Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws?
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws?
Disclaimer. I dont live in the state of Florida, but it seems like I keep hearing about how bad the traffic laws are there etc. from other forum members
Is this really true? Id hate to own a Corvette there and risk going to jail because I was doing 85 in a 65 with no traffic in sight.
I spent the entire month of march in florida (was laid off, stayed with friends) and couldnt help noticing ads everywhere trying to convey how strict it is.
I realize some of these are necessary (ex. red light laws, saw a TV ad saying use a gun to commit a crime, its a mandatory 10 years, 20 years if you actually fire it)
As a Vette owner, what are your thoughts on the traffic laws there?
Also, what are your thoughts on Jeb Bush :jester j/k
Is this really true? Id hate to own a Corvette there and risk going to jail because I was doing 85 in a 65 with no traffic in sight.
I spent the entire month of march in florida (was laid off, stayed with friends) and couldnt help noticing ads everywhere trying to convey how strict it is.
I realize some of these are necessary (ex. red light laws, saw a TV ad saying use a gun to commit a crime, its a mandatory 10 years, 20 years if you actually fire it)
As a Vette owner, what are your thoughts on the traffic laws there?
Also, what are your thoughts on Jeb Bush :jester j/k
#2
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: Belle Chasse La
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
seems you can go at least 90 down I-95 and no one seems to care :crazy: :crazy: :crazy:
Of course, I'm sure if I lived there, I would get lots of tickets :lol:
Of course, I'm sure if I lived there, I would get lots of tickets :lol:
#3
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
some of those counties are nuts, hidden traffic signs and such, from what i've heard anyway :yesnod:
#4
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Jul 2003
Location: Plantation Fl
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws?
I don't get too much grief, but it helps when you know the chief of police and the captains for the different cities in my area. :D
#5
Le Mans Master
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (86_Vette)
I remember reading the post about 20 over the speed limit would land you in jail. It is wrong!!!!
I live in Florida and have been pulled over for going 20, 25, 30, + over the speed limit. The officer does have the right to arrest you for going more than twice the posted speed limit. If you are doing 70 in a 35, yes, they can take you to jail. I know this for a fact because I was pulled over in my Mustang GT doing 110, racing a Camaro Z28 a couple of years ago (when I was young and dumb). I lucked out that the Florida Highway Patrolman that pulled me over hated Camaros (had a Mustang himself) and had heard the taunting the Z28 driver had done. (He was back behind us in traffic.) I took him from a section of the road that I knew nobody could turn onto in front of us. Had him by 6 lengths when the FHP pulled both of us over. He explained the law when he pulled us over. He let me off with a warning and then went back to the Camaro (pulled over behind me, since I had wasted him) and wrote all sorts of tickets to that guy: Public display of speed, Reckless driving, Speeding, Racing on public roads, etc. Told me that if the guy didn't cooperate that he would arrest him since we were both at speeds over twice the limit. It basically comes down to the cop. They can arrest you for twice, but they don't need to. I think I used up all my luck with the police on that one stop. Like I said at the start, I was very young and dumb. No way I would do anything like that now. Heck, my Vette hasn't been over 95 mph (on the FL Turnpike keeping with traffic, some days everyone drives really fast.) :D
I live in Florida and have been pulled over for going 20, 25, 30, + over the speed limit. The officer does have the right to arrest you for going more than twice the posted speed limit. If you are doing 70 in a 35, yes, they can take you to jail. I know this for a fact because I was pulled over in my Mustang GT doing 110, racing a Camaro Z28 a couple of years ago (when I was young and dumb). I lucked out that the Florida Highway Patrolman that pulled me over hated Camaros (had a Mustang himself) and had heard the taunting the Z28 driver had done. (He was back behind us in traffic.) I took him from a section of the road that I knew nobody could turn onto in front of us. Had him by 6 lengths when the FHP pulled both of us over. He explained the law when he pulled us over. He let me off with a warning and then went back to the Camaro (pulled over behind me, since I had wasted him) and wrote all sorts of tickets to that guy: Public display of speed, Reckless driving, Speeding, Racing on public roads, etc. Told me that if the guy didn't cooperate that he would arrest him since we were both at speeds over twice the limit. It basically comes down to the cop. They can arrest you for twice, but they don't need to. I think I used up all my luck with the police on that one stop. Like I said at the start, I was very young and dumb. No way I would do anything like that now. Heck, my Vette hasn't been over 95 mph (on the FL Turnpike keeping with traffic, some days everyone drives really fast.) :D
#6
Team Owner
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
They are dealing with a huge import street racer problem in the Miami area... a dozen fatalities so far this year...
And then there is the real problem - Fla has NO, NONE, NON-EXISTANT inspection procedure. They closed down their inspection lanes 25 years ago. Hence, you have a ton of cars on the road that are not safe.
They also ditched drivers ed at about the same time.
you get a learners permit at 15, and you can get a motorcycle endorsement at the same time. In a car, you have to drive with a licensed driver, over 18. This is for 1 year. There are no such requirements for the bike - or - there weren't any the last time I checked.
At 16, you are set free.
The law enforcement in FL is no more **** than anywhere else. My brother lives in Central Fl, near Sebring. And they get the occasional ticket (one every few years), but usually, they are in areas that the police are trying to fix... ie, a stretch with a lot of wrecks or something.
The biggest thing you have to keep an eye out for are speed changes. These are famous near traffic lights and such... crusing down US 27 at a legal 65, and you miss the 20mph drop... can you say TICKET?
I think the rest of the stories are just that... stories... urban legends that have been around for the last 50 years or so. I am not saying there may not be truth somewhere, but less so today.
One observation about FL drivers... there are 2 things they don't use... Speedometers and turn signals. :lolg:
And then there is the real problem - Fla has NO, NONE, NON-EXISTANT inspection procedure. They closed down their inspection lanes 25 years ago. Hence, you have a ton of cars on the road that are not safe.
They also ditched drivers ed at about the same time.
you get a learners permit at 15, and you can get a motorcycle endorsement at the same time. In a car, you have to drive with a licensed driver, over 18. This is for 1 year. There are no such requirements for the bike - or - there weren't any the last time I checked.
At 16, you are set free.
The law enforcement in FL is no more **** than anywhere else. My brother lives in Central Fl, near Sebring. And they get the occasional ticket (one every few years), but usually, they are in areas that the police are trying to fix... ie, a stretch with a lot of wrecks or something.
The biggest thing you have to keep an eye out for are speed changes. These are famous near traffic lights and such... crusing down US 27 at a legal 65, and you miss the 20mph drop... can you say TICKET?
I think the rest of the stories are just that... stories... urban legends that have been around for the last 50 years or so. I am not saying there may not be truth somewhere, but less so today.
One observation about FL drivers... there are 2 things they don't use... Speedometers and turn signals. :lolg:
#7
Le Mans Master
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (bogus)
One observation about FL drivers... there are 2 things they don't use... Speedometers and turn signals. :lolg:
:lolg: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
That statement is very true! Of course, I don't really look at the speedometer, and what good is a turn signal? Hehehehe
#8
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2003
Location: Ft. Walton Bch. Florida
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
I live in Fl and it's like a lot of other places real strict in some areas and fairly lax in others. Your going to always have the cop who is trying to impress people with the amount of tickets he can write. There are also the ones who use common sense before they write a ticket.
As for tough states I think Virginia would be close to the top.
As for tough states I think Virginia would be close to the top.
#9
Melting Slicks
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (85red_vette)
I spent 20 years in Virginia and have been living in Central Florida for 2.5 years now. I can't think of two worse states than these two for public driving. You have to constantly watch your back.
Mike
Mike
#11
Race Director
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
The traffic laws here are not that much different than other state...strict enforcement has a lot to do with your attitude and the cop who stops you..not much different than other states...there is one tiny town on Rt. 301, north of Gainsville that is infamous for tickets...it is well known though...for whatever it is worth, the state passed a law a couple of years ago that stopped the police from writing a ticket for less than 5 over the limit...they can only issue a warning now... :D
#12
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (bogus)
"The real problem is no inspections" In California we've never, ever, had inspections. So I guess we have millions of un-safe cars? We kinda of logic is that? No inspections in Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico.
You'd do well to stay where you feel safe. How big is that closet?
Drivers Ed, not here. A ticket every few years? Last ticket I got was in 1987.
You'd do well to stay where you feel safe. How big is that closet?
Drivers Ed, not here. A ticket every few years? Last ticket I got was in 1987.
#13
Race Director
Member Since: Aug 2003
Location: Lake Mary Florida
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
Been driving here most of 48 plus years never a problem. Did get two tickets in New Mexico for stupid laws (you must come to a complete stop at a yield sign in the dedicated lane to get on a major highway, what???? and one for 10 over).
Of course now that I've said that I'll have to be extra careful :banghead:
My complaint would be the quality of the roads in the counties. The interstates and toll roads are well maintain, the county wouldn't know how to use a road paver if it hit them in the head, then again maybe it should. The roads end up with so many pot holes and ripples its hell on the suspension. Your constantly driving defensively to avoid the holes in the road. Just an example we have a county road leading to our sub-division, the road was just fine, been there for years (nice and smooth) and at one area where it makes a 60° bend there was about a 2 foot long chunk of the right lane outside the edge line that had crumbled from rain. Instead of patching just that small area, these bozo's had two guys out there with shovels throwing asphalt for a hundred feet on both lanes but left the double yellow line in the center void of this thrown asphalt. Guess they figured save money that way not having to repain the stripes. One can only imagine how lumpy a 100 foot section of road would be if you put a couple inches of asphault with shovels and then smack it down. Then rolling over it with a little roller. Its unbelievable some of the roads they produce here. The cross road rippling is what I love the best, that will drive you nuts in a vette. Your desparately looking for the area where the ripple is not.
Of course this doesn't mention all the foreigners that hit the airport and rent cars.
:thumbs: for Bush.
Of course now that I've said that I'll have to be extra careful :banghead:
My complaint would be the quality of the roads in the counties. The interstates and toll roads are well maintain, the county wouldn't know how to use a road paver if it hit them in the head, then again maybe it should. The roads end up with so many pot holes and ripples its hell on the suspension. Your constantly driving defensively to avoid the holes in the road. Just an example we have a county road leading to our sub-division, the road was just fine, been there for years (nice and smooth) and at one area where it makes a 60° bend there was about a 2 foot long chunk of the right lane outside the edge line that had crumbled from rain. Instead of patching just that small area, these bozo's had two guys out there with shovels throwing asphalt for a hundred feet on both lanes but left the double yellow line in the center void of this thrown asphalt. Guess they figured save money that way not having to repain the stripes. One can only imagine how lumpy a 100 foot section of road would be if you put a couple inches of asphault with shovels and then smack it down. Then rolling over it with a little roller. Its unbelievable some of the roads they produce here. The cross road rippling is what I love the best, that will drive you nuts in a vette. Your desparately looking for the area where the ripple is not.
Of course this doesn't mention all the foreigners that hit the airport and rent cars.
:thumbs: for Bush.
#14
Advanced
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Tallahassee FL
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (85red_vette)
I live in Fl and it's like a lot of other places real strict in some areas and fairly lax in others. Your going to always have the cop who is trying to impress people with the amount of tickets he can write. There are also the ones who use common sense before they write a ticket.
As for tough states I think Virginia would be close to the top.
As for tough states I think Virginia would be close to the top.
I lived in Virginia Beach most of my life and the cops there are azz holes, I'm sure it has to do with all the tourist yahoos to give them a little credit. I have lived in Tallahassee for the past few years and they are pretty fair. I-10 lets you get away with @15 mph will the local cops will give you @12 mph. Just my 0.02 :rant:
Bush is a moron :D
[Modified by cazbat, 6:35 PM 8/27/2003]
#15
Drifting
Member Since: Jul 2003
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
its really not that bad...but like others have said....it depends on where you are...i think that some of the cops that are a part of small communities are jerks with deep psychological problems and the attitude that they have to prove something to everyone. there is one part of my drive to work that is a nice "s" curve with a slight downhill grade and banked corners....2 lanes wide...with a speed limit of 25!!! if there is little traffic i can easily cruise through it at 40, without a chirp from the rubber. however, the other day a cop was really tailing someone bad, so they may have hit 32mph...i was doing under 30 and they were barely creeping by me...as soon as they got out of the corner WOOOOOOO........flashing lights....it had to be a speeding ticket. other times on the highways i can blast past a cop and nothing happens....heres the thing that burns me up the most...i've owned 2 camaros (base and a Z28) both red...NEVER got a ticket...and i was a younger driver then....now i have the vette...no tickets....but when i owned my ford ranger i got a ticket for 74 in a 65 (with the flow of traffic)...on I-4...talk about a cop with nothing to do :mad
like everything else...its all a matter of who is involved...your attitude, the cops attitude..etc etc.
like everything else...its all a matter of who is involved...your attitude, the cops attitude..etc etc.
#16
Drifting
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
I don't know about traffic laws, but I did spend a week in Orlando for a conference in Feb & what I found odd was the fact that I had to pay a toll, twice on the same strip of freeway within 5 miles. WTF is that all about? I guess everyone in Florida needs their share of the $$ pie. :)
#17
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dbwade36)
I live in Pensacola, Fl, and we are crawling with cops!
I-10 goes right thru P'cola so we hve alot of State pooper Scoopers roaming around. On average if Im runninf errands, Ill see 8 Troopers in a day, and at least as many deputies. I heard a rumor how out Sheriff is driving a hoppped up Z-06 that was confiscated a few months back, havent seen it though!
Ive never been pulled over, gotten close abunch of times, never ticketed though. I know about that XX over the limit law and you can get arrested. I thought it was 15 over the limit and wreckless endangerment together and you got arrested? ehh?
I hate to have a cop on my 6, they just sit there....waiting, you change lanes, they follow! You turn, they turn!! Then you eventually have to go so slow as to annoy them into passing you after which point they do 20 over through traffic. I see our cops turn on there lights to get out of traffic alot too.
I-10 goes right thru P'cola so we hve alot of State pooper Scoopers roaming around. On average if Im runninf errands, Ill see 8 Troopers in a day, and at least as many deputies. I heard a rumor how out Sheriff is driving a hoppped up Z-06 that was confiscated a few months back, havent seen it though!
Ive never been pulled over, gotten close abunch of times, never ticketed though. I know about that XX over the limit law and you can get arrested. I thought it was 15 over the limit and wreckless endangerment together and you got arrested? ehh?
I hate to have a cop on my 6, they just sit there....waiting, you change lanes, they follow! You turn, they turn!! Then you eventually have to go so slow as to annoy them into passing you after which point they do 20 over through traffic. I see our cops turn on there lights to get out of traffic alot too.
#18
Instructor
Member Since: Apr 2000
Location: Punta Gorda FL
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
Been here 17 years. The cops were worse in Illinois.
Jeb Bush = :U :U
Jeb Bush = :U :U
#20
Re: Does anyone else think Florida is turning into a police state with traffic laws? (dizwiz24)
FLORIDA IN GENERAL HAS JUST GONE TO ##$@. GREW UP THERE AND AT 48 SAID I'M GONE..DON'T MISS IT AT ALL. NORTH FLA HAS WALDO AND LAWTEY ON HWY 301 BOTH BAD SPEED TRAPS. STOPPED ONCE IN MY YOUNGER YEARS AND GOT A WARNING FOR 31 IN A 30MPH ZONE...MAN WAS AN IDIOT. USE TO BE A GREAT PLACE, COULD BE NOW IF THEY DUG A DITCH JUST NORTH OF ORLANDO AND PUSHED THE REST OUT TO SEA.
JEB'S OK IN MY BOOK.......BUT POLITICS BETTER LET OUT OF HERE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA...TO BAD HUNTING LIBERALS AIN'T LEGAL
JEB'S OK IN MY BOOK.......BUT POLITICS BETTER LET OUT OF HERE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA...TO BAD HUNTING LIBERALS AIN'T LEGAL