Class Action Suit says Florida Highway Patrol Illegally Tickets Motorists Who Warn...

[Feuer Frei!]

...others.

When the Florida Highway Patrol pulls someone over on the highway, it's usually because they were speeding. But Eric Campbell was pulled over and ticketed while he was driving the speed limit.
Campbell says, "I was coming up the Veterans Expressway and I notice two Florida Highway Patrol Cars sitting on the side of the road in the median, with lights off."
Campbell says he did what he always does: flashed his lights on and off to warn drivers coming from the other direction that there was speed trap ahead.
According to Campbell, 60 seconds after passing the trooper, "They were on my tail and they pulled me over."



Campbell says the FHP trooper wrote him a ticket for improper flashing of high beams. Campbell says the trooper told him what he had done was illegal.
But later Campbell learned that is not the case. He filed a class action suit which says "Florida Statue 316.2397" -- under which Campbell was cited -- "does not prohibit the flashing of headlights as a means of communications, nor does it in any way reference flashing headlights or the use of high beams."
However, the FHP trooper who wrote the ticket either didn't know or didn't care. "You could tell in his voice he was upset," Campbell says. "He was professional, he wasn't rude... but you could tell he was irritated.

However, the lawsuit says the FHP is well aware they are wrongfully applying the state law and they are doing it as a means of generating revenue. In 2005, a court order was even issued saying the state law doesn't prohibit the flashing of vehicle headlights.

SOURCE (http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/207550/250/FHP-sued-for-giving-out-illegal-tickets)

[Rockstar]

There was a similar case many years ago in another state. That case was dismissed, freedom of speech.

[AVGWarhawk]

Many flash their headlights as a form of communication. Not just for speed traps ahead for oncoming motorists but acknowledging another motorist in general. Sometimes to allow passage at an intersection before yourself. Sometimes just danger ahead. The flashing of the lights makes oncoming motorist alert to anything. Sometimes a flash just to tell the oncoming driver their high beams are on and blinding the crap out of oncoming traffic to him.

[Tribesman]

That case was dismissed, freedom of speech.
How does Motor vehicle legislation become covered by freedom of speech?

He filed a class action suit which says "Florida Statue 316.2397" -- under which Campbell was cited -- "does not prohibit the flashing of headlights as a means of communications, nor does it in any way reference flashing headlights or the use of high beams."
Flashing lights are covered, the means of communication are in the form of a warning and permitted warning lights are fully covered in that statute.

@AVG.....
Many flash their headlights as a form of communication.
Many drive above the speed limit and turn without signaling, it doesn't mean those actions are not illegal under trafic laws.
Sometimes a flash just to tell the oncoming driver their high beams are on
That could also be illegal under other provisions, the flash switch is normally on high beam, it is illegal to use high beam with oncoming traffic.

[AVGWarhawk]

Many drive above the speed limit and turn without signaling, it doesn't mean those actions are not illegal under trafic laws.

Speed limit signs are posted. No mystery here. Non-flashing of headlights signs are not posted and officer's can interpret what they like concerning the law on flashing of lights. Turn signals are to be used when turns are being conducted. I believe a law is on the books for using turn signals when making a right or left turn. If the signal is not used it is unsafe lane change or turn without use of signal. There are hand signals for indicating a turn is forthcoming. These signals to be used if the mechanical signal on the vehicle is inoperable or vehicle is not equipped with signals.

That could also be illegal under other provisions, the flash switch is normally on high beam, it is illegal to use high beam with oncoming traffic.

The flash switch is in the position the driver puts the switch in. Common sense would indicate high beams will blind oncoming drivers. Then again, we are talking common sense which many do not possess.

[Growler]

I flicker my lights as an indicator to truckers that the lane I'm in is clear for them to move into. I've done this for years, and it makes things easier for the guys in the cabs of the big rigs to know when a lane change is safe.

[mookiemookie]

I always flashed my lights at oncoming cars to warn them of speed traps. Of course I would have never done it in sight of a cop.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

I always flashed my lights at oncoming cars to warn them of speed traps. Of course I would have never done it in sight of a cop.Why are you warning them?

[Bubblehead1980]

Yet another LEO overreaching.This Trooper obviously feels citizens should just fall in line and not show other citizens courtesy of a heads up but his wrong because the law is not on his side.Of course he is a cop so he does not care if it is or not, he has a badge and a gun! lol

I am a native Floridian, FHP is a useless entity that if disbanded could save the state millions of dollars.Usually a bunch of dorks and former fat kids who get a badge and are way, way too serious about traffic laws once on the road.Having said that, encountered one who was nice last September.I was heading back to school in Louisiana on I-10 when I sped up to clear some slow moving traffic, he happened to clock me and could have arrested me since I was 30 over posted limited, although it was not my sustained speed.The Trooper instead wrote me a citation for much lower speed and told me to be careful.I was shocked since they are usually jerks, I called my father and told him I would most likely be in jail soon lol. Suppose you get bad ones and good ones like in any line of work.However, should disband FHP to save money.

[Bubblehead1980]

Why are you warning them?


So they can slow down and the super troopers can't write them a citation, thus preventing them being financially raped by the state via some outrageous fine.

[nikimcbee]

That's why I own a radar detector:rock:. In ore-gone, I'm convinced the police aren't here to "protectect and serve" but generate money for the local towns.:shifty:

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

So they can slow down and the super troopers can't write them a citation, thus preventing them being financially raped by the state via some outrageous fine.

That's why I own a radar detector:rock:. In ore-gone, I'm convinced the police aren't here to "protectect and serve" but generate money for the local towns.:shifty:Looks like I have misunderstood purpose of American law enforcement...

BTW - How long time it takes to become police officer in local/state level? How many years training takes?

[Tribesman]

Just out of curiosity how many people who support warning people who may be engaging in illegal activities of police presence extend that warning to people engaged in other illegal activities?

[August]

Is the purpose to get people to slow down or to generate government revenue. If it's the former then flashing ones lights accomplishes that objective.

[AVGWarhawk]

Just out of curiosity how many people who support warning people who may be engaging in illegal activities of police presence extend that warning to people engaged in other illegal activities?

We are not aiding and abetting felony criminal activity by flashing high beams for a speed trap.

[AVGWarhawk]

BTW - How long time it takes to become police officer in local/state level? How many years training takes?

About 3-4 months on average. There are several tests, oral, written, physical, mental, polygraph. These are scheduled over months.

[Tribesman]

We are not aiding and abetting felony criminal activity by flashing high beams for a speed trap.
I said illegal, I didn't specify if it was felony or misdemenor.
Besides which how do you know that the vehicle you flash is only speeding or that the patrol car is only waiting for speeding motorists?

BTW did't you say flashing shouldn't be on high beam as common sense would dictate otherwise?
edit to add...further to that first question, how does this flashing of motorists sit with those who support such things as police establishing immigration status at any point of contact....like when stopped for a traffic violation?

[AVGWarhawk]

I said illegal, I didn't specify if it was felony or misdemenor.
Besides which how do you know that the vehicle you flash is only speeding or that the patrol car is only waiting for speeding motorists?

Do you live here in the US or just watch US produced cop/robber shows?


BTW did't you say flashing shouldn't be on high beam as common sense would dictate otherwise?
edit to add...further to that first question, how does this flashing of motorists sit with those who support such things as police establishing immigration status at any point of contact....like when stopped for a traffic violation?

No, I said this:
The flash switch is in the position the driver puts the switch in. Common sense would indicate high beams will blind oncoming drivers. Then again, we are talking common sense which many do not possess.

I was refering to leaving the high beams on while driving. Not flashing.

[Tribesman]

Do you live here in the US or just watch US produced cop/robber shows?

Can you not answer the questions without undermining your position?:03:
I don't think I have seen a US cop show since kojak

No, I said this:
And that reply you gave was to a question about flashing, not about having the lights on while driving.

I was refering to leaving the high beams on while driving. Not flashing.
On top of the above...
Using high beams against oncoming traffic is a violation, the code doesn't specify how long they have to be on for, just how close you can be to the oncoming vehicle before you are breaking the law by using high beams.

[Sailor Steve]

Can you not answer the questions without undermining your position?:03:
He took a page from your book, and you're complaining?

I'm curious to know why you're against warning someone about a speed trap? Warning them gets them to slow down and obey the speed law, at least for a minute. The speed trap doesn't force people to obey the law, it merely catches them at it. Should CB radios in trucks be outlawed? That's one of the things they're used for.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

About 3-4 months on average. There are several tests, oral, written, physical, mental, polygraph. These are scheduled over months.So amount to study is relatively small and you get a lot authority? That explains a lot...

Here in Finland the basic training alone takes over a year and full training takes 2.5 years. In top of this you must have previous level job training or you must have passed gymnasium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnasium_%28school%29) both of which take 3 to 4 years to complete. Additionally male candidates have often already served atleast 6 months in military. 12 months if they were selected for NCO or officer training. Women can serve as volunteers if they like.

I think its a bit tougher job to become a cop in Finland. :)

[Tribesman]

He took a page from your book, and you're complaining?

Complaining???????

I'm curious to know why you're against warning someone about a speed trap?
Are you really?
Lets see......
Warning them gets them to slow down and obey the speed law, at least for a minute.
Can you spot it?

The speed trap doesn't force people to obey the law, it merely catches them at it.
It makes them pay for not obeying the law:yep:
Finacial pentlies are often the best way to make people obey the law, though with this topic some jurisdictions will remove your driving priviledges too as well as hitting your pocket if you continue to flout the law.

[MH]

So amount to study is relatively small and you get a lot authority? That explains a lot...

Here in Finland the basic training alone takes over a year and full training takes 2.5 years. In top of this you must have previous level job training or you must have passed gymnasium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnasium_%28school%29) both of which take 3 to 4 years to complete. Additionally male candidates have often already served atleast 6 months in military. 12 months if they were selected for NCO or officer training. Women can serve as volunteers if they like.

I think its a bit tougher job to become a cop in Finland. :)

Wow
Why so long?
Do you study BA in criminology to be a street cop or train to operate behind enemy lines in case Russia attacks again?:hmmm:

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Wow
Why so long?
Do you study BA in criminology to be a street cop or train to operate behind enemy lines in case Russia attacks again?:hmmm:Something like BA is available but not included in basics. They are available in universities of Tampere and Turku. Basic training arranged in Police College in Tampere is divided into following categories:
- field work (very basics of police work, psychology, first aid etc.)
- traffic (traffic control, driving etc.)
- crime prevention
- information and communication systems
- use of force (physical force, sellf defence, firearms)
Above include training in law, psychology and languages among other subjects.

In Finland rules regarding use of force are very strict and police very rarely uses deadly force, even in cases where opponent have firearm. Deadly force is absolute last option. Before using that police usually uses less lethal means like tazers, shooting to hands or legs etc. based on situation. If police officer uses exessive force he/she may in worst case face murder charges.

Also in some areas of Finland getting more officers into your location may take very long time. In such a case you and your patrol partner are first responders, back-up, SWAT and anything else as necessary.

EDIT: Long time ago an Army officer (Major at the time) told to me that if you want to get into Police College try to not get into military police. Police College appreciate more leadership training available in military, preferably officer but NCO is good too. Getting into officer or NCO training from military police is (or atleast was) much more difficult than for example from infantry units.

[Tribesman]

Wow
Why so long?
Is it long though? it is two years over here.

[MH]

Something like BA is available but not included in basics. They are available in universities of Tampere and Turku. Basic training arranged in Police College in Tampere is divided into following categories:
- field work (very basics of police work, psychology, first aid etc.)
- traffic (traffic control, driving etc.)
- crime prevention
- information and communication systems
- use of force (physical force, sellf defence, firearms)
Above include training in law, psychology and languages among other subjects.

In Finland rules regarding use of force are very strict and police very rarely uses deadly force, even in cases where opponent have firearm. Deadly force is absolute last option. Before using that police usually uses less lethal means like tazers, shooting to hands or legs etc. based on situation. If police officer uses exessive force he/she may in worst case face murder charges.

Also in some areas of Finland getting more officers into your location may take very long time. In such a case you and your patrol partner are first responders, back-up, SWAT and anything else as necessary.

Lot of staff for average cop.
Taking into account the diversity and restriction of the role it looks reasonable.

[Penguin]

So amount to study is relatively small and you get a lot authority? That explains a lot...

Here in Finland the basic training alone takes over a year and full training takes 2.5 years. In top of this you must have previous level job training or you must have passed gymnasium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnasium_%28school%29) both of which take 3 to 4 years to complete. Additionally male candidates have often already served atleast 6 months in military. 12 months if they were selected for NCO or officer training. Women can serve as volunteers if they like.

I think its a bit tougher job to become a cop in Finland. :)

In the US the police is not centralized, but afaik most departments require that the candidates have to be eligible for college - this would be a HS diploma, the equivalent of the Finnish/German Gymnasium diploma, so the prerequisites are comparable.

Wow
Why so long?
Do you study BA in criminology to be a street cop or train to operate behind enemy lines in case Russia attacks again?:hmmm:

2,5-3 years training is the norm for most qualified jobs here, be it a policeman, an office clerk or a baker.

In most German states it is a requirement for the higher ranks to have studied, either in a police college, or to hold a juristic degree.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

In most German states it is a requirement for the higher ranks to have studied, either in a police college, or to hold a juristic degree.In Finland graduate police officer gets rank of nuorempi konstaapeli.
- With basic training you can be promoted to konstaapeli but to get into higher ranks you need extra training.
- There is "alipäällystö" training which opens promotions to ranks of ylikonstaapeli, rikoskonstaapeli and ylietsivä. Legth is about 1,5 years and its done while working.
- There is "päällystö" training which "A osa" (A section) opens promotions to ranks of komisario, rikoskomisario and tarkastaja (lit. inspector, Finnish Security Intelligence Service rank/position)
- Additional "B osa" (B section) opens promotions to ylikomisario, rikosylikomisario, apulaispoliisipäällikkö (lit. assistant police chief) and any higher rank positions. These studies are done during work and take about 3 years to complete.

EDIT: I admit. I had to check how this goes. :)

[Penguin]

In Germany we have the smartest police, as we have no lower ranks :O:. You can choose between mittlerer, höherer und gehobener Dienst (medium, higher and upper service). Medium would be the basic training, the others are the one with the college requirements.

While I find it great that the Finnish police is not as trigger- or taser-happy than other counterparts, some officers do need a little more training with less-lethal weapons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNMUe4MjjvE :D
I know they are required to hit only limbs with the baton, but they really did not put up a good fight. :doh:

kraznyi, is a rikoskonstaapeli something like state police?
edit: seems more like criminal police, or Kripo as we call it here

[MH]

Here it takes about 7 month to become a patrol or traffic cop.
There are other units with longer training and all kind of special requirements as far as army service or education.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

kraznyi, is a rikoskonstaapeli something like state police?
edit: seems more like criminal police, or Kripo as we call it hereDirect translation would be "crime constable". All in italics are police ranks, just like military ranks. In army ranks rikoskonstaapeli would be like lieutenant. It is rank available in most police branches. These include normal local police forces, Liikkuva poliisi (lit. moving police) which is traffic police unit which also act as national police force supporting local police forces and Keskusrikospoliisi (KRP for short, lit. Central Crime Police). I don't know is it in use within Finnish Security Intelligence service (FSIS).

Btw FSIS was earlier known as Suojelupoliisi (Supo) which lit. means Protection police.

EDIT: Promotions to ranks like apulaispoliisipäällikkö and higher are (in my knowledge) done only when person is assigned to corresponding position.
EDIT#2: Keskusrikospoliisi investigates serious crimes not related to national security (like spying, terrorism etc.), those are FSIS turf. It is roughly equivalent to U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It's official english name is National Bureau of Investigation.

[Growler]

Is the purpose to get people to slow down or to generate government revenue. If it's the former then flashing ones lights accomplishes that objective.

Eqq zachary.

Deterrence works in more ways than the obvious immediate ones.

Example: Posting the location of a speed trap on the internet. Whether the LEO is there or not, the people who know about it are going to slow down in that area, just in case.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

While I find it great that the Finnish police is not as trigger- or taser-happy than other counterparts, some officers do need a little more training with less-lethal weapons: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNMUe4MjjvE :D
I know they are required to hit only limbs with the baton, but they really did not put up a good fight. :doh:Well that wasn't best day for Helsinki Police Department. :DL

Sometimes police uses a bit more "aggressive" tactics. I remember three cases when police were going to serve search warrant in club houses of those "motorbike clubs" like Cannonballs MC. Police didn't knock the door, they made their own. Police crashed army's Patria Pasi APC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patria_Pasi) through living room wall and then stormed the building. :D

[Stealhead]

I have mixed opinions about traffic enforcement at times they do seem very bogus about giving out tickets and they are a source of income the FHP is funded by the tickets. On the other hand many people do drive way too fast and that is dangerous the faster you drive the less time you have to react no matter what even if you are paying attention and if you are not paying full attention(which many drivers do not these days) margin of error is even greater.

At the same time there is a 2 way stop sign intersection near my house and many people do not stop even though there is a third road that you cant see around and might kill your self if someone is coming.Every month or so the Sheriffs sit there and bust people for not stoping and it 100% serves them right to be honest.I asked one deputy how many people they had ticketed this was at 9:00am on a Saturday they had been there since only 7:30am and they had caught 15 people.

They need to change how they do things though in stead of only harping on speeding in certain areas (which seems very common in FL) why not enforce the laws everywhere? The area I live in the FHP really loves two places one is on either side of a large 4 lane bridge over the St.Johns river I honestly agree with them showing up there because there have been several fatal accidents on that bridge all caused by someone speeding.The other place they love is what I consider a bogus area which is just after a speed change from 45 to 55 and then less than a mile down the road it is 65 so of course most people go 50 down the road and go 65 or faster when it says 55 and they get nailed.The thing that does baffle me to be honest is that everyone knows about these two spots yet they still speed though them you'd think people would use their brains and observe where the cops tend to hang around and obey the laws in those areas but they don't.

The flashing of lights thing is arguable it can mean many things and the only time I flash my lights is when some digbat has their high beams on at night.I never flash to warn of cops either pay attention to the road or do not you should know the areas that you drive along on a normal basis like the back of your hand and know where the cops tend to hang around at.

[gimpy117]

Many flash their headlights as a form of communication. Not just for speed traps ahead for oncoming motorists but acknowledging another motorist in general. Sometimes to allow passage at an intersection before yourself. Sometimes just danger ahead. The flashing of the lights makes oncoming motorist alert to anything. Sometimes a flash just to tell the oncoming driver their high beams are on and blinding the crap out of oncoming traffic to him.

right. whenever I see deer near or on the road, out comes the flashing.

[Stealhead]

I would imagine that the FL flashing lights thing is supposed to apply when the person is obviously trying to warn of some police vehicle being up the road not for other reasons of course the cop them selves could easily say you flashed for the illegal reason.One reason I dont bother with flashing I am a firm believer in avoiding contact with LE if at all possible so I am not going to do anything that is going to gather their attention it is their word against yours then.

Not all LE are bad or jerks about the laws but some are and you do not know what type you are about to deal with.My brother in law is a deputy and even he agrees that is wise to avoid getting LE attention unless you need them because you dont know the attitude of the person.

I got pulled over once for speeding and I thought for sure it was going to be a lousy day because the guy just looked very hard core and he even asked for everyone in my cars IDs which made me really nervous he was going to ask to search my car(I did not have anything to hide but still and I would have refused as well) and he was away for 3 or 4 minutes Finally he walked back up and gave all the IDs back and just let me go he said I was going 70 but I know for sure that I was going at least 85.I wish more would be respectable like that and give you a chance to not drive as fast in stead of just nailing you I mean that costs most people a pretty good chunk of change.

Florida for many years had a very unfair law towards a person making a left turn left turn getting rear ended basically it was the person making the turns fault no matter what it did not bother to take into account if the other driver was speeding or not paying attention or anything.I had a friend that got nailed making a left turn by some jerk that was 4 or 5 cars behind him and the guy passed all the cars and hit my friend even though that was clearly careless driving my friend still got the blame.Now this law they changed so that they do not automatically fault the left turn maker.

Maybe they will determine that the light flashing law is unfair and I honestly doubt that it has any real effect on the number of tickets they give out while at a location.By the way all LE do in theory have quotas you see my friends wife manages the airport police at Sanford International Airport and she was telling us about all the government grants available each year to LE departments most of them are well over $100k per year more than enough to pay a few salaries.One of these grants looks at the number of traffic tickets given during the summer months(not much use to an airport pd) but of much use to most LE departments basically the more they hand out the more money they can get from the grant.So when cities say they cant hire more cops they must be lying because there are numerous grants out there that can be used to hire new cops and get new equipment.:hmmm:

[Sailor Steve]

Deterrence works in more ways than the obvious immediate ones.

Example: Posting the location of a speed trap on the internet. Whether the LEO is there or not, the people who know about it are going to slow down in that area, just in case.
When I told my bandmates about this yesterday our drummer told me that it was going on here in Utah as well. People being arrested for flashing their lights to warn of speed traps, that is. The response here has been interesting. A local radio DJ has put out the word to his listeners: If you see a speed trap whip out your cell phone (not yet illegal here, though I think it should be - pull over before you call) and call the station. We'll announce the location on the air. It's going to be interesting to see any reprcussions on that one.

[Platapus]

That's why I own a radar detector:rock:. In ore-gone, I'm convinced the police aren't here to "protectect and serve" but generate money for the local towns.:shifty:

Radar detectors are still illegal here in Virginia


BTW - How long time it takes to become police officer in local/state level? How many years training takes?

Years of training? :nope: To be a Virginia State Police Officer the training is 33 weeks. Just over 8 months.

Even if the police officer's attitude was correct, how can it be illegal for one citizen to warn another citizen not to break the law?

Of course we know the real reason there are $peed trap$.

[Sailor Steve]

Even if the police officer's attitude was correct, how can it be illegal for one citizen to warn another citizen not to break the law?
Excellent bottom-line question! :rock:

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Could someone explain to me rationale behind funding law enforcement from tickets and assigning ticket quotas to police officers? How this fits to motto of "Protect and serve" I so often see and how it makes people more law obedient?

Sounds like your law enforcement have made small typo: writing Florida Highway Patrol when intention was Florida Highwaymen. :doh:

Am I just too European to understand this?

[Sailor Steve]

Florida Highwaymen. :doh:
:rotfl2::rock:

Am I just too European to understand this?
No, not at all. From the comments here you should see that it has us Americans baffled as well. That's the problem with any government at any level anywhere. Give someone some authority and someone will abuse it.

[Platapus]

Could someone explain to me rationale behind funding law enforcement from tickets and assigning ticket quotas to police officers? How this fits to motto of "Protect and serve" I so often see and how it makes people more law obedient?

A legitimate question deserves a legitimate answer. :)

Police departments like any other government department requires funding and that funding must come from the citizens.

How can citizens pay for government?

Taxes are the most common one. The advantages of taxation is that the funding is spread over the entire population. The disadvantage is that some of the citizens will be paying for a service they won't use.

People like to complain about taxes and politicians like to manipulate citizens's voting with manipulation of taxes. Raising taxes is bad but raising funds for public services is good. Hence a problem.

Fee for service aka targeted taxation aka corrective taxation aka (they are coming up with new words every election). This is where a select subset of the population is taxed by way of fees and fines. This has several advantages

1. It is not commonly considered a tax and therefore citizens don't bitch about it as much
2. It is targeted against a subset of the population based on a voluntary action on the part of the citizen. You want to use a park, you pay an entrance fee. You want to use a restricted road, you pay a toll. You choose to speed you pay a fine.
3. If a citizen chooses not to pay the Fee for service, they can choose not to voluntarily engage in the activity being taxed.

So, you are a public administrator in charge of managing the budget for the police department. As usual, the amount given to you is less than what you think you need. How do you get additional funding for your police department?

1. Ask for more taxes. That may work a few times but won't win you any elections
2. Increase the fees/fines collected.

How does this work?

The most common way for the police to do this is to conduct a survey of the traffic speed. This can be done with remote radar guns (ever see those large "your speed is xxx) or it can be collected by timing the interval of cars passing a sensor (ever see two rubber tubes across the street).

A. Once the police have a good idea of which roads have the most speedy traffic, they will, within the limitations of the law, petition the state/county to change the speed limit of that road to, usually, 85% of the mode speed being driven.
B. Anyone who chooses to speed, and it is a choice, is agreeing to additional taxation.

Safety really does not have anything to do with it. Speeding tickets are a considerable resource for funding. Pull the financial statement for the last year from your government office (state/county) the total revenue from tickets is listed and the amount will surprise you.

That's why we have funding via traffic tickets. The police department needs the funding and the citizens resist increases in taxation. Where else can a public administrator get the additional funding they think they need?

assigning ticket quotas to police officers?

I am not aware of any police department that assigns actual quotas as defined as a minimum number of tickets. I think that all officers understand the importance of this form of funding and adjust their behaviour appropriately.

How this fits to motto of "Protect and serve"

By providing additional funding to the police department, they are, in theory, better suited to protect and serve the public. If the police did not have this additional funding, their mission would be impaired.

how it makes people more law obedient?

Because this is a form of Corrective Taxation, the intent is to put the citizen in the position of deciding whether that advantages of speeding are worth the disadvantage of the fine/points.

The problem with using Corrective Taxation as an alternative funding venue is that if the Corrective Tax works, the actual funding goes down. This is a common error with many public administrators.

Corrective Taxes and Fee for Service funding are actually mutually counterproductive.

I hope this helps you understand how this happens in the US. I am sure that your own country has something similar. If it doesn't, it will once the public administrators realize it is a viable funding venue. It is becoming more popular.


Bottom line: It is politically advantageous, if your department needs 100 units of funding to tax the citizens for 75 units and collect the additional 25 units from fees/fines. This sits a lot better with the citizens than just taxing them for the full 100 units.

[Onkel Neal]

Why are you warning them?

I do the same thing.

Because why should people get pulled over and ticketed by cops who roar up and down the same highway in excess of the same artificially low "speed limits" all day? It's a racket, a government sponsored one. I do not support it. There a section of super highway near my town, 6 lanes wide with a 100 meter median, that leads into Houston. It's designated as 60 mph.:nope: For one reason, because the city knows that people will go faster than that, the road is a 70mph road. There are about 5 overpasses and every day some stupid cop is sitting there catching people. The same cop will run me off the road later in the day, he's got an emergency at the donut shop, I suppose. :rotfl2:

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Safety really does not have anything to do with it. Speeding tickets are a considerable resource for funding. Pull the financial statement for the last year from your government office (state/county) the total revenue from tickets is listed and the amount will surprise you.I have to first figure out who to ask this from. Its either Ministry of Interior or National Police Board. I will return to this in either this thread or new one after I get answer. Thanks for your answer Platapus!