THE LAW:
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 5
From: Warren, Ohio
THE LAW:
HA! Being a retired State Trooper from Ohio, here is how I enforced laws regarding motorcycles:
1) During the helmet law days, several years back, if you didn't have a helmet on, you got cited. Small fine, no points on your license. Found that the majority who didn't have a helmet on, didn't have a m/c endorsement or were under suspension.
2) Loud pipes: Well I have to admit that nothing sounds better than a Harley with a good sounding exhaust. I never wrote a citation for loud pipes on a motorcycle. Well, maybe a few crotch rockets.
3) Speed: I always gave at least 10 mph over the speed limit to all vehicles. Usually 15 mph. I clocked a crotch rocket at 132 mph on a county road which was slightly hilly. I turned on him and he was out of sight by the time Igot going his direction.The only reasoned I turned on him, was to make sure that he wasn't plastered on an oak tree down the road.
4) Eye Protection: Always stopped a rider for this. Didn't issue many citations, but a stone in the eye, ouch!
5) There is no longer a helmet law in Ohio unless you are a newbie. I always wear one. But freedom of choice was fine with me when they got rid of the helmet law.
That's how I handled a few of the laws regarding motorcycles. Hell, I started riding when I was 12 years old
up to the age of 23. Now after 30 years I am riding again and love it! I trained new Troopers to be firm but fair. I always said that "we are not out here to rape the public" but to make it safer. I wrote a lot of warnings, which I feel were as effective as citations.
And last, but not least, QUOTAS. We never had quotas!! Never!
Be safe, Bill
1) During the helmet law days, several years back, if you didn't have a helmet on, you got cited. Small fine, no points on your license. Found that the majority who didn't have a helmet on, didn't have a m/c endorsement or were under suspension.
2) Loud pipes: Well I have to admit that nothing sounds better than a Harley with a good sounding exhaust. I never wrote a citation for loud pipes on a motorcycle. Well, maybe a few crotch rockets.
3) Speed: I always gave at least 10 mph over the speed limit to all vehicles. Usually 15 mph. I clocked a crotch rocket at 132 mph on a county road which was slightly hilly. I turned on him and he was out of sight by the time Igot going his direction.The only reasoned I turned on him, was to make sure that he wasn't plastered on an oak tree down the road.
4) Eye Protection: Always stopped a rider for this. Didn't issue many citations, but a stone in the eye, ouch!
5) There is no longer a helmet law in Ohio unless you are a newbie. I always wear one. But freedom of choice was fine with me when they got rid of the helmet law.
That's how I handled a few of the laws regarding motorcycles. Hell, I started riding when I was 12 years old
up to the age of 23. Now after 30 years I am riding again and love it! I trained new Troopers to be firm but fair. I always said that "we are not out here to rape the public" but to make it safer. I wrote a lot of warnings, which I feel were as effective as citations.
And last, but not least, QUOTAS. We never had quotas!! Never!
Be safe, Bill
RE: THE LAW:
Twenty four years on the job here in Illinois. I retired a couple of years ago. I pretty much left bikes alone too unless they made a point out of abusing my fairness
. I've ridden all my life and have had plenty of breaks over the years. We never had quotas either.
. I've ridden all my life and have had plenty of breaks over the years. We never had quotas either.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa, Ok
RE: THE LAW:
10 years on the job I handled it the same way. I would stop people for wearing flip flops and crap like that (with proper probable cause ) to warn them of the reason for proper gear. I agree with freedom of choice, and yesI would stop someone to check out their bike. 
Also, no quotas...we could write as many as we wanted.
Former West Dundee Illinois Police Officer
) to warn them of the reason for proper gear. I agree with freedom of choice, and yesI would stop someone to check out their bike. Also, no quotas...we could write as many as we wanted.
Former West Dundee Illinois Police Officer
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Centerville , IN
RE: THE LAW:
ORIGINAL: Hawg295
3) Speed: I always gave at least 10 mph over the speed limit to all vehicles. Usually 15 mph.
3) Speed: I always gave at least 10 mph over the speed limit to all vehicles. Usually 15 mph.
does that includebig trucks too ? 70 mph in a semi thru ohio !
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
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From: Amherst, VA
RE: THE LAW:
I have never been pulled over on my bike, and I have been pulled over at least 5 times driving a car. I ride more then I drive. Interesting post.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 5
From: Warren, Ohio
RE: THE LAW:
That included big trucks too. I was at a browns game several years back. A Cleveland PD motorcycle unit went by at about 70 in a 35 zone. Straight pipes and all. He was leaning about 70 degrees into those curves. Must say, it was impressive.
Ohio started amotorcycle unit out of Columbus about the time I retired. Hell, I live 175 miles from our General Headquarters, but I would have lived down there for a year, just to do it.
If you are in lawenforcement and an sob to boot, you get back what you give out. Treat people with respect and dignity, you usually get it back 99 per cent of the time.
One more tip (since I'm retired). Be polite to the Officer and go to court. Be polite to the judge and prosecutor. Most of the time you get a reduced fine and no POINTS on you driving record. Trust me, it works almost everytime.
Be careful and God Bless.
Ohio started amotorcycle unit out of Columbus about the time I retired. Hell, I live 175 miles from our General Headquarters, but I would have lived down there for a year, just to do it.
If you are in lawenforcement and an sob to boot, you get back what you give out. Treat people with respect and dignity, you usually get it back 99 per cent of the time.
One more tip (since I'm retired). Be polite to the Officer and go to court. Be polite to the judge and prosecutor. Most of the time you get a reduced fine and no POINTS on you driving record. Trust me, it works almost everytime.
Be careful and God Bless.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: THE LAW:
In 16 years, I have only pulled over 1 bike. That was last year. A guy on a 1200 ran a stop sign at about 25 mph. I stopped him and told him I couldwrite him for the sign, his novelty helmet, and his drag pipes. After letting him quiver a minute, I told him I wasn't writing any tickets and started talking about bikes. Fast forward to last week. I was lounging at the pool at Myrtle and saw him pull up on his bike. He was staying at my motel. I gave him a holler, we shook hands and laughed about the traffic stop.