Well it's like anything else in the world of generating revenue...
Everything is contradictory and nothing makes much sense. And 100% of it is not fair by anyone's measure.
Bikes are loud as hell (especially obnoxious Harley's) and they don't even need to "legaly" run catalytics. So is noise the issue? Apparently not. Is smog the issue? Apparently not either. But when it comes to a car... oh hold the phone...
Civics are targeted because of supposed stolen parts and a fart cannon makes for a good "reasonable suspicion" stop. But that's just it.. "reasonable suspicion" doesn't get a cop inside your car or under your hood. Probable cause does. Without a warrant, reasonable suspicion just doesn't cut it but people don't know this so they let the cop pop the hood and search all over the inside of the vehicle by giving consent where none need be given under the protection of your so called 4th Amendment.
Now I understand that the topic of reasonable suspicion vs. probable cause and just what does that fart cannon represent are hotly debated but I am of the opinion that it is NOT the latter. When challenged, the cop will most likely throw a bluff your way and say something like "fine, you hang out while we call the tow truck". Ok... but wait... Most people won't say "ok". They most likely won't ask to see their supervisor in the mean time while waiting for the supposed tow truck to show up and call their bluff. Sometimes I guess it's easier to pay than to play? IDK.
Something to think about. Plus I always record (video) my traffic stops as that tends to change the hearts and minds of some would-be violators in blue.
|