Same here it sure is hard riding the limit.

 

When I was younger, I live in a very small town and the LEOs out there (by their own admittance) would pull people over for "preventative crime fighting" in other words, if there wasn't anything going on, they said they'd pull people over, just to check for warrants, etc. which I guess I can understand their motive.

At the time I was riding a beat to hell little Honda scooter with a 90cc motor. It was in such bad shape that it topped out at about 35 mph on flat ground. Well, I'm heading home around 1:00am and I'm on a dark, empty, straight stretch of road and the speed limit goes from 45 to 35 just before a hill. I would always gun it up the hill because by the time I got to the top, my little scooter was pooped and I was at about 25-30mph. I get about 1/4 past the top and lights start flashing... Ugh... "Here goes... I'll answer some questions, he'll run my license, see that I have no record and I'll be on my way. No big deal."

He walks up and ask the same line of questions,
"License and registration?"
"Here you are, sir."
"You got a permit to ride this thing?"
"No, sir. I don't need one, the engine's not big enough (untrue, but I didn't know that at the time.)"
"This thing have a speedometer on it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you ever use it?"
"Yes, sir"
"Well, then how fast were you going when I pulled you pulled you over?"
"35, sir."
"No, try again. How fast do you THINK you were going?"
"Um... 30-35, sir?"
"Not even close! I clocked you way faster than that. You might want to pay more attention to that speedometer of yours."
So I ask, "Do you mind if I ask how fast I was going, officer?" to which he replied, "Let's just say you're very lucky and you just came THIS close to a several hundred dollar reckless driving ticket tonight!" (Mind you, in my state, you typically have to be going double the speed limit or 25 or more over -whichever is less- to get a reckless driving speeding ticket and for a judge to uphold it! Otherwise officers won't usually bother issuing a reckless driving ticket for speeding. So he was trying to tell me that I was going AT LEAST 55MPH!!! On a 90cc beater of a Honda scooter!?!)

I knew that he obviously didn't actually have me on radar at 55 and if I was issued the ticket I could ask to see the radar gun as proof and he'd have to show me or it would be inadmissable in court, so I went along with it and he walked back I his car, ran my license, saw that I have no record, came back, returned my license and said, "Count your blessings, I'm letting you go tonight with a warning: pay more attention to that speedometer or get it checked out to make sure it works right, because tonight might just be the last time you get away with this."

I didn't call his bluff, I just said, "Thank you, officer. Have a great night."

Even though he was way in the wrong that night, and we both knew it, I also paid him the respect he deserved for the fact that if someone broke into my house and I couldn't get to my gun faster than my phone, he'd be willing to take the call and possibly take a bullet to protect me and my family.

To the OP, count your blessings, that could've been your "lucky night"

To all the "ACAB" crowd, we gotta pock our battles...

 

Let's see. You went 61 in a 35 and you call the officer a schmuck!

Son, you need an attitude adjustment.

 

When I get pulled over by an armed cashier I let them set the nature of the exchange.

On a bike let them see your hands open away from your sides- in a cage leave your hands on the top of the steering wheel.

Conversation is useless

They don't talk anymore, they're paid to make money, arrests, and impoundments.

I own my infractions and will argue them in court if I'm wronged.

 

What happened to it?!!!! That's funny as hell! ...and very good advice in regards to behavior when dealing with law enforcement...

A member here said Rule 1, Don't admit to anything. I believe rule 1 is obey the law. We all get loose with the throttle now and again, and I credit the OP with the way he handled himself with the officer.

 

The last time I got bagged by a statey, WHEN he actually caught up to me, he told me nicely but with a firm look that "it took a long time to catch you...several miles"...I just looked at him and said that I did not know he was after me...looking ahead...to be safe...LOL. He only caught me because of traffic...LOL. He was AOK. Got a small ticket. I always try to pull OFF the road so they are not standing in the road. If they ask, I tell them why I pulled off. I find it helps to be polite, most times works out. Ps Wife says "No more tickets or else"...35 years of marriage and I still don't know what "or else" means...LOL.

 

I try the old trick of "Staying within 10 mph of the speed limit" especially in construction zones. If I feel the need to hot rod a little it's out in the country somewhere.

 

Hind sight is always 20/20

 

Just remember, that police officer that gave you a ticket is the same officer that spends everyday out there keeping all of the cages in check so they don't run us over more than they do already. Be thankful they are there or the roads wouldn't be safe to even live near.

 

To the OP - I wouldn't regret a thing. You chose your path and made it home safely

Should have, could have thoughts are all past tense...

I have only gotten 1 ticket on the bike in recent times out of being stopped many times. I deserved a ticket each time. If you got it use use it you know. Several times was a LEO on a MC and they are the nicest believe it or not. If I know what I was stopped for I always admit it. If I'm dead to right caught there is no way I am fighting it anyway. I own up and take any lumps coming my way. Plus I normally have a concealed weapon, which I tell them up front and where it is.

Can not blame a person for doing their job, especially when you need them cause they are there to help the public. Glad I don't get shot at in my job...