Confession
Well, first let me say that I posted this for a couple reasons. The obvious one was 'cause I DO think the LEOs were at least a little overzealous in at least cases 1 and 2 (more explanation later). But also, because there have been alot of threads here and elsewhere about LEOs being overzealous and/or downright unreasonable in the enforcement of more serious type offences...and I wanted to see the reactions/opinions when the same standard is applied to minor infractions. (And, find it a bit interesting that people that would fight so hard for anything to have to do with unreasonable gun laws, or search and seizure laws, don't seem to extend those same rights to POSSIBLE minor traffic violations!)
A little more info, I'll keep it brief:
1) Yes, we have window tint laws, and I understand that they are for officer safety, which is just fine. But, I'll repeat again that in this case, you could see quite clearly into the car, and in fact could see right through the other side. (And also as mentioned, I can cruise down the road, stopping at several dealers lots, and find a couple dozen NEW cars w/ darker FRONT windows) Even so, I subsequently removed the tint to avoid future hassles(as I would have had I been given a warning). As for the exhaust, once again, not louder than stock, and not as loud as some new "high-performance" cars that are common. If I'd been running straight pipes or something, would've smiled and took the ticket. Ditto if I had been speeding or doing anything else unsafe. (BTW, the judge, known to be tough, threw out the tickets. Apparently he found them just as unreasonable as I did. Coulda mentioned this earlier but them I wouldn't have gotten the same types of reaction)
2) I know the intersection well, I pass through it at least once a day, sometimes 2 or 3 times. There's no shoulder(because its under an underpass) it 6 lanes wide(including turn lanes) and he was in right hand lane with car to his left.) Moving forward (which still wouldn't have made much difference) would put you at risk from traffic exiting the off ramp, who can't see the emergency vehicle). Now, I was taught, in those types of situations, to simply maintain your position, such that the emergency vehicle can find the best way through. I'm sure I would've done just what he did-nothing. (Note that I said "kid" but he's 22, with a spotless driving record since 16)
3) Yes, I don't believe in littering, either. But I also know that in this case, a stern warning from the officer would've accomplished just as much as issuing a ticket. Kinda threw that one in there to see what reaction it got compared to the other 2.
In short, in my dealings with people I tend to apply the "reasonable-ness" test. If you are reasonable with me I'll be VERY reasonable with you. HOWEVER, if you're being unreasonable, don't expect much from me.
Good or bad, I've pretty much instilled those same values in my kids.
I've also taught them to respect others, others rights, and in the case of LEOs, to respect their authority...I KNOW that their opinions of LEOs has been lowered because of these incidents, as have mine.
More comments,especially from LEOs are welcome!
P.S.to the person that thought I was a newbie, because I don't have alot of posts: There was a period where post counts weren't working, if you check, you'll see I have lots of posts...and if you check TFL(same username), you'll see many, many more posts.