Is Flooring Your Car at Traffic Lights "Reckless Driving"?

CrazyBargainCatcher on 26/07/2022 - 19:35
Last edited 27/07/2022 - 09:32 by 1 other user

Just was wondering in the car today, lets say you are first at a set of lights on a freeway onramp in a specific performance car (Golf R, M3 ETC) and the limit was 100. You floor it, then you get pulled over by the cops, they charge you on the basis of said "reckless driving" however, you were in full control of the vehicle at all times and under the posted speed limit of 100. Would this charge be valid according to the police officer? Had some stories of this actually happening to people. What do you think?

EDIT - Answer to a few 'common' questions
Did you lose traction, cause undue noise, make big smoke, do it just to carve into another lane
No,no,no,no

TL;DR You floor your car at a set of lights and get charged for reckless driving.

Poll Options

  • 53
    Reckless Driving
  • 122
    Not Reckless Driving
Automotive

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 26/07/2022 - 19:39
    +3

    Did tyres screeeech?

  • CrispyChrispy on 26/07/2022 - 19:39
    +2

    Just was wondering in the car today,

    Is this actually a hypothetical? Reads like something that came from experience lol

    • CrazyBargainCatcher on 26/07/2022 - 19:40
      +2

      Nope, was daydreamin off at a set of lights. ;)

      • sjj89 on 26/07/2022 - 22:11
        +11

        Reckless daydreaming

  • pharkurnell on 26/07/2022 - 19:42
    +9

    Had some stories of this actually happening to people. What do you think?

    I think manure and 90% of the story is missing.

  • tsunamisurfer on 26/07/2022 - 19:47
    +8

    I don't think flooring is illegal but it will sharpen the attention of any cops onto you for many many possibilities like swerving without indicators, speeding, tail gating etc.

  • SlowCarSlow on 26/07/2022 - 19:49
    +1

    Did something like this, but not at a light, but a giveway onto the motorway.

    Over the crest was a cop with a speed gun caught me by surprise. Didn't pull me over because I didn't even crack 100 until I was past him.
    Car does have a 13 second 0 - 100 though, so he would have heard it climbing second like a nice car would climb 4th.

    • bobbified on 27/07/2022 - 10:05

      Car does have a 13 second 0 - 100 though,

      Username checks out! haha

  • Benoffie on 26/07/2022 - 19:56
    +7

    If there was no screeching, no smoke, no drift and no excessive noise then no, it's not reckless.

    I'd challenge it.

  • pegaxs on 26/07/2022 - 20:01
    +3

    Depends… Did you lose traction, cause undue noise, make big smoke, do it just to carve into another lane (ie: down the outside lane), not have total control of the vehicle at all times, exceed the speed limit, even for a second, do it in heavy traffic/pedestrian area, then yes.

    Would this charge be valid according to the police officer?

    According to the issuing officer, yes, else they wouldn't write the ticket.

    What do you think?

    I think there is more to their story than just "I just sped up to 100… not my fault my Golf GTi-RR Uberschlachen smoked the police car off the lights…"

    From the RMS NSW website (different in other states, obviously)

    A reckless driving offence is knowingly or carelessly driving in a way which:

    • seriously endangers other road users and community
    • creates an obvious and serious risk of causing physical injury to other road users
    • creates an obvious and serious risk of causing substantial property damage.

    As for this; (Like something SlavOz would post as a biased poll question.)

    TL;DR You floor your car at a set of lights and get charged for reckless driving.

    It's not as easy as that. There have to be other mitigating factors other than just "accelerating"

    • pharkurnell on 26/07/2022 - 20:38
      +4

      It wasnt OP.. but a friend…
      lucky friend to have someone post up on OzB…

      • pegaxs on 26/07/2022 - 23:25
        +3

        Asking “for a friend”.

        It’s basically OzBarganese for; “I did this thing, but I’m not going to tell you the actual part of what I did that got me a ticket, just the part I want people to agree with, oh, and I don’t want you to think I did it…”

        • Muzeeb on 26/07/2022 - 23:55
          +4

          Add a poll for confirmation bias by proxy

    • SlartiBartFozz on 27/07/2022 - 18:24

      In a lot of places there is definitely a risk of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist crossing the intersection when you do this, since you can't always see them cross at the last moment before lights change.
      You may be right as far as traffic signals go, but it's still incumbent on drivers to avoid an accident.

  • Ugly on 26/07/2022 - 20:09
    +1

    Nowhere in the Road rules does it set an acceleration limit.
    As long as you’re not smoking the tyres, you should be good.

  • donga100 on 26/07/2022 - 20:28
    +3

    They might not call it "reckless driving" but there are laws concerning Exhibition of Speed which this type of behaviour could fall under.

    • pharkurnell on 26/07/2022 - 20:39

      … if you lived in USA

  • bdl on 26/07/2022 - 20:30
    +11

    All depends whether VTEC kicks in, yo.

  • SF3 on 26/07/2022 - 20:49
    +3

    however, you were in full control

    I'm sorry, you didn't lose control does not mean you had full control.

    • djones145 on 26/07/2022 - 20:58
      +1

      in his dream he was fully in control

      was a wet dream I guess

    • GrueHunter on 26/07/2022 - 21:19
      +1

      Now now, I'm sure all those people I've seen sliding off the road into a wall, tree, pole, ditch or another car on Dashcams Australia after dragging off from the lights had full control

      I mean until they didn't

  • afoveht on 26/07/2022 - 21:12

    Reckless? Depends on how loud the stereo was and what you were listening to.

  • TEER3X on 26/07/2022 - 21:16
    -1

    Well at least you weren't brake checked by a cop and then accused of tailgating him.
    All this because I merged behind him with millimetre precision.

  • p1 ama on 26/07/2022 - 21:28
    -5

    a specific performance car (Golf R, M3 ETC)

    Haha what?! Golf R is a performance car?

    • ozbargainsam on 26/07/2022 - 22:30
      +7

      Gatekeeping much?

      It's not a supercar, or a 911 Turbo, or whatever but it's definitely a high performing car which has been timed to sub-4 second to 0-60mph.

  • Drakesy on 26/07/2022 - 22:07

    Nothing wrong with accelerating fast i'd imagine.

    Would definitely challenge it if it were me if at no point did you lose traction.

  • El cheepo on 26/07/2022 - 22:18
    +2

    It would depend on how the officer pulling you over viewed it.
    People are biased, and so are police at times. Get one that didn’t like the look of your eurotrash European automobile flying up to the speed limit and they might try book you.

    Although in your scenario (and with dashcam proof) even if they were to try to change you for reckless driving, you would likely get off in court by challenging it.

  • netjock on 26/07/2022 - 22:36

    You floor it, then you get pulled over by the cops, they charge you on the basis of said "reckless driving" however, you were in full control of the vehicle at all times and under the posted speed limit of 100

    I am pretty sure it isn't about how you view your driving but how it looks to police (and perceived danger to other drivers). Speed limit can be 100kph but that is the upper limit and depending on weather and circumstances it can still be unsafe. It is like people on here saying why do people drive at 90kph when it is pouring rain and you can only see 3m in front of you in a 100kph zone.

  • FoxJump on 26/07/2022 - 23:50
    +1

    i did this on a 60 zone when i knew the car behind to the left of me was an unmarked police car.

    i floored it off the lights got to 60 and no further. once i went go! he quickly changed lanes to behind me and followed me around for a while before he got bored.

    i did not get pulled over

    • Muzeeb on 26/07/2022 - 23:59

      How did you know he was bored?

      • Domicron on 27/07/2022 - 10:49

        Because OP is boring?

  • Commander Shepard on 26/07/2022 - 23:59

    Give it 10 years. By then there will be a tonne of electric cars all way faster off the line then most sports cars today. Not sure what the cops will do then.

  • morse on 27/07/2022 - 01:53

    Potentially reckless. If there are two lanes, what happens if both lanes do the same thing and then can’t merge safely without hitting each other. Even if in this case the car didn’t lose traction it increases the risk of losing traction and the car not being under control. It also reduces the ability of the driver to respond to hazards.

    With the new fine increases in QLD, I’m finding I just have to chill and drive more like a granny to ensure I stay under the limit. If you floor it at the lights/merge, more chance you’ll be speeding later. I’m trying to avoid speeding, even by a little, as the fines are outrageous.

    • Ughhh on 27/07/2022 - 09:52
      +2

      If there are two lanes, what happens if both lanes do the same thing and then can’t merge safely without hitting each other

      I see this often, but with slow drivers. Both going at snails pace, oblivious to surroundings and unable to see/predict what's going to happen. Result is both end up braking and stationary on a main road, blocking traffic, while they play saints and goody drivers giving way to each other.

    • donga100 on 27/07/2022 - 22:03
      +2

      I’m trying to avoid speeding, even by a little, as the fines are outrageous.

      And people say that fines don't work to reduce speeding!

      • morse on 27/07/2022 - 22:39

        Haha - true. I don’t trust my ability to never go 1km over though so feel I’ll cop it at some point.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 27/07/2022 - 07:45
    -1

    Did you cause undue noise
    No

    if you're flooring an M3 from start then you are, by definition, causing undue noise.

    I believe the charge is "exessive acceleration" and it's totally legit. Why do you need to floor it? Why do you need to go that fast on a public road?

  • Keplaffintech on 27/07/2022 - 08:46
    +1

    I think you could go your whole life doing this every day and never get charged.

    Cops wouldn't really see accelerating onto an onramp as reckless. However if you're particularly noisy, breaking traction, or accelerating in stupid places like in front of a crowd for attention, you're asking to be pulled over.

    A lot of it is about context and attitude.

    • Domicron on 27/07/2022 - 10:45
      -1

      You have summed up alot of r/gti/s3/rs3, w@Nk line, glc43/63 shopping trolley drivers.

  • singlemalt72 on 27/07/2022 - 09:22
    +1

    I remember a story from years ago, I think it was Robbie Bolger when he was stunt-riding motorcycles, was ticketed for pulling wheelies under the law of "not being in full control". Apparently successfully argued in court that he was in full control at all times.

    • singlemalt72 on 27/07/2022 - 09:22

      Can't find anything online to verify though.

    • Domicron on 27/07/2022 - 10:44
      +1

      He got off from legal technicality - booked for the wrong offence.

  • bobbified on 27/07/2022 - 10:09
    +1

    Sounds like OP's friend was pulled over for a "discussion" about their acceleration and they failed the attitude test.

    They usually only give a ticket for "breaking traction" - so if you accelerate hard enough the wheels to spin.

  • Euphemistic on 27/07/2022 - 10:38
    +2

    Back in my youth late on night with a car full of mates I floored it past a cop car that had pulled someone else over. Didn’t break the speed limit but low powered automatic old car kick back a gear and roared up to 60.

    About 5min (several kms) later said cop car came screaming around a roundabout full lights and siren and pulled me over. RBTd me had a look over the car and gave me a bit of what for. I was polite, told them I was just clowning around and they told me to pull my head in and get on my way. No ticket.

    Doing stupid stuff like flooring it is an open invitation for them to pull you over and look for another excuse to ticket you. If you don’t give them another excuse, there’s not much they can do.

  • Domicron on 27/07/2022 - 10:41

    Short answer, yes. Long answer, depends.

    In the most ideal condition, the driver familiar with the vehicle's behaviour, and is experienced in dealing with an unexpected event (lost of traction in a rwd, it does happen quick with sudden surge of rev). The answer is very unlikely according to an everyday person (the ordinary person).

    In court, the reasonable person test will apply, and it is almost certain that a reasonable person will not floor the car to redline unless there is a legitimate reason to do so - eg. Avoid a dangerous situation.

    Enforcement, cops can be lenient on this and not issue a ticket. They will be more harsh if one of the wheels start to loose traction.

    Not sure what people would say whether this is reckless driving? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-15/lamborghini-driver-fa…

    • bobwokeup on 27/07/2022 - 12:43

      No such thing as an ordinary person. I don’t floor it but I’m always in front of other cars and I guarantee you I knew what was around me more than 99% of other drivers. Too many drivers have no idea what’s going on around them and shouldn’t be allowed a drivers license in the first place.

      • Domicron on 27/07/2022 - 13:01

        Totally agree. I have seen a few this morning during school hour traffic. One of those "high performance" suv could have t-boned me. Pure idiots on the road.

        Ordinary and reasonable persons are two hypothetical persons on assuming human behaviour in court. To-date, i have met very few (if any) reasonable persons in real life.

        Problem with human is being overly confident. It is not a dispute fact that there are some drivers that tend to control a motor vehicle better than others, or some drivers are more aware of their surrounding whilst in control of the vehicle. A better driver is likely to come out better in an unexpected situation, or the ability to reduce the likelihood of leading to such a situation - such as adopting defensive driving technics.

        However, this does not negate external circumstances' impact on stability of a motor vehicle - such as black ice. And such external circumstance will have an adverse impact on a motor vehicle's stability, irrespective of whether driver is good or not so good.

        • bobwokeup on 27/07/2022 - 13:57

          Yeah don’t get me started with parents at school, no idea in the world and no common sense.

          You’re spot on males especially are over confident in the car. If you’re not breaking the law and doing stupid things (like I did when I was young haha) then that helps you like you pointed out in unexpected situations. The problem is assuming other drivers are as good as you on the road. I’d be the first person to put my hand up and say yep that’s me. Had an accident last year which I haven’t had one since my younger days because I assumed wrong the distracted lady in front new how to drive and actually went when she started turning the corner.

          It’s so bad on the roads now that unless we’re going away from metro I hate driving which sucks because I used to love it. I know I need to just accept that lots of drivers shouldn’t even be allowed on the road but it’s hard when I’ve seen it getting worse these last 5 years or so.

          • Domicron on 27/07/2022 - 14:02

            @bobwokeup: There will be more and more of those on the road. Given how much technology has improved. Every kid with their golf r can do good 0-100 time off the light - dont need to understand how the clutch engages, and optimal rev to do a good launch.

            EV drivers are probably worse. Can pull really good 0-100 time without even trying, and most go absolutely no clue about how a car works.

            • bobwokeup on 27/07/2022 - 14:14

              @Domicron: Yep unfortunately this is so true. Not just the cars but also phones. Every day when I’m out on the roads I see someone with a head down looking at their mobile. Drives me crazy, I want to have a go but my wife doesn’t agree. my point is they could kill someone so I’d rather let them know and hopefully that will change how they drive.

              The only positive with new cars is the safety features where the cars can stop for you before you hit someone or something.

  • spackbace on 27/07/2022 - 11:42

    Most of those cars should hit 100 in under 6 seconds or so, which would be well before the speed change, hence you could be considered speeding while in the other speed zone

  • md333 on 27/07/2022 - 14:50
    +2

    I got pulled over for it once on a motorcycle. It was at night and I didn't see the police car a couple of cars behind.
    Stock quiet exhaust but was going hard enough for the front wheel to come up a few cm (not a proper balance point wheelie).
    The police thought I had seen them and was doing it deliberately to provoke them, but accepted I was just being a bit over enthusiastic and let me off with a warning.

    600cc bike so not amazingly fast but pretty quick off the line compared to most cars.

  • GTR12 on 27/07/2022 - 15:07

    If this is considered "reckless driving" then the "right-lane sitters" deserve jail time. If you aren't going the speed limit or your not turning right in the next 3 turns then GTFO.

  • Brick Tamland on 27/07/2022 - 15:20

    Probably not reckless driving in my opinion but be ready to attract the attention of the police especially in a car that puts on a performance of pops and farts like the Golf GTI.

  • Austaurean on 27/07/2022 - 16:19
    +1

    Maybe. Guess there could be a few 'depends'..

    But what about motorbikes, is it a double standard

  • DiscoJango on 28/07/2022 - 19:39

    plot twist: op was in reverse

  • Toph Beifong on 29/07/2022 - 22:27
    -1

    Not reckless but certainly very dumb driving

  • SlavOz on 30/07/2022 - 11:10
    -2

    I'd much rather people floor it on the green than what they currently do.

    People don't seem to realise driving below the speed limit is a safety hazard. If the road is 70km/h and you're still going 40 hundreds of metres after the light turned green, you should be fined. It's like people need more space than airplane to pick up speed. I don't floor my car but when the light turns green I'm at the speed limit within 4-6 seconds.

    • CrazyBargainCatcher on 30/07/2022 - 11:11

      Roughly the same, worst I've seen is 60 in a 80 (right lane)

    • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 11:21

      Why the rush? Fuel’s expensive and the faster you accelerate the more you burn. Everyone is different, has different vehicles and accelerates at their own pace. If you get upset t that, you need to plan better and allow more travel time.

      • SlavOz on 30/07/2022 - 11:30
        +2

        Because driving below the speed limit is unsafe. It causes needless congestion (wasting even more fuel) which could lead to accidents.

        If people aren't comfortable accelerating up to the speed limit, they need to plan better and take the bus.

        • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 11:42

          Couldn’t agree more 🙌🏽

        • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 12:33

          Because driving below the speed limit is unsafe. It causes needless congestion (wasting even more fuel) which could lead to accidents.

          What a load of garbage. Just goes to show how brainwashed our motoring public is that the posted speed is all that matters.

          If people aren’t comfortable with others not accelerating up to the speed limit, they need to take a chill pill.

          • SlavOz on 30/07/2022 - 12:35
            +1

            @Euphemistic:

            Just goes to show how brainwashed our motoring public is that the posted speed is all that matters.

            Do you feel the same way when people drive over the speed limit?

            • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 12:36

              @SlavOz: What’s that got to do with anything?

              For one, I believe many of our speed limits are too high.

              • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 12:38

                @Euphemistic: WOW “too high” clearly you don’t know how to drive and you are the reason we have accidents on the road. Cars are getting faster and safer yet you want some of the limits reduced???

                • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 12:47
                  +1

                  @bobwokeup: Absolutely speed limits are too high. Just because cars are getting safer doesn’t mean it’s nice to sit beside the road in a cafe. Higher speeds are worse for urban amenity. We’ve screwed up enough of our cities because we’ve prioritised through traffic at high speeds.

                  Any time there is a short section of higher limit in the middle of a 60 area it only encourages people to be speeding where it’s more ciritical for safety. Hose should be removed. 60-80 should be limited to through roads that are not in busy retail areas or where pedestrians are frequent on the side of the roads.

                  I agree that on highways and freeways etc speeds could be increased with ‘safer cars’ but it’s the opposite in urban areas. We should be promoting active transport (cycling, walking etc) and reducing the use of cars and making it more pleasant to be beside the road with lower limits.

                  But I guess that the big picture isn’t important to you. It’s all about you getting across town in record time.

              • SlavOz on 30/07/2022 - 13:11
                +1

                @Euphemistic: You downplayed the importance of speed limits and suggested they're not the only measure of safety.

                I'd actually agree with you to some extent - Australia is way to obsessed with enforcing arbitrary number limits without looking at the bigger picture when it comes to road safety. But the only thing I hate more than incompetence is inconsistency. If you think people should follow the speed limit, it should go for both above and below.

              • CrazyBargainCatcher on 30/07/2022 - 13:19
                +1

                @Euphemistic: Hahaha,
                You probably think the 80 limit on the M1 Westbound is too fast AFTER 'Roadworks'
                By less than 10 kmh speed limit fines are total BS and are just a money grab. 10+ is 100% acceptable though

          • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 12:36

            @Euphemistic: You clearly don’t get it. SlavOz was saying if you can’t handle the traffic conditions take alternative routes. People that drive under the speed limit are a danger on the road. If you don’t get that then you must be one of those drivers that shouldn’t be on the road.

            • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 12:38

              @bobwokeup: Driving significantly below the speed limit can cause issues. Driving a bit below it is not dangerous at all. It might mean impatient d-head drivers do stupid things, but that’s on the d-head, not someone who is driving a bit below the speed limit.

              Someone who takes issue with a car taking abit longer to accelerate hasn’t got the right mindset to be behind the wheel.

              • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 12:42

                @Euphemistic: You have no idea. The point was not to accelerate as fast as the fastest one accelerating but to keep up with the traffic.

                The mindset of drivers taking their time and having no idea what is Halle happening around them is the problem.

                • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 12:49

                  @bobwokeup: Someone who would rather floor it than take it easy is obviously gonna get annoyed if you are a ‘bit slow’.

                  it’s the wrong mindset for dealing with traffic.

                  • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 12:59

                    @Euphemistic: Again was saying they have to floor it AT ALL. Keep up with the traffic and know what is going on around you.

                    Clearly you don’t understand how to drive if you think slow drivers have the right mindset 🤦🏽‍♂️ I’ve seen it all on the roads and you are one of those drivers that should had their licence in immediately!

                    • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 13:34

                      @bobwokeup: You have no idea how I drive.

                      Been driving for a long time and the biggest thing I’ve learned is that there’s bugger all you can do from in your drivers seat if someone does ‘the wrong thing’, so getting all mad is pointless. Half the drivers are worse than average, and the average isn’t good.

                      • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 13:52

                        @Euphemistic: True I don’t but from what you’ve been saying I wonder about how safe you are on the road.

                        Been driving for a long time myself and I’m all sorts of vehicles. What changed my driving the most was after riding motorbikes. You see all the idiots on the road, so when driving you see more as a result.

                        Totally agree with you there, you definitely can’t change other drivers and the average driver is must worse nowadays.

                        • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 13:59

                          @bobwokeup: Slowing down those much worse drivers is probably a good idea hen.

    • SBOB on 30/07/2022 - 12:46
      +3

      I'd much rather people floor it on the green than what they currently do

      from the man that brought you the 4km rpm mustang rev limit
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/492373#comment-7898444

      • [Deactivated] on 30/07/2022 - 12:57

        Exactly!

      • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 13:18

        Clearly you know nothing about cars. It’s not 4km it’s 4k revs per minute or 4000 RPM. The average person would accelerate at 2-3k RPM. To floor it would go to 6-7k RPM depending on the car.

        • SBOB on 30/07/2022 - 13:26

          Clearly you know nothing about cars. It’s not 4km it’s 4k revs per minute or 4000 RPM.

          Yes, a mistype or auto correct.

          Your assumption on my vehicle knowledge however is incorrect.

          The average person would accelerate at 2-3k RPM

          Regardless of vehicle size, engine size, fuel type or gearing ratio?..wow, such in-depth technical knowledge information you're dropping here.

          • bobwokeup on 30/07/2022 - 14:02

            @SBOB: Yep okay blame it on autocorrect.

            We’re not talking about trucks we’re talking about cars.

          • SlavOz on 30/07/2022 - 14:32
            -3

            @SBOB: Yes cars differ but 4,000RPM is the upper limit of what most sensible experts and manufacturers recommend for fuel efficiency, carbon reductions, and engine care. Anything more and I'd just be killing more trees and destroying the planet faster.

            I drive the car everyday, customised the engine to my liking, and consult regularly with mechanics on how certain systems work. My opinion on the right time to shift gears in my car is more informed than yours.

            • Euphemistic on 30/07/2022 - 14:35

              @SlavOz: And yet you want people to accelerate faster rather than slower?

  • Squidmcsproggen on 27/02/2024 - 17:25

    Simple, yes

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