Officer Wrote Me an Unjust Ticket, Need Advice

Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 01:43
Last edited 14/08/2017 - 09:25 by 1 other user

Hey guys, had an unfortunate encounter tonight with a police officer. At this particular traffic light, I am permitted to turn left after stopping. I did so, and ensured there was a safe gap to do the turn. Upon doing the turn, a police officer pulls me over. From his tone, it was obvious he was in a bad mood. I responded with respect, in a tone that was in no way aggressive (in fact, I barely got the opportunity to say anything).

He began with something like "Do you have your licence on you? Do you know what you just did?". At that point in time, I was in shock as I had no idea that I did anything wrong. I'm familiar with this intersection as I frequently travel through this street.

I don't remember how exactly this went down as I was in shock at the time, but I believe the officer claimed that I had run a red light. My friend explained (politely) that we were permitted to turn left carefully upon stopping. The officer however, claimed I did not stop (although I am certain that I did - In fact, there was a car in front of me mid turn, forcing me to stop behind the traffic light to check). The officer proceeded to breath test me and took away my licence. After some time, he returned my licence and as he walked off, he said that I would receive a ticket in my mail.

Is there anything I can do about this? I believe this ticket was unjust, and judging from the officer's tone/attitude, it seemed he was in a bad mood or had a bad day, leading me to believe he abused his power as an officer and wrote me a ticket to let off his frustration. I am currently awaiting the ticket.

I'd appreciate any advice,
Thanks in advance guys.

Automotive

closed Comments

      • D C on 14/08/2017 - 16:48

        but I feel like I did several complete short stops and rolls as there was a car in front of me also doing the same turn

        There's your problem.

        You can't follow the other car thru the intersection, you need come to a complete stop, and stop at the line. You have to stop and check it's safe to making the turn, it doesn't matter what the bloke in front is doing.

        The "must stop for three seconds" thing isn't true, but many people (including cops) think it is and it's not a bad idea anyway.

        • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 16:52

          Any idea how long we're supposed to stop for? I did make sure to check when I was at the very front as I normally would, but like others have suggested maybe I was rolling very slowly rather than completely stopping.

        • D C on 14/08/2017 - 17:30

          @Devidz: I usually count 3 seconds after stopping which used to be what was taught.

          The actual rule doesn't have a time, it says stop then check if it's safe, checking for traffic is going to take a little bit of time.

          If you simply followed the car in front then you didn't check properly.

        • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 17:36

          @D C:

          Definitely didn't just follow the car in front blindly, but now I can't say for certain I came to a complete stop. Possible that I was slowly rolling.

        • D C on 14/08/2017 - 18:06
          +1

          @Devidz: If you didn't stop, then you didn't stop, so you deserved the ticket.

          I ride a bike.

          If you're in a hurry to get thru that intersection, the first you'll see of me is probably my bike going thru your window.

        • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 18:18

          Maybe I didn't come to a complete stop, that is a possibility. Perhaps I was rolling at 1-2km/hr, in which case yes, the cop isn't wrong in writing me a ticket. I don't consciously think every time to stop at a red light, I do that automatically. What I'm certain of, is that I checked before turning and saw that it was definitely safe to turn.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 19:13

          @D C:

          I do this aswell.

          It is hilarious all the bogans who need to beep you on though.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 14/08/2017 - 23:49
          +2

          @D C:

          checking for traffic is going to take a little bit of time.

          Not if you have a clear view of all legs of the intersection and have continuously checked for traffic before coming to the stop line.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 14/08/2017 - 23:52
          +1

          @eggmaster:

          I wonder what the total annual carbon emissions are for the extra fuel wasted by coming to a complete stop and taking off again. 🤔

        • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 23:58

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Road rules are safety rules. There for a reason. Though drivers of cars should probably be wearing helmets too.

          I know some cars now turn off when they come to a complete stop. How nifty.

        • D C on 15/08/2017 - 05:01
          -1

          @Scrooge McDuck: So you're one of those 'above average' drivers I keep hearing about.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 15/08/2017 - 08:26
          +1

          @D C:

          Do you disagree?

          Some stop signs are located at featureless intersections which provide an unobstructed view of all legs from a significant distance. There are some on country roads where you can see the legs from 50 m back!

        • mooseymoose on 15/08/2017 - 08:33

          @Devidz: If it's a stop sign/red light, the law is pretty clear that you have to stop unfortunately. If it is a give way sign then you can roll forwards while checking.

        • D C on 15/08/2017 - 08:50
          -1

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          There are some on country roads where you can see the legs from 50 m back!

          If you think 50m is a long distance then yes, I'll disagree with you.

          Stop signs are usually there for a good reason, even if it's not obvious to an above average driver like yourself. Sometimes the reason is "because there's always been one", but anyway.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 15/08/2017 - 16:08
          +1

          @D C:

          If you think 50m is a long distance then yes, I'll disagree with you.

          When you're slowing to 10 km/h to turn left or right at an intersection the last 50 m gives you plenty of time to check both ways.

          Stop signs are usually there for a good reason,

          Sometimes the reason is "because there's always been one"

          That isn't a good reason. You're not making sense.

          It's not uncommon for street signs to be inappropriate. Just the other day I saw a 60 speed limit sign in a 20 m long cul-de-sac.

        • mctubster on 15/08/2017 - 19:17

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Isn't the whole point you pull up to a STOP sign, and THEN check for traffic not before?

          Otherwise it would be a GIVE WAY :)

        • jackary on 15/08/2017 - 20:35
          -2

          @D C: Ahh, the sound of an over-entitled bike rider.

        • D C on 17/08/2017 - 06:11

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          the last 50 m gives you plenty of time to check both ways

          Yeah nah. How many times have you said "But I didn't see him!" in your life?

          That isn't a good reason. You're not making sense.

          It's a perfectly good reason. Most of the things you encounter in life are due to just that, "Well, we started doing that way and we really couldn't be bothered to change it now… besides we'd have to write a report…"

          Where I once lived there was a stop sign nearby that seemed to be a bit out of place. The original reason for the stop was was the road was obscured by some building, now demolished. The sign stayed because they were going to rebuild… and 20 years later… Inertia explains a lot.

          Just the other day I saw a 60 speed limit sign in a 20 m long cul-de-sac

          I'd take that as a challenge.

        • D C on 17/08/2017 - 06:11

          @jackary:

          over-entitled bike rider

          Yeah, I enjoy t-boning vehicles. Should happen more often.

        • jackary on 17/08/2017 - 10:01

          @D C:Oh cry me a river, theres never been a safer time to ride a bike than in 2017.

          Come back when you pay the same road tax as everyone else and learn to only filter at 30 and below.

        • D C on 17/08/2017 - 10:26

          @jackary: Lol. Thanks for the laugh.

          What's filtering got to do with stop signs? Oh never mind, your answer isn't worth reading.

        • jackary on 17/08/2017 - 10:44

          @D C: And yet you replied, silly! Have a nice day, remember to stay out of the way of the big bad cars :)

      • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 20:18

        Once there is no one in front of you, you have to move forward and come to a COMPLETE stop then continue if/when safe to do so.

  • Findo on 14/08/2017 - 12:10

    I've been pulled over twice turning left into Garland Rd from Willoughby Rd on a red light, both times they came rushing up the left lane to ask if I was blind, only to end up administering a breath test.

  • jorf on 14/08/2017 - 13:04
    +10

    So you'll "receive a ticket in the mail"? Why didn't he just give you a ticket right there and then? I think he realised the screwup and was never going to admit it. Wait until if/when you get an actual ticket before worrying about it.

    Chances are, you'll never see one.

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 13:06
      +4

      I thought it was strange too. I hope that's the case.

    • Tee Rex Arms on 14/08/2017 - 19:06

      What state is this? QLD officers can issue infringement notices via QNOTICE - which can be either sent by registered post to your nominated addres, sent via SMS to you or emailed to your nominated address. People can still ask for paper copies of the tickets if they so choose.

      • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 23:13

        I'm in NSW.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 14/08/2017 - 23:54
        +1

        sent via SMS to you or emailed to your nominated address

        What if I block them before they send it to me? 😎

        • Tee Rex Arms on 15/08/2017 - 18:13
          +1

          What number would you be blocking? The fine would remain unpaid within the 28 day period and forwarded onto the State Penalties Endorcment Registry and your licence suspended due to unpaid fines.

      • altomic on 15/08/2017 - 16:50

        I was only offered the choice of sms or email last thursday when I got a speeding ticket :(

        • Tee Rex Arms on 15/08/2017 - 18:16

          Those two electronic methods of delivery are the preferred methods by the QPS, however people can still request hard copy paper tickets to be issued then and there, along with registered post if they so choose.The E-tickets generally come through instantaneously these days however the spiel is within two (2) business days.

    • nubzy on 14/08/2017 - 20:46
      +1

      In NSW they issue tickets by mail most of the time. It will come.. HWP here are ruthless.

  • Wolf on 14/08/2017 - 13:28
    +4

    Devidz,

    I had a similar thing happen to me a few years ago, I proceeded to write back and dispute the ticket and do everything to the point where it needed to go to court (which I did not want to do for a simple ticket). In my experience they will hound you to either pay the ticket or go to court, constantly refusing to back down regardless if you are 100% correct in the matter. In my situation i was easily 100% correct to act as i did for that particular intersection but short of going to court, they refused to admit any fault. 6 months later they changed the road rules of that intersection that i got fined at, making what i did (now) illegal, but at the time i got fined it was not. This enforces the fact that i was 100% right in my actions because they had to change the lanes + signage to make a legal action, illegal.

    They won't admit fault unless you have concrete video proof of it. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, sometimes people hate their jobs (including police officers) and will take it out on other people because of it.

    Unless you are bored and have a lot of free time, I would suggest paying and moving on with your life because it will drag on for months and end up with you having to go to court.

    Hope this helps.

    Cheers.

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 14:12

      Oh well, thanks for the insight. I'll see if I can just appeal online anyway.

      • dealsucker on 14/08/2017 - 14:40

        You cant appeal online since you were stopped by the officer. The only option you have is to go to courts. I am in a same situation as I was pulled over for taking a left when the left light was red even though I distinctly remember it being yellow. I have a $396 fine and 3 demerit points staring at my face.

        I would not recommend fighting in this case as they are always going to take police's word over yours unless you can prove it which you cannot because you do not have a dashcam. If you are proven guilty in court you may even have to pay fees on top of your fine. I say just cough it up. You cannot do anything if an officer pulls you over.

    • dogboy on 14/08/2017 - 15:25

      So if you have to go to court to fight a wrongful conviction, can you then sue the perpetrator of the wrongful ticket for lost wages?

      • whooah1979 on 14/08/2017 - 15:30

        There is no conviction. Op has been issued an infringement/penalty notice.

        • regenade on 15/08/2017 - 19:58

          No but if the police is proven wrong , can you ask for reasonable fees in lost wages, inconvenience and stress. I don't understand why is it so tough for the courts to fine and reprimand the police. Happens in other countries where police officers are put into suspension for weeks for continual fine mistakes.

      • jackary on 15/08/2017 - 20:40

        Id actually also like to know this out of curiosity

  • jmi on 14/08/2017 - 15:53
    +3

    Sorry to hear about your predicament, OP. I really feel for you.

    A long time ago, I turned out from a side road (that was legal for parking) onto a main road after dropping my wife off and got stuck behind a car that had illegally parked on the left. There was a police officer who was booking the empty parked car. When he saw me signalling right to change to the right lane so I can go around, he assumed I had parked (it was a no parking zone) and stopped me and wanted to issue me a ticket for parking. I was absolutely livid and argued with him that I was trying to go around but he would hear none of it.

    He started to write the ticket but….

    suddenly he noticed that I had a disabled parking permit clearly displayed on my dashboard (it belongs to my wife). So he went to the side, ripped off the disabled permit (it has a small suction cup attached to the windshield) and pointed it to my face and accusingly asked me,"Do you know how many people abuse this?"

    It was at this moment that I realised that he could not book me because I had a disabled parking permit. So I calmly replied,"Sir, that belongs to my wife. I just dropped my wife off. If you like, I can stop here, make a call to my wife and she can come back…. on her crutches. Would you want to wait while I call her?"

    His face exploded with rage, gave me back my permit and gave up. I smiled back in return. It made my day. Since then, I've learned that some cops can be pr!cks and as a general rule, I will treat every police officer I meet as one until they show me some courtesy otherwise.

    • regenade on 15/08/2017 - 20:02

      Usually I turn video recording on and police becomes very conscious and treats like a king lol. HWP has now social training on videos going viral and they are very very careful when they sell u have front and behind dashcam and also in car cam and mic recording.

    • jackary on 15/08/2017 - 20:41

      This is a masterpiece, thankyou so much for making my day :P

    • UFO on 15/08/2017 - 21:42
      +1

      …." I've learned that some cops can be pr!cks and as a general rule, I will treat every police officer I meet as one until they show me some courtesy otherwise."

      Good luck with that.

      I enjoyed your entire story until that point. So you're basically going to treat every copper you meet "like a pr!ck" simply because you came across one who just happened to be one in your opinion?

      You're going to have a miserable life treating everyone like pr!cks if that's the case. EVERYONE, copper or not, has bad days. Have a cup of concrete and toughen up. One day, you might just need a copper… and treating them all like pr!cks won't help your situation at all.

      They deal with all the crap out there so you don't have to. THAT deserves respect, and shouldn't be conditional on them being courteous to you.

      My 2c, take it for what it's worth.

      • jmi on 16/08/2017 - 06:44

        Because I learnt from that day onwards that it doesn't pay to be nice to cops on first contact because there is no telling when you will meet one with a vendetta. It only makes you look weak and easy to be bullied. That is what I meant. Like you said, from that day, I toughened up the way I treat police officers on the road and will automatically assume that they are out to book me the moment I get stopped. This by no means say that I am being rude to them.

        Yes, I afford them the respect of their profession but I don't respect them at first contact unless they afford me some manners. Police officers are meant to service the community, not blatantly book people on the road just because they need to.

        I deal with crap all the time at work but I don't dish crap to other people. I understand that each person I meet is a new person and different. Being dealt with crap by some people doesn't give you the justification to dish crap to others just because you had a bad day. Respect is earned not automatically given when it comes to the police.

        I have a relatively good life, thank you. And just so you know, I've a mate who is a cop and whom I go camping with together with his family once in a while with other friends. And he tells us some of the things his colleagues pull. And he says the same thing. If you get pulled over, don't act hostile. Act firm and stand up for your belief and treat the officer like he's an enemy if you know you're being wronged because there is a fairly good chance you've come across an officer who is not going to back down to get what he wants. And RECORD everything.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 16:02
    -6

    I don't feel for OP at all?

    Suggesting that the policeman was abusing his power because he might have been having a bad day is so pathetic that the suggestion alone somehow completely invalidates the OP's absurd quest for justice.

    Just pay up and pay more attention next time.

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 16:07

      My apologies, had no idea my suggestion was outside of the realm of possibility. It is ok if you don't feel for me :)

      • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 16:09
        -6

        The officer however, claimed I did not stop (although I am certain that I did - In fact, there was a car in front of me mid turn, forcing me to stop behind the traffic light to check).

        You don't even know if you stopped? You didn't, hence ticket. Stop crying about it.

        • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 16:12
          +2

          I can't remember clearly at this point. Thanks for your reply.

    • ozbogan1 on 14/08/2017 - 16:28
      -2

      Correct, it is everyone else's fault except the OP

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 23:02

      Wake up

      • ireadtermsofuse on 15/08/2017 - 11:24
        +2

        Grab a brush and put a little makeup

  • Bullion78 on 14/08/2017 - 16:53
    -3

    Sure some tickets given to motorists are necessary. ie: blatantly speeding, careless driving, drink driving etc. I still contend though that a high percentage of all infringements are bollocks and are purely in place to collect revenue for the state and not even remotely related to safety, why would they be included in police officers performance targets otherwise? We have become far too adjusted to a soft form of authoritarianism.

    The state depends on the revenue and as citizens there is precious little you can do about it unless you are willing to challenge these types of cases in court which is impracticle for most.

    I had to cough up a $500 fine 2 years ago for checking a text message at a traffic light (heavy traffic that was barely moving). Yes you can argue that its dangerous…but FFS what other nanny state in the world would enforce this but ours? Its not like you're going to stamp it out…near on impossible and something both of those brash young power tripping cops woukd be guilty of daily. I just had to bite the bottom lip and pay after a failed review of penalty.

    • Baysew on 14/08/2017 - 17:55
      +2

      what other nanny state in the world would enforce this but ours?

      List of countries with bans

      • Bullion78 on 14/08/2017 - 19:58

        I bet you use a hands-free like 99% of all other motorists which is 100% legal but yet it has been proven that the act of engaging in conversation while driving is a distraction. Checking a phone while stationary at a traffic light is infinitely more safe than that. I don't care what anybody says. The point I'm making is that by the letter of the law, sure its enforceable but it is opportunistic (ie: easy quota numbers)

        • D C on 15/08/2017 - 07:42
          +1

          Having a conversation with a passenger is safe than having a conversation with some over the phone, even hands-free.

          The reason is the passenger can react to external events (like @OP going thru a red light) even if you're momentarily distracted which of course won't happen with a phone call.

          The "I only check my texts when I've stopped" crowd are like the "casual smokers". Uh-huh sure.

    • Ughhh on 14/08/2017 - 18:36
      +2

      Perhaps there should be a new law regarding texting while driving? For example, under certain conditions like waiting at traffic lights, you can text, but you can't go on facebook. If it's heavy traffic/traffic jam, you can text, go on facebook and make a call without hands-free.

      Many people lack the skills and brains to make good and smart decisions. Many people also have difficulty following and understanding basic instructions, hence why we need authorities to tell us what to do. I mean, even the half of the forums are asking strangers to tell them what to do. On top of that, the law is applicable to everyone, so if the other guy gets a fine for texting, why wouldn't you, regardless whether you thought it was safe or not. If you keep getting away with it, chances are you'll do it more often, until the day you text the other driver your'e sorry for putting them into the hospital.

      • John Kimble on 14/08/2017 - 19:25

        Perhaps there should be a new law regarding texting while driving? For example, under certain conditions like waiting at traffic lights, you can text, but you can't go on facebook. If it's heavy traffic/traffic jam, you can text, go on facebook and make a call without hands-free.

        Sounds good in theory, but probably near impossible to police. Too much grey area… Black and white "no holding the phone whilst driving" makes more sense in practice.

      • Bullion78 on 14/08/2017 - 19:47

        Please Ughh. Try and explain explain away why looking at a phone is more dangerous than keying in a new address in your sat nav or eating and driving…or even change the radio station. Its all distraction. All of which are not liable for a penalty.

        • Ughhh on 14/08/2017 - 20:38

          Try and explain explain away why

          Woosh… you've completely missed the point.

        • Bullion78 on 14/08/2017 - 20:51

          @Ughhh:

          Sorry comment was directed at the poster you were responding to.

        • D C on 15/08/2017 - 07:58

          The rules for phones also apply to GPS units, radios, CD players, gramophones and your George Foreman grill.

          If it's not hands-free you can only adjust them when parked (maybe stopped which isn't the same thing).

  • VictorVictor on 14/08/2017 - 19:23
    +2

    Sorry to hear the news, just as other members have stated (don't want to get your hopes up too much) but you may not get a ticket.

    I've been pulled over for a similar situation and have handled it exactly as you have. After reviewing my license in his car etc, he came back and said that I can expect to receive a fine in the mail. I've been waiting a bit over a year for the fine. I've even called vicroads to make sure there was nothing against my name (in case of misplaced mail).

    Hopefully this is the same for you and the officer was just having a bad day. Best of luck!

  • PuppieWayne on 14/08/2017 - 20:05
    +2

    I will be surprise if you get a ticket.
    They will alway write a ticket right there and then to fill their quota, I do not believe there's such a process as a cop calling into their station and get a automated ticket send out to you.
    So don't sweat it.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 23:11

      ^ This - if you didn't get a ticket on the spot - you probably won't be getting one.

  • elgrande on 14/08/2017 - 20:08

    Did you stop for 3 seconds? I was always under the impression you need to stop for 3 seconds..

    • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 20:14
      +2

      There is no time frame you just need to have come to a complete stop.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 20:13
    +1

    If he didn't give you a ticket there and then there is a very good chance you won't be getting one!

  • spoonmugen on 14/08/2017 - 20:58

    dash cam… would have proven otherwise…
    and would be great to get the officier to eat his words after seeing footage

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 23:16

      I'm actually waiting for a new dashcam model to come out, so I unfortunately don't have one installed at the moment. I regret not getting my friend to record the whole interaction with the officer though.

      • SPCTRE on 14/08/2017 - 23:46

        Be very careful recording in front of a cop. Better do it in stealth then to make it obvious.
        Not every one of them will play nice with a phone in their face

        • regenade on 15/08/2017 - 20:05

          Lol who uses phone cam, it's dashcam footage also recording audio. I have seen HWP behaving like a rabbit once they see dashcam and I also make sure I ask them are you sure because I have GPS enabled dashcam front and back, in car video and mic.

        • SPCTRE on 15/08/2017 - 23:20

          Harder for them to confiscate dashcam and deleted footage.
          Heard some pretty ugly stories about them forcing people to unlock their phone so they could delete footages or they confiscate the phone as "evidence" and upon returned, factory reset.
          I got a dashcam to keep them honest, having video footage for insurance claims is a bonus

  • gaurangmp on 14/08/2017 - 20:59
    +1

    I had a similar run in with a police office long time ago, I was told a ticket would arrive in the mail but it never did. I enquired and no infringement notices were issued to me.

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 23:21

      May I ask where you're from?

      • gaurangmp on 18/08/2017 - 20:37
        +1

        Melbourne

  • stingyashell on 14/08/2017 - 22:54

    correct me if i'm wrong but doesnt police have to show evidence of you not stopping at stop sign?

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 23:20

      Unfortunately I was in shock at the time and didn't even bother to ask for evidence, his name, his badge, ID number or whatever. I had absolutely no idea I had done anything wrong.
      After returning my licence, he walked off and said "ticket will be in the mail" and I never got a chance to question it.

      • SPCTRE on 14/08/2017 - 23:44

        Nope with any traffic offence it's on you to prove your innocence.
        And with no dashcam or CCTV nearby to back you up, your word against his.
        You drive a HOON, cop pings you for something, your words against his, wanna see how it plays out in court?

  • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2017 - 23:00
    +1

    I cop said that to me regardi ng a tick that will come in the mail…… 10 years and still waiting.

    He tried to book me for speeding in a 40 kmh zone of 40 over…. then changed it to 30 and i played his bluff then 20 and again played his bluff then he said i can give you a written tick on the spot for 10 over and when i asked if his camera was recording he took my particulars and then handed them back and told me ill get it in the mail and to my wifes shock my reply was see you in court.

  • SPCTRE on 14/08/2017 - 23:37
    +1

    Sorry but you'll most likely get a ticket.
    He may have just finished his shift and cbf written up the fine.
    Only needs your license details, time and date and can write it up next time he on shift again.
    Also he may have already hit his quota for the day/month and saving it for the next quota round.
    And if your driving a wrx and don't get a fine by some miracle, he probably send you an EPA instead.
    Been there done that get yourself a dashcam and you'll be surprise how their attitude changes.
    Been accused of speeding before (I'm doing 45 in 60 😂) knew he was BSing and the moment they saw my dashcam walked off and said good day

    • regenade on 15/08/2017 - 20:07

      Ya I always just ask them are you sure, have front and back dashcam with GPS logging everything, in car audio and video recording.

  • BS-19 on 14/08/2017 - 23:44

    Ahh WRX. That's why.

    • Goatku on 14/08/2017 - 23:47

      I thought he was looking to defect me at first, so I really was shocked and confused when he said "do you know what you just did?"
      Angry from the get go.

      • BS-19 on 16/08/2017 - 11:03

        I have owned 3 WRX's in my past years.. ended up losing my license for petty things as it simply attracted the police.. 10km/h over amongst all other cars going 10-15km's over.. they picked me.
        Didn't completely come to a full stop at a stop sign once.. 3 points..
        Apparently ran a red on the turn arrow… 3 points..

        Got rid of the car and bought a Euro car. Have not been pulled over once in 4 years now.

  • paloverde88 on 15/08/2017 - 00:08
    +1

    Abuse of power plain and simple the government does not have checks and balances in place for this sort of incident it is given that the officer is disciplined to not abuse his power but the reality is so different, even in a democracy. Tragic.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2017 - 00:22
    +2

    This is sad.

    And I'm not even talking about OPs situation.

    I read about half the comments and it has nothing to do with safety. The majority of us have such a distrust for police that a major component is looking for evidence or installing a dashcam, and we are law abiding citizens who are afraid of stopping for too short a period of time at an intersection.

    I don't blame us. I feel the same way. It's just so sad this is what it has come to.

    • dogboy on 15/08/2017 - 11:22
      +1

      At least we are not in the US where the cops are essentially the biggest gang on the street and are shooting innocent people every day for nothing. Our cops just target people with pointless and excessive fines for outdated and backwards laws that have no impact on anyone. So I guess cops in the US are psychotic killers and our cops are thieves with a badge.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/08/2017 - 12:45
        +3

        Ever notice how cops are powerless over people who just don't even attempt to be law abiding?

        The number of topics on squatter, druggies, noise, break ins, fraud, scams… They all result in the same end - the cops won't do anything.

        Sure, the excuse changes each time. Sometimes, it's underfunded, understaffed, someone's away on holidays, other times it is pointless, not publicly acceptable, or "hands are tied". Whatever. Some of us are not bring dead. They are just excuses.

        The law abiding citizens are the ones who are targetted and bullied cause we actually pay fines and are afraid to serve time, or generally have a guilty conscience.

  • Inflow on 15/08/2017 - 02:00

    Not sure if you have received the ticket, but I doubt he sent it.

  • alxr0101 on 15/08/2017 - 06:35

    What flavour of cop is it that did not issue a ticket on the spot?

    Not HWP? And….not familiar and "expert" with rules for that intersection?

    • UFO on 15/08/2017 - 21:46

      They don't have to issue tickets on the spot. Not at all.

      "Ticket is in the mail" can mean two things… 1) You are getting a ticket in the mail because I can't/won't type up one now (insert reason here), or 2) You aren't getting a ticket and I just want you to wait for it and learn from the experience.

  • joelmuzz on 15/08/2017 - 07:40

    You have to take it to court.
    Police might drop it when they get the notice you are doing so, so it can be worth the bluff.
    Cop will have to swear he is sure you didn't stop long enough, you swear you did. Magistrate believes what they believe. Dashcam would change the situation, cops will only bring their footage if it's to their advantage.

  • jmi on 15/08/2017 - 08:36
    +2

    To everyone who does not yet have a dashcam, I strongly suggest at least installing an app like CamOnRoad (Free) or AutoGuard or any decent dash cam apps from the iTunes or Google Play store and mount the phone on your dashboard/windshield (make sure you don't obstruct the view as it's an offence). They may not replace a proper dashcam but they're better than nothing.

    This whole event is really sad. I agree with most of you here and it's really unfortunate to come down to this. The problem is that the majority of the police out there are reasonable folks but it's the 5% out there who are on an ego trip that gives the rest a bad name. Just so you know, I've a good mate (we sometimes go camping with a whole bunch of other guys+our families) who is a police officer and he pretty much says the same thing. Get a dashcam or at least a dashcam app. Nothing beats video evidence.

  • lint on 15/08/2017 - 09:43

    If his car was somewhere behind yours, it should be captured on his dashcam whether you stopped appropriately or not. You should be able to challenge it in court if you haven't done anything wrong. If it wasn't on his dashcam, it's your (and your passenger's) word against his.

    Having your own dashcam would've been helpful in this situation.

      • lint on 15/08/2017 - 10:18

        Haha, well if he's not certain, it seems like he can either try bluff them and see if they fold if you request a challenge in court, or just call it a loss and pay the fine.

        I know when you're familiar with an intersection, you can sometimes get complacent with the stopping requirement. Might've happened in this case without even realising it.

  • Gershom on 15/08/2017 - 10:21
    +1

    Why were you "in shock"? Why do you keep saying that.

    • Goatku on 15/08/2017 - 10:38

      Had no idea what I did wrong, he confronted me with an aggressive tone.
      I was nothing but polite, as was my friend.
      Upon saying "What's up with the red lights?", we explained we were able to turn left at that red light after stopping. He then said I didn't stop, we both thought at the time that I did - at the very least it was definitely a safe turn.

      • Gershom on 15/08/2017 - 14:00
        -3

        at the very least it was definitely a safe turn.

        Ah, OK, you knew you didn't stop.

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