OKC Ch 9 story - Fake PD Cruiser

[okcetech]

However, we also have a law in place that says you MUST move over to the right if someone comes up behind you, whether you're going the speed limit or not. This law is often misunderstood to mean that you only have to move over if you moving slower than the speed limit. This is the wrong interpretation of that law. You have to move over if you're going slower than the car behind you. I can't STAND it when I come up behind someone on the highway and they're traveling in the left lane with nobody in the right lane. MOVE OVER, idiot!!

OK Mr. Stew, this is nothing personal, but I am unable to find this law you know about. I wish you could show this to me. I will even help you by providing a link to the Oklahoma Drivers Manual.

http://www.dps.state.ok.us/dls/pub/ODM9-05.pdf

Have a Great Day

 

[Freqed]

On a lighter note, anybody remember the episode of Emergency! where Johnny got a ticket for following the squad when he was off-duty in his POV?

Mark S.

Yeah I remember that episode, and IIRC the whole show was about people following the squad on their runs and why that was a problem to them.

 

[CommShrek]

Just a little note to ponder. The Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training...CLEET does not have legislative or law enforcement authority in the state of Oklahoma. So, CLEET's rules are not binding on anyone but an employee of a Law Enforcement Agency that prescribes to them. Therefore, an individual acting in the positon of Neighborhood Watch couldn't possibly give a tinkers damn about CLEET.

Just my 2 cents.

Oh OK. Maybe you can explain to me how CLEET can fine someone for operating without being licensed by the State of Oklahoma then.

 

[K5MAR]

Yeah I remember that episode, and IIRC the whole show was about people following the squad on their runs and why that was a problem to them.

Yep, and failing to yield to emergency vehicles (which was the main "theme"), which is a BIG peeve of mine.

Thought it was time to re-aim the discussion a bit, but you guys are right, it's run it's course.

Y'all be safe!
Mark S.

 

[Firecop203]

OK Mr. Stew, this is nothing personal, but I am unable to find this law you know about. I wish you could show this to me. I will even help you by providing a link to the Oklahoma Drivers Manual.

http://www.dps.state.ok.us/dls/pub/ODM9-05.pdf

Have a Great Day

I believe this is what he was referring to.
§47-11-301.

(a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven
upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction under the rules governing such movement;

2. When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left
of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall
yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper
direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such
distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;

3. Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under
the rules applicable thereon;

4. Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic; or

5. Upon a roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and
providing for two-way movement of traffic.

(b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal
speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then
existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane when available for
traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of
the roadway and may be temporarily driven upon the right-hand shoulder
for the purpose of permitting other vehicles to pass. This subsection
shall not apply when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding
in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an
intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and
providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven
to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized
by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the
left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not
otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under
paragraph 2 of subsection (a) of this section. However, this
subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the
center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road
or driveway.

 

[mn2deep]

Oh OK. Maybe you can explain to me how CLEET can fine someone for operating without being licensed by the State of Oklahoma then.

There you have it, directly from the CLEET website;


"The enabling legislation for the Oklahoma Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET or Council) is found in 70 O.S., Section 3311. In layman's terms, the principal mandates of this legislation are for the Council to:

Provide for basic peace officer certification, by establishing and conducting 326 hour basic academies for all full-time peace officers employed by city, county, or state entities of government, with the exception of the four approved academy city/agencies.

Ensure, through CLEET's continuing education program, that all full-time, certified peace officers employed by city, county, or state entities of government, (approximately 8,800 officers) have access to sixteen hours of annual continuing education.

Ensure that the four CLEET approved academy city/agency basic academies meet those minimum standards set by state statute and the Council.

Provide for basic reserve officer certification for all part-time peace officers employed by city, county, or state entities of government, by providing the curriculum, setting minimum standards, and by administrative oversight.

License those persons employed by the private security industry in Oklahoma and, by administrative oversight, ensure that students and private security trainers meet those minimum training standards set by the Council."

 

[dstew67]

What is it that makes us all want to be right so badly? I can't believe that this thread is still going. I've resisted posting and responding to silly statements, just so this whole thing would not be perpetuated. I can't speak for anyone else here, but I'm not a lawyer. I'm not an expert on law. That said:

1. I can see by my own reading that it is against the law to travel in the left lane, just because you like that lane. You have to travel in the right lane unless you're turning, passing, etc. (thanks Firecop)

2. I can also see that CLEET has no jurisdiction over me. I'm not an LEO, a private investigator, or a security guard. No OK law that I've read says they do have any control over me, or right to fine me. (thanks mn2deep).

CLEET serves the purpose to train and hold accountable those who are employed to provide safety, security, and the private citizen with investigations. It was never intended, as pointed out several times in OK law and in CLEETS regulations and rules, to have any authority over private citizens. If I were to get CLEET certified as a private security guard, I would have numerous restrictions placed upon me that I don't as a guy volunteering time. This philosophy holds true for many different industries that have some governing body to look over said industry. For example, if you're a licensed asbestos contractor in many states, you must remove and dispose of asbestos in a certain manner. If you're the home owner, you are required to take absolutely no precautions whatsoever in removing and disposing of that asbestos. The laws are that way for a reason. The same holds true in this circumstance.

Here, maybe this will help..."You're right. I was wrong. Can we kiss and make up?" :roll:

 

[BCFD25]

Yep, and failing to yield to emergency vehicles (which was the main "theme"), which is a BIG peeve of mine.

Y'all be safe!
Mark S.

I couldn't agree with you more. I'll tell you what is frustrating, we have two stretches of turnpike in our fire district and our rescue and two brush pumpers are F-350's with 460 gassers. We can be running code 3 doing between 75 & 85 mph (dept policy is no more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit besides, trucks wont go any faster) and you got not only corvettes but church vans passing you in the right lane. Yeah, we could take down the tags but there are so many and usually trying to focus on the call. Anyway, since everyone else is venting i thought i might too.

 

[okcetech]

I believe this is what he was referring to.
§47-11-301.

(b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal
speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then
existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane when available for
traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of
the roadway and may be temporarily driven upon the right-hand shoulder
for the purpose of permitting other vehicles to pass. This subsection
shall not apply when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding
in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an
intersection or into a private road or driveway.

http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/deliverdocument.asp?citeid=82277

Note the title of the statute is "exceptions" for driving on the right side of the road. which is earier defined as the "right half". This law is made for people who for some reason drive slower than the normal speed. If the speed limit is 55 and there are two people, one driving 55 and one driving 80 the one driving 55 is drving the "normal" speed. Mr. Stew stated "we also have a law in place that says you MUST move over to the right if someone comes up behind you........You have to move over if you're going slower than the car behind you." this is not what this law states. I am sorry Mr. Firecop you have not adequately defended Mr. Stew.

Have a great day.

Have a great day

 

[okcetech]

Have a great day. Have a great da...wo great days consecutively or split them up.

 

[okla-lawman]

Sorry to barge in on your thread here, but in Michigan you would be pulled over and ticketed quickly if you are in possession of blue, red, or amber (under certain circumstances) lights. Apparently Oklahoma has no such laws:

http://www.wagnersafety.com/lights/laws.html

The LEO here frown heavily on anyone driving a personal vehicle resembling a police car. Our state legislature just passed a new bill also restricting the use of badges, symbols, patches, clothing or anything else that may give the impression of being an LEO. Our local news just did an expose on some whackers who had full uniforms, Crown Vics, badges, and even a "station" house. Kind of pathetic really...

Want to come to Okla with those colored lights?? We do have a nice jail cells for that. As of Jan 04 all lights mnust be stock color ie amber, red or white. Any other color is illegal and a citation can be issued for EACH bulb ($185 if I remeber right) UNLESS they are red (foward facing) or blue in which case the fine goes to up to $2500 and 1 year in the county. I am not at work but they did a big update about this.
It is also illegal to have flashing headlights or to display white light to the rear of the vehicle.
and of course if all else fails Impersonation of police officers by actions. I do not beleive the story about any road crew having red/blue lights nor stopping anybody unless they were police officers. They would be clearly guilty of this (and I have several prosecutions of this, ie security guards arresting on warrants) and therefore even with OHP arresting them any evidence obtained would be illegal and under Weeks V. us any evidence would be inadmissable.

 

[Firecop203]

I am sorry Mr. Firecop you have not adequately defended Mr. Stew.

Have a great day.

Have a great day

I have not made any attempt to defend or attack anyone. I read the posting, knew the section of the law that he was referring to and posted the information and source without any comments. I have not flamed anyone or been disrespectful. I simply provided information that i thought was germane to the discussion.

 

[iamhere300]

I have been in OK from Missouri at least 30 times in the past year,
and never had any comments from anyone about my lights, red and
blue. Lots of contact with law enforcment during that time.

No white light to the rear? Must be a lot more backing accidents
without backup lights

Want to come to Okla with those colored lights?? We do have a nice jail cells for that. As of Jan 04 all lights mnust be stock color ie amber, red or white. Any other color is illegal and a citation can be issued for EACH bulb ($185 if I remeber right) UNLESS they are red (foward facing) or blue in which case the fine goes to up to $2500 and 1 year in the county. I am not at work but they did a big update about this.
It is also illegal to have flashing headlights or to display white light to the rear of the vehicle.
and of course if all else fails Impersonation of police officers by actions. I do not beleive the story about any road crew having red/blue lights nor stopping anybody unless they were police officers. They would be clearly guilty of this (and I have several prosecutions of this, ie security guards arresting on warrants) and therefore even with OHP arresting them any evidence obtained would be illegal and under Weeks V. us any evidence would be inadmissable.

 

[okcetech]

I have not made any attempt to defend or attack anyone. I read the posting, knew the section of the law that he was referring to and posted the information and source without any comments. I have not flamed anyone or been disrespectful. I simply provided information that i thought was germane to the discussion.

I don't mean to attack, but this is a very important misquote of the law. Just because you are in a hurry and get right up on my tail doesn't mean that I am at fault. I always try to get out of the way of faster traffic(I am more often the faster traffic). But some people expect you to bow down to agressive drivers. Mr. Stew stated that you "you MUST move over to the right if someone comes up behind you, whether you're going the speed limit or not". That is not the law. The law states "if you are going slower than "the normal speed"
The greatest example I can think of is hiway 74 from OKC to hiway 33. I can't remember drving on that road without having at least one person blindly passing me while going much faster than I. I normally travel at 5-10 mph above the speed limit.

On the other issue, why do you want lights to make you appear to be an emergancy vehicle when you are not. The laws are probally in place so I can be comfortable that when an apparent police officer is trying to stop me, I know he really is one. I remember several times in the past ten years when women have been raped by people impersonating a police officer. So for everything I have seen it is a good law. Someone can feel more than free to tell me why they need the emergancy lights on thier car.

Have a great day(only once this time)

 

[dstew67]

Someone can feel more than free to tell me why they need the emergancy lights on thier car.

With this logic, someone soon will be asking why I need a handgun...

 

[okcetech]

With this logic, someone soon will be asking why I need a handgun...

To protect ourselves. I don't see what protection you get from red and blue lights. Does it scare coyotes or something?

 

[okcetech]

Oh and have a great day

 

[WX5JCH]

Hmm, my city has many police/fire/ems vehicles with blue lights. So does the OHP, and the wrecker service. I guess were all illegal...

 

[okla-lawman]

The law ony appelies to non gov't vehicles. Wreckers also exempt. Since this thread was about fake vehicles.....there is oein every crowd.

 

[okccsi]

Which one does Neighbor Watch fall under :wink:

In Midwest City, the neighborhood watch association is issued an amber flashing light with magnetic mount and a cell phone by the POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Holy cow, this whole thread is killing me. I could go on and on about cars, security, police. I have to get back to work though. I am in my office. 2001 White Crown Victoria, with lots of radio's, lights, speakers, and tons of emergency equipment.

And I am perfectly legal. That is all I care about.

OKC CSI