I know from extensive questioning that cops hate getting trapped in a “bubble” of cars driving the speed limit. Every one I have talked to says they would much rather you drive 10 over, or just get out of their way, so they can get back to speeding. Given this, my usual technique is to allow the police car to pass me, then simply drive a reasonable distance behind them at close to whatever speed they are going (assuming their lights are not on and they are not responding to a call.) My wife thinks this is risky, as the cop can clearly tell I am speeding simply by looking in his rearview mirror and then down at his speedo. But I claim that, absent extraordinary circumstances, if I brought this to court the cop would have to admit to speeding himself in order to explain how he measured my speed. This is just as illegal for him as it is for me, correct? Does this keep me safe or would a typical judge ignore the officers’ indiscretion?
I’d advise against it. It’s difficult enough to get a cop prosecuted for flagrant speed abuse; they can generally come up with an excuse that the courts will listen to. In a properly-run world it wouldn’t be one rule for them and another for us, but you’d need to be naive to count on it.
I don’t think it would make any differnce at all. Police officers don’t always have thier lights on when speeding to a call. And I’m sure the officer would have some “legitimate” reason for having been speeding. Also, you’re there because you violated the law, not because the cop violated the law. Trying to say “Well, your honor, he was doing it too” isn’t gonna fly.
I think Malacandra is overstating the zealousness of cops to ticket people.
When a cop comes up behind, I move over, let him pass, then get in behind him even if he’s speeding. I think as long as you show you respect his presence, you’re all right.
On I-95 in Maryland, I’ve found you need to be driving like a maniac to get pulled over by a cop. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been doing 80 and looked up to see a cop in my rearview mirror, or passed a cop sitting in the median. The people they pull over are the truly aggressive.
I found myself drinking with a bunch of Maryland State Troopers recently, and they all concurred that on the DC beltway, anything under 80 is fine; they’re happy as long as traffic is moving smoothly.
It’s the same around Atlanta, but then when you venture further afield you get caught unawares when just driving at your normal speed.
amarone, who got his third speeding ticket in rural Georgia (versus none in Atlanta) this last weekend.
I have definitely heard of cops who will be speeding and see you speeding behind them, then pull over to let you pass and then nail your ass. YMMV, but I would handle with care.
Funny story. Happened a few years back (10-15?) on the DC Beltway.
Traffic moving normally along at about 10 over the limit as we come up to a MD State Police Car doing exactly 55 in lane 2. Everyone slows to 55 and dares not pass him. Drivers are getting frustrated and traffic is backing up behind the cop. Miles of clear highway ahead. One brave soul eventually maneuvers to the front of lane 1 and slowly begins to pass the cop doing about 56-57 mph. As soon as he is ahead of cop, cop lights come on, cop pulls in behind him and pulls him over. Rest of traffic resumes normal speed of 65+.
Thanks Dude! You saved us all a lot of time!
That’s an example of why I think traffic cops are nothing but revenooers. He caused a massive backup and frustrated people, thus increasing the risk of an accident, then when someone has the temerity to creep out of the quagmire that he created he busts them for it.
All traffic cops do is generate fine money and cause havoc when they are seen. It’s ridiculous.