road. There, you are inferior to the officer and very much at a disadvantage. Also, it is an inherentlyt confrontational environment.

By bringing the documentation to the station and working with the chief to "help educate the officers about this car that is fully compliant with all DOT and EPA regs", you can actually do some good.

The net result of this could be a briefing on this topic during the daily roll call. This is when all the officers begin their shift and first are briefed on any new info prior to starting their days work.

Then you are helping the police to do their job better. Also, when you meet with an officer at the dept, it is readily apparent that you are there to discuss a concern as a citizen. It is obvious then that they work for you.

Don

Don

titsataki · 12-22-2004, 03:26 PM

This is quite interesting. But if the car meets EPA/DOT regulations then they cannot do anything. In CA they can send you to the referee and then they check the car and you bring the paperwork to court and they toss it. If there is something like that in NJ I would suggest to go through it if you have been cited. Otherwise it does not matter what he things but what is in the book. A legal new car sold by the new car dealership is 50 state legal so he cannot do anything about it. He can give you a hard time though.

Anyways good luck. Next time please wear your seatbelt. Then you offer less of a probable cause to be stopped and harrased. Plus you are keeping yourself safer.

Cheers

Nick

rasetsu · 12-22-2004, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njmf

P.S - I was wearing my seatbelt, I took it off to get my Insurance and registration out of my briefcase in the back seat

So you actually had your seatbelt on until AFTER he pulled you over? So he had no probable cause to pull you over in the first place? Call the freak'n ACLU, man! That's what their for as opposed to trying to remove the cross from city seals.

donmei · 12-22-2004, 05:05 PM

ACLU doesn't care about you. If you were black and pulled over in a white neighborhood, they'd be interested. But not because you were pulled over for unknown reasons in a funny looking little black car with a huge hood scoop and an ironing board rear wing. Sorry.

rasetsu · 12-22-2004, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donmei

ACLU doesn't care about you. If you were black and pulled over in a white neighborhood, they'd be interested.

That's true.

RenoSTi · 12-22-2004, 05:48 PM

Unless you drive like an angel 100% of the time, I would hesitate to go over the officer's head and report this to the Chief of Police of a small town. You'll probably win the battle but that cop will be looking for any excuse to bust you the next time he can. It wouldn't be worth it in a small town.

Sands · 12-22-2004, 05:50 PM

Not sure what the order of events was, but you shouldn't take you belt off until the cop is standing next to you in the window.

Definatly shouldn't reach anywhere with your hands; keep them planted to the top of the steering wheel. Then tell the cop what you are going to do prior to doing anything with your hands.

For all they know, you have a gun in your glovebox, briefcase, pocket, whatever.

The sti is not exactly a conservative car to drive around, kinda draws some attention, no need to make it worse by reaching around in the cabin of your car.....

y2ks2k · 12-22-2004, 05:56 PM

Thats when you ask him for his badge number and file a report...

STiylish · 12-22-2004, 06:09 PM

That definently sucks but I agree that northern new jersey has some really ****ty police and general practices. My ex gf in college was from that area and i was buying alcohol legally for her birthday there and got hassled needlessly by a cop in a liquor because i had an out of state drivers license. I hate all cops but NJ is the worst ever. I would not bother meeting with the chief since you weren't cited for it and likely will not see that cop again I would just lay low and pay the seatbelt ticket and move on. It sucks but that is just how it is sometimes.

Ol'SaltyBastard · 12-22-2004, 10:30 PM

May I chime in, beings I was born and raised in the "Kriminals Republic of Soviet Jersey". I know Route 22 very well.

Guys, New Jersey is a state like no other. You are not a citizen, but a subject. All this "fight it in court, talk to his boss, etc...." isn't gonna do much. So long as he didn't actually give you the ticket, you're OK. Let him say what he wants "According to the State of New Jersey, blah blah..." Continue doing whatever it is that you do. If ever you get a ticket for those things, when you show up to court, have about 100 different pictures of STi's in hand. Make sure most of them are brochure pics, like the ones Subaru gives out at dealerships. That would be about the right time to show that Subaru North America is located IN New Jersey. Have a letter or two from SNA that states the dimensions of the wing, and all the stuff they had to go through to ensure their vehicle is compliant to the laws in the US. Subaru spends lots and lots of money and manhours to ensure their vehicles aren't sold off the lot in an illegal status. Use that to your advantage.

Yes, dealing with the police can be incredibly frustrating. Upon my return to the States, I think I will have the ULTIMATE tool to keep the police at bay of anything short of street racing. Of course it will only work for ME, but when it happens, I will make sure I post it for you all to envy!!

Be cool!!

njmf · 12-22-2004, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol'SaltyBastard

May I chime in, beings I was born and raised in the "Kriminals Republic of Soviet Jersey". I know Route 22 very well.

Guys, New Jersey is a state like no other. You are not a citizen, but a subject. All this "fight it in court, talk to his boss, etc...." isn't gonna do much.

Yeah thats the point I was trying to get across. I guess it sounds typical "The cops are evil" but really im not complaining about nothing. I've learned to accept it. Like I said the surrounding towns really are harmless compared to a few of the "big boys" such as Town of Clinton, Clinton Township, and Bridgewater. You will go to the municipal court which represents about 11 different townships (not including bridgewater), there will be about 100 cases per day and God's honest truth, 85-90 of them are for those 2 clinton towns. If thats not a red flag I dont know what is. Clinton Township police that patrol Route 22 are known to harrass ANY teenage African Americans who live out of the area, search them, make comments and tell them to get out of their town...even the black cops. It's not like these are small country towns either. Im not sure how many of you are familiar with this area but if you are, then you know what I'm talking about. Im not sure if Id go as far as to call the entire system corrupt but basically with very few exceptions you cannot win around here, even if you are completely innocent, if youre singled out then you're SOL. sucks around here

WRXRATED7 · 12-22-2004, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wthermans

Shoulda gotten his badge number and contacted the head of your local PD.

Most definately! I would recommend this to anyone in the future.

12-22-2004, 05:05 PM	#22
donmei S204 Racer Car: 04 WRB STi Fav Mod: Trailer Hitch Location: CT, U.S.A. Posts: 3,139 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	RE: F50 drifting ACLU doesn't care about you. If you were black and pulled over in a white neighborhood, they'd be interested. But not because you were pulled over for unknown reasons in a funny looking little black car with a huge hood scoop and an ironing board rear wing. Sorry.

12-22-2004, 05:48 PM	#24
RenoSTi STI Driver Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi - Location: Reno, NV Posts: 251 IWSTI Addict since: Nov 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	RE: Re: RE: Best Video/Photo camera for taking car vid/pics. Unless you drive like an angel 100% of the time, I would hesitate to go over the officer's head and report this to the Chief of Police of a small town. You'll probably win the battle but that cop will be looking for any excuse to bust you the next time he can. It wouldn't be worth it in a small town.

12-22-2004, 05:50 PM	#25
Sands Professional STI Driver Car: Motorsports! Fav Mod: Engineering Manager Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 464 IWSTI Addict since: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Any Interest in Aluminum Sub With Custom STi Logo Not sure what the order of events was, but you shouldn't take you belt off until the cop is standing next to you in the window. Definatly shouldn't reach anywhere with your hands; keep them planted to the top of the steering wheel. Then tell the cop what you are going to do prior to doing anything with your hands. For all they know, you have a gun in your glovebox, briefcase, pocket, whatever. The sti is not exactly a conservative car to drive around, kinda draws some attention, no need to make it worse by reaching around in the cabin of your car.....

12-22-2004, 10:30 PM	#28
Ol'SaltyBastard Spec C Club Car: 1983 Mercedes Benz 3 Location: N. Kentucky/Cinci Posts: 1,464 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	RE: midtown tunnel checkpoint May I chime in, beings I was born and raised in the "Kriminals Republic of Soviet Jersey". I know Route 22 very well. Guys, New Jersey is a state like no other. You are not a citizen, but a subject. All this "fight it in court, talk to his boss, etc...." isn't gonna do much. So long as he didn't actually give you the ticket, you're OK. Let him say what he wants "According to the State of New Jersey, blah blah..." Continue doing whatever it is that you do. If ever you get a ticket for those things, when you show up to court, have about 100 different pictures of STi's in hand. Make sure most of them are brochure pics, like the ones Subaru gives out at dealerships. That would be about the right time to show that Subaru North America is located IN New Jersey. Have a letter or two from SNA that states the dimensions of the wing, and all the stuff they had to go through to ensure their vehicle is compliant to the laws in the US. Subaru spends lots and lots of money and manhours to ensure their vehicles aren't sold off the lot in an illegal status. Use that to your advantage. Yes, dealing with the police can be incredibly frustrating. Upon my return to the States, I think I will have the ULTIMATE tool to keep the police at bay of anything short of street racing. Of course it will only work for ME, but when it happens, I will make sure I post it for you all to envy!! Be cool!!

New To Site?	Need Help?	More
REGISTER FOR FREE! IWSTI Rules/Signature Rules Create a Member Journal Bookmark IWSTI Tell your friends about IWSTI	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Make a suggestion or report a bug Mark Forums Read Contact Us	Member Journals Forum Pictures & Photography Forum GR Series (08+) Marketplace GD Series (03/04-07) Marketplace Hot eBay Deals Forum Beyond Off Topic

12-22-2004, 02:15 PM	#17
njmf Amateur STI Driver Posts: 27 IWSTI Addict since: Dec 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	I didn't actually get the tickets, he just threatened to give them to me next time he sees me. It's actually really pathetic around here and I've been through my "Fight the power" phase. It sounds sad but it just isn't worth it because you can never win. When I had my RS i was stopped for absolutely no reason, searched without my permission and then written a ticket for something I didn't even do. I tried to fight it and the entire court including the judge, prosecutor, and police basically laughed in my face. I don't know if everyone is suggesting I report him because he was vulgar or what but its the norm for the cops around here. Bridgewater and Clinton Township are the worst, the surrounding towns rarely ever give tickets unless the person is doing something thats actually illegal. You would think it would be a red flag but it's not. A friend of mine was pulled over and the cop called him a "**ing guinea" he responded calling the cop a "**ing N-----". Which of course Is wrong, but insulting his ethnicity to begin with is just as offensive to me. For months the cops pulled him over every night after he got out of work, he filed harrassment charges and nothing ever came of it P.S - I was wearing my seatbelt, I took it off to get my Insurance and registration out of my briefcase in the back seat

12-22-2004, 02:35 PM	#19
donmei S204 Racer Car: 04 WRB STi Fav Mod: Trailer Hitch Location: CT, U.S.A. Posts: 3,139 IWSTI Addict since: Feb 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Sounds like a request for a scheduled meeting with the chief is in order. I've found that the place to discuss a disagreement is NEVER on the side of the road. There, you are inferior to the officer and very much at a disadvantage. Also, it is an inherentlyt confrontational environment. By bringing the documentation to the station and working with the chief to "help educate the officers about this car that is fully compliant with all DOT and EPA regs", you can actually do some good. The net result of this could be a briefing on this topic during the daily roll call. This is when all the officers begin their shift and first are briefed on any new info prior to starting their days work. Then you are helping the police to do their job better. Also, when you meet with an officer at the dept, it is readily apparent that you are there to discuss a concern as a citizen. It is obvious then that they work for you. Don Don

12-22-2004, 03:26 PM	#20
titsataki The Next Petter Solberg Car: 05 STI CGM Location: New Haven, CT Posts: 984 IWSTI Addict since: Nov 2002 Trader Rating: (0)	This is quite interesting. But if the car meets EPA/DOT regulations then they cannot do anything. In CA they can send you to the referee and then they check the car and you bring the paperwork to court and they toss it. If there is something like that in NJ I would suggest to go through it if you have been cited. Otherwise it does not matter what he things but what is in the book. A legal new car sold by the new car dealership is 50 state legal so he cannot do anything about it. He can give you a hard time though. Anyways good luck. Next time please wear your seatbelt. Then you offer less of a probable cause to be stopped and harrased. Plus you are keeping yourself safer. Cheers Nick

12-22-2004, 05:56 PM	#26
y2ks2k Senior STI Driver Posts: 390 IWSTI Addict since: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Thats when you ask him for his badge number and file a report...

12-22-2004, 06:09 PM	#27
STiylish Junior STI Driver Posts: 160 IWSTI Addict since: Sep 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	That definently sucks but I agree that northern new jersey has some really ****ty police and general practices. My ex gf in college was from that area and i was buying alcohol legally for her birthday there and got hassled needlessly by a cop in a liquor because i had an out of state drivers license. I hate all cops but NJ is the worst ever. I would not bother meeting with the chief since you weren't cited for it and likely will not see that cop again I would just lay low and pay the seatbelt ticket and move on. It sucks but that is just how it is sometimes.