Police officers are required to know an absolute ton of laws. Not only that, we are expected to know the elements of damn near every crime to make sure we are accurately documenting incidents and arresting folks for violating the correct section.
On top of that, we have to know the numbered code sections. Even more difficult is if you move from one state to another. All the code sections will change. It is challenging to say the least.
I bring that up for one purpose. This piece will likely mean something different to those of you enforcing the law in New Hampshire than those of us in the capital of the Left Coast…California. So, as you read, keep in mind the code sections where you live are likely different.
Having said all that, I have to point out there are some weird laws of which many beat cops may be unaware. This piece will serve as a documentation of my personal goals to cite for before I retire.
Spoiler alert: I’m about halfway there.
1. CVC 21700 — Obstructing Driver Vision/Control.
I refer to this law as the “dog on the lap” law. When you see someone cruising around fat, dumb and happy with a 15-pound shih tzu on your lap, I am of the opinion it is restricting your ability to safely operate that motor vehicle. The looks on driver’s faces when I cite for this is epic. Note the last portion of the section (in bold) “No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver’s control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.” Status: Cited
2. CVC 27007 — Loud Music.
You know that jagoff that drives by you thumping out what the kids these days call “music”? If you can hear that shit from more than 50 feet away, you’re golden to stop and cite. Full disclosure: If I can hear you over my own music and dispatch, I’m likely to do just that; however, if you’re blaring “Wanted Dead or Alive,” you’re free to carry on. #DiscretionIsBeatiful Status: Cited
3. CVC 27150(a) — Loud Exhaust.
Confession time. I don’t understand the popularity of the “Fast & Furious” movies. Although I think Dwayne Johnson kicks ass, I find Vin Diesel to be a monumentally shitty actor. On top of that, I’m not much of a car guy. Consequently, when you zip on by (even doing the speed limit) and the exhaust from your ’93 Honda Prelude sounds like two cats fighting, we’re gonna have a little chat. Here’s the best part: this section doesn’t require a calibrated decibel meter. Basically, if it’s offensive to my sensitive ears, it’s good to go. Remember this tidbit I learned in high school: Fare is a four letter word that applies to the bus. Status: Cited
4. HS 118948 — Smoking in a car with a minor.
I fully acknowledge that California likely leads the nation in being dubbed a “Nanny State,” but this is a law I can fully support. Just because you love your Virginia Slims doesn’t mean your kid needs cancer, too. The gist is this: you can’t smoke in your car with minors present. The caveat is that this can’t be the sole reason I stop the car. This is where knowing your vehicle code comes into play. Find another reason. Stop the car. Cite away! Status: Cited (but only once)
5. CVC 23120 — Temple Width of Glasses.
You know how people always whine about “chicken shit tickets”? This is probably the king of them. It’s like the Holy Grail of cites. Here’s the verbiage: “No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing glasses having a temple width of one-half inch or more if any part of such temple extends below the horizontal center of the lens so as to interfere with lateral vision.” Oh man…that’s the height of ridiculous and I’ve never seen it, but I’m definitely looking for it. Status: On the Hunt
As a bonus, I humbly offer the trifecta: Stopping someone talking on the cell phone, not wearing a seat belt, with a dog on their lap. I’m pretty sure there’s a significant medal for that one.
Your duty, if you find yourself wearing the badge, is to research your state’s version of the above listed code sections, go forth, and cite with no mercy (kidding). If you are of the civilian variety, it would behoove you to be on the lookout for these violations and keep score on your official patent-pending MotorCop’s Roadside Bingo game.
