Question about local cops outside of their towns

[Rick1987]

I've been pulled over in the past for not passing in the left lane.

I was driving down i95 speeding and my radar detector went crazy so I slowed down and there was a MSP in the center median, I was going 65 then and side by side with someone on the right, got a ticket for improper lane usage, or something like that.

 

[PappyM3]

I spend most of my time in the left lane, cruise set to 75-79. Never had a problem. Usually that's just slow enough to piss off uppity douches in beamers/mercedes/escalades so they blow by me and smoke out the coppers.

You do realize that while they may be uppity, your actions of intentionally staying in the left lane is the douchey move. Rather than call them douches based on the type of vehicle they drive, perhaps you should take a look at your own actions. Not only are your actions illegal, but they are very inconsiderate and rude.

 

[boatman]

You do realize that while they may be uppity, your actions of intentionally staying in the left lane is the douchey move. Rather than call them douches based on the type of vehicle they drive, perhaps you should take a look at your own actions. Not only are your actions illegal, but they are very inconsiderate and rude.

In the car mags, they started calling these people LLBs or Left Lane Bandits a long time ago. The person who is going 55 in the left lane holding up everyone.

The leftmost lane is supposed to be for passing.

In most European countries, say like Germany, it is strictly observed. Without speed limits, or very high speed limits on the autobahn, if you are doing 100 and come over a hill where the guy in front of you is just cruising at nice 65, this is potential for disaster.

 

[knoxy]

You do realize that while they may be uppity, your actions of intentionally staying in the left lane is the douchey move. Rather than call them douches based on the type of vehicle they drive, perhaps you should take a look at your own actions. Not only are your actions illegal, but they are very inconsiderate and rude.

Settle down Pappy. Do you drive one of those vehicles?

I don't hold the lane. I let them by when I get a chance. They're usually douches when they ride your ass in heavy traffic then pass on the right before you get a chance to move.

 

[Boghog1]

Settle down Pappy. Do you drive one of those vehicles?

I don't hold the lane. I let them by when I get a chance. They're usually douches when they ride your ass in heavy traffic then pass on the right before you get a chance to move.

Based on the M3 in his name he is proud of his BMW and likes to do 80+ in the left lane

 

[IrradiatedBacon]

I"ve always wondered....if you're driving at 65 on the Pike, and Joe Statie blows past you at 10+ MPH more, with no lights or siren, can you pull in behind him, and match his speed? I mean, in a non-emergency situation, they're supposed to obey the laws just as a commoner. So....your speedometer must be off, right?

Someone should try this, and report how it works out.

My buddy did this. He got pulled over and was told and I quote "I'm not clearing the road for you pal"

No ticket.

 

[MassMark]

I've had the opposite experience with MSP - at least out this way. More than a few times, I've been passed on the left by a trooper while I was in a line of traffic on the right and changed to the left and followed along as the seas parted. In one case, I flashed my lights as I got off exit 4 to say 'thanks' and he waved back...

I generally find MSP out here to be really decent...

My buddy did this. He got pulled over and was told and I quote "I'm not clearing the road for you pal"

No ticket.

I've done it several times with no ill effects...Didn't even get pulled over and hand the trooper my LTC with my drivers license...

 

[PappyM3]

Settle down Pappy. Do you drive one of those vehicles?

I don't hold the lane. I let them by when I get a chance. They're usually douches when they ride your ass in heavy traffic then pass on the right before you get a chance to move.

I wasn't getting flustered, just pointing that issue out. If you do move over to the right when an opening arrises, then you are a courteous driver. Based on what you said before it sounded like you just ride in the left lane all day long Guys that ride your ass when you can't yet safely move over are definitely douches. Douches+ if they swerve around you on the right the milisecond a space opens up.

Boghog1, I used to have an M3 but I'm not a BMW fanboy. I'm a car enthusiast that appreciates a wide range of makes and also appreciates courteous driving including only using the left to pass, not riding bumpers and using turn signals.

 

[knoxy]

I wasn't getting flustered, just pointing that issue out. If you do move over to the right when an opening arrises, then you are a courteous driver. Based on what you said before it sounded like you just ride in the left lane all day long Guys that ride your ass when you can't yet safely move over are definitely douches. Douches+ if they swerve around you on the right the milisecond a space opens up.

Cool. I suppose my original post could've looked that way. I hate lane hogs and love turn signals too. Internet comms are tough. Carry on!

 

[josh2600]

I drive plenty.

And yes, I know that those white rectangular signs are "more what you'd call....guidelines"

My point is that the 128 posted limit is 55. And there are cops that will write tickets for those that go faster.

I can remember (too many) years ago that the MSP woudl do "rolling roadblocks - line abreast at 55 (or whatever was posted)

DB move? Yes, if the light and road conditions are appropriate.

I"ve always wondered....if you're driving at 65 on the Pike, and Joe Statie blows past you at 10+ MPH more, with no lights or siren, can you pull in behind him, and match his speed? I mean, in a non-emergency situation, they're supposed to obey the laws just as a commoner. So....your speedometer must be off, right?

Someone should try this, and report how it works out.

Years ago when i used to do some courier work i would do this all the time, called it pig surfing. just stay far enough back as to not alert him and you were golden.

 

[sixer]

I drive plenty.
I"ve always wondered....if you're driving at 65 on the Pike, and Joe Statie blows past you at 10+ MPH more, with no lights or siren, can you pull in behind him, and match his speed? I mean, in a non-emergency situation, they're supposed to obey the laws just as a commoner. So....your speedometer must be off, right?

Someone should try this, and report how it works out.

I kind of did this (I wasn't right up his ass, probably 100ft) and he SLAMMED on his brakes to the point where I had no choice but to pass him on the right, then got a ticket for speeding and passing on the right, along with a stern reprimand something to the effect of "you were keeping up with me pretty good and I was going 85". This was on the pike in Palmer. I fought the ticket and won when he didn't show up for round 2 with the judge

 

[josh2600]

Not knowing the situation, he could have been escorting another vehicle while trying to remain low profile. Automatically this forum jumps to the conclusion that he is a crooked cop.

As far as juridiction, depending on mutual aid agreements and whether or not he is a sworn deputy he could have jurisdiction. Any sworn officer can make a Felony arrest per se.If you ever question the validity of a police officer that is pulling your over you should drive to the nearest police station and dial 911.

low profile? by flashing his lights at anyone that got near him? that sounds bright.

 

[atilla]

I look at it a little differently- I'd much rather have LEOs blowing by me and completely ignoring me than lumbering around doing the rolling roadblock thing, or basically constantly shadowing me until I leave town, like they love to do in small towns in MA.

i love having a cruiser 2 feet off my bumper driving around in said small towns. it's cool, i'm not doing anything wrong so i can tool around doing the speed limit all day if he's got all day. sometimes i'll just drive in circles and then just cross into the next town. this happened once when i flashed people and ruined a hiding spot where they were running traffic. oh i'm sorry, did i hose up your revenue generation shift?

i've also been flashed by the MSP so they could blow by me at 80+, easily 80 MPH. slow down, officer!

 

[SamH]

low profile? by flashing his lights at anyone that got near him? that sounds bright.

LMAO

............

 

[josh2600]

You do realize that while they may be uppity, your actions of intentionally staying in the left lane is the douchey move. Rather than call them douches based on the type of vehicle they drive, perhaps you should take a look at your own actions. Not only are your actions illegal, but they are very inconsiderate and rude.

yup. x10

 

[quincy]

If you pass him while flipping the bird and he has proper authorization, you will be legally signalled to pull over and fined for violating the speed limit (while the rest of traffic resumes its normal 70-80 mph pace)

Someone needs to "take one for the team" right??? Once he pulls you over the other sheep will be free to run.

 

[Serapis]

low profile? by flashing his lights at anyone that got near him? that sounds bright.

Yeah, maybe he didn't want the lights on the whole way, but only when he thought someone would cut between him the the car he was escorting.

Maybe I should have said lower profile so you could understand better. I am sure you knew what I was talking about but you wanted to get cute about it. Again because he was cop what he was doing was bad or illegal?

 

[bigtig50]

I've had the opposite experience with MSP - at least out this way. More than a few times, I've been passed on the left by a trooper while I was in a line of traffic on the right and changed to the left and followed along as the seas parted. In one case, I flashed my lights as I got off exit 4 to say 'thanks' and he waved back...

I generally find MSP out here to be really decent...

This has been my experience also. I have never had a bad moment with a Statie in MA though I have been pulled over by them a few times. Always being courteous and telling the truth ( i.e. admitting to the infraction) has always gotten me courteous behavior in return and a break from them. I would think they may sometimes speed without lights or siren to respond to a situation without giving warning. I don't know, but it seems plausible. My biggest problems with LEOs have always been locals from smaller towns. Don't get me started on that one.

 

[mark056]

Let me see, you're upset because some yahoo actually made you drive the speed limit...whoa...maybe we should all step back and reflect on that for a moment...I don't really feel too sorry for you this time, if this is all you have to complain about you are living an extremely good life.

 

[joeendris]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and expect he had a "reason", real or imagined. Maybe a detail of sorts, allowing road work to clear etc. As much as I generally loathe cops, I don't usually see them behaving like the OP described out of spite.
I spend most of my time in the left lane, cruise set to 75-79. Never had a problem. Usually that's just slow enough to piss off uppity douches in beamers/mercedes/escalades so they blow by me and smoke out the coppers.

I concur. Throw a little windshield wiper spray to annoy them a little further if they don't have the patience to wait the extra 30 seconds it takes for me to pass the center lane vehicles in order to get back into the center lane.

I look at it a little differently- I'd much rather have LEOs blowing by me and completely ignoring me than lumbering around doing the rolling roadblock thing, or basically constantly shadowing me until I leave town, like they love to do in small towns in MA.

The other problem is the herd effect. Slow "police" vehicles cause people to act like idiots in their presence. The worst is the people who think that the MA DOC cars or the Sheriff vans are going to pull them over for something. Some bluehair will sit in the left lane, afraid to pass the DOC cars with the lightbars that are lumbering along at 58 mph.

-Mike

I had a MSP follow me all of Rt 3, exit, then all the way to my town a few weeks ago. Stayed right on my bumper the entire way. Cruise was set to 33mph in a 30 (my speedo reads high, so I was safe) and 49 in the 45mph zone. It's a 45 minute drive home, and this was around 8pm......unnerving, at best

 

[Carnea]

On 128...make the move to the breakdown lane and punch it...

 

[el duderino]

I kind of did this (I wasn't right up his ass, probably 100ft) and he SLAMMED on his brakes to the point where I had no choice but to pass him on the right, then got a ticket for speeding and passing on the right, along with a stern reprimand something to the effect of "you were keeping up with me pretty good and I was going 85". This was on the pike in Palmer. I fought the ticket and won when he didn't show up for round 2 with the judge

Theres no law against passing on the right while on a highway.

Ch89sec2
The driver of a vehicle may, if the roadway is free from obstruction and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles, overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle when the vehicle overtaken is (a) making or about to make a left turn, (b) upon a one-way street, or (c) upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement.

On 128...make the move to the breakdown lane and punch it...

That was my one relief when I was working in dorchester regularly and taking 93 in, few people liked or knew they could use the breakdown lane during the morning and afternoon rush hour, so I could coast through traffic most of the way in.

 

[Boman]

I have all kinds of experience with MSP and local Police. Never had a bad experience at all with MSP. In fact I have followed many cruisers on highways..they usually are fine if your hanging with them at 85 ish but if they push it up to 90+ you best back off and let them go. Local police are a different story. I will try and go to a convenience store,ATM anything just to make them either follow me in and talk to me or watch them drive by. I have pulled into a store and pulled right back out full well knowing they see me. I had one pull me over and ask why I did it. I said you was riding my ass and making me uncomfortable as well as unsafe. I like to be safe. He barked never to do that again and walked away. I laughed while I explained that to the SGT in charge that night at his station.

 

[In God We Trust]

State cops are a**h***s for the most part when dealing with town cops. If a townie called MSP to ticket a speeder he stopped, he would probably be told to pound sand. A local cop may stop you and yell at you for passing him, but he can't write a ticket for a traffic violation outside his jurisdiction.

There is a thing called "transfer of authority" but I doubt any troopers are going to go along with it unless the crime is serious like a DUI or a serious case of road rage. Just pass him and go about your business. If he stops you, ask him who is policing Bedford while he wastes your time on the highway.

 

[ShadeWPI]

I spend most of my time in the left lane, cruise set to 75-79. Never had a problem. Usually that's just slow enough to piss off uppity douches in beamers/mercedes/escalades so they blow by me and smoke out the coppers.

As pointed out (and quoted from MGL earlier) this is actually illegal and subject to a fine of $100 for failure to keep right.

 

[OfficerObie59]

And tomorrow there will be a thread bitching about troopers doing 80 in the left lane...

If you want to get technical, 89/4 says you must pass if you're in the passing lane, but nowhere does allow you break the speed limit to do it. That law assumes youre passing someone who is travelling below the speed limit.

That said, something tells me you'd be complaining about him speeding otherwise.

He may or may not be able to operate outside of Bedford, depending on:

Does Bedford and the Local Juristiction have a juristiction agreement in place?

Has he reported to the Local Juristiction that he is in their juristiction and been granted authority to operate within the juristiction?

Is he also a deputy in the county sherrifs department, authorizing him to operate anywhere in the county and enforce state and county law (but not local ordinances)

If you call and report him to the State Police, those questions can get worked out and if he is not authorized to operate in the local juristiction, he should be charged with unauthorized use of an emergency vechile signalling device (lights) but he is not, in the legal sense, interfering with the free flow of traffic since he is not hindering traffic speed below the speed limit (55 mph)

If you pass him while flipping the bird and he has proper authorization, you will be legally signalled to pull over and fined for violating the speed limit (while the rest of traffic resumes its normal 70-80 mph pace)

Using blue lights is not a technical exercise of police power that requires jurisdictional authority.

For example, it would be perfectly lawful for an officer to use blue lights to escort an ambulance to an area hospital outside his territorial jurisdiction. What he cant do is stop a car and effect a 4th Amendment seizure along the way absent one of the half dozen workarounds that provide for authority outside of his agency's jurisdiction.

 

[bigtig50]

Theres no law against passing on the right while on a highway.



That was my one relief when I was working in dorchester regularly and taking 93 in, few people liked or knew they could use the breakdown lane during the morning and afternoon rush hour, so I could coast through traffic most of the way in.

Please tell me you're not one of those heroes doing 85 down the breakdown lane! I wouldn't mind the lane exception but for the fact it has become the new high speed lane, even when traffic does not dictate the use of it. I have always seen it as a band-aid for poor planning in future road usage.JMO

 

[el duderino]

Please tell me you're not one of those heroes doing 85 down the breakdown lane! I wouldn't mind the lane exception but for the fact it has become the new high speed lane, even when traffic does not dictate the use of it. I have always seen it as a band-aid for poor planning in future road usage.JMO

Nope, no more than the speed limit while in the breakdown due to traffic coming on and off but that was always faster than the rest of the highway.

 

[OB1Kenobi]

i prefer a statie to do 90 and blow me vs. other states where they hold up traffic.

NY State IIRC is one where they only go 10 over the posted limit....

 

[Martlet]

i prefer a statie to do 90 and blow me vs. other states where they hold up traffic.

NY State IIRC is one where they only go 10 over the posted limit....

Getting really brave since DADT was repealed.