btritch said:
This is how I look at it, AS long as you're obeying the law, Don't give them any reason to stop ya, no reason to pull you over, keep it out of plain view from the road, In case you DO get pulled over, Slide it under the seat without them knowing, Done that many times,
On the matter of what to do when stopped.I would tend to agree with about 99.9% of btritch' comments in the post- except- DON'T shove it under the seat 'without them knowing'. I assure you even if you practice this you will never be better than the attentive patrolman.
In the trade this is the most common furtive movement around and WILL get you searched quicker than anything else. Recruits are taught to watch for this at the academy and you continue to hone this skill throughout your career (many recruits get 'blown away' in role playing and get the message).
These days cops are under huge scrutiny and if they search you based on this movement, find the radio or whatever, they will often feel compelled to take some official action that would tend to justify their actions/reasons for searching you in the event you decide to complain to their bosses.
This simple 'innocent' move could potentially get you shot in the confluence of a series of the wrong circumstances. I would encourage you not to do it. Mistakes do happen in the most unexpected ways.
I might have a jacket or something sitting on the seat next to me to cover the radio or just act like the thing is invisible and let him/her bring it up. But I would not let the copper see my shoulders dip to dump something under the seat. Not a good move in my view.
ALL cops are watching you long before the lights come on and will be watching you for your reaction to the lights and for such movements. He/She is worried about booze, dope, and guns but you really cannot tell what you just put under the seat from 40ft off your rear bumper.
So, if he/she sees this they already have in their mind that you are a squirrel trying to hide a nut and therefore a criminal. It also shows consciousness of guilt and can/likely will be used against you.
I agree you should not do anything stupid to attract attention but ignorance CAN work in your favor here especially because there is no state law and you are from out of town.
It is my opinion based on experience that most cops find candid honesty refreshing and if any breaks were to be cut or goodwill would be garnered it would be more likely in a completely forthright situation vs. trying to get your 'law abiding citizen' jacket back on after the fact. . Your call, enjoy your trip.
At least you can see them coming (usually). Not like earthquakes.
