Speeding LEO's

[erik_26]

Is it ok for LEO's to speed in their patrol cars without their lights or siren on?

I have seen some LEO's going 5-10 miles over. Not too big of a deal to me (doesn't mean its ok).

But I have seen some really on the gas, 20+ over the limit.

I don't think that is appropriate behavior. If it is not ok for them to speed when not responding to a call then I am not above taking down there car number and reporting them.

Anyone know the answer to this?

[Hornetsnest]

Just because the lights and sirens aren't on doesn't mean they are not responding to a call. You are not going to be rolling code3 to every call but it doesn't mean you don't "expedite".

If you feel the need to complain then go for it, but I imagine you will hear something along the lines of "Yes sir...thank you...I appreciate you bringing this to my attention and I will definately address it with that officer...thanks again sir...you have a nice day."

[bohoki]

yea sometimes a siren causes people to brake unexpectedly

[erik_26]

I understand you 100%. I also know the lights work separate from the siren. I would just think that it would be in the best interest of public safety to at a min have the lights on so people know to get out of the way.

[IrishJoe3]

I understand you 100%. I also know the lights work separate from the siren. I would just think that it would be in the best interest of public safety to at a min have the lights on so people know to get out of the way.

I can't even number the times that I've nearly been killed by some.....driver who saw my lights and all of a sudden did something really stupid and unexpected. In some situations its far safer for everyone to run without lights or siren.

[Cuahitl]

This happened while I was living in Vegas in 09 http://www.lvrj.com/news/47117797.html

[tyrist]

Only a single solid red light is required to go code three, the flashing lights and siren are not required. For some reason when you have the sirens and flashing lights on people do the stupidest maneuvers you can imagine.

[lavgrunt]

Is it ok for LEO's to speed in their patrol cars without their lights or siren on?

I have seen some LEO's going 5-10 miles over. Not too big of a deal to me (doesn't mean its ok).

But I have seen some really on the gas, 20+ over the limit.

I don't think that is appropriate behavior. If it is not ok for them to speed when not responding to a call then I am not above taking down there car number and reporting them.

Anyone know the answer to this?

Oh god......Not this again..........

[erik_26]

I can't even number the times that I've nearly been killed by some.....driver who saw my lights and all of a sudden did something really stupid and unexpected. In some situations its far safer for everyone to run without lights or siren.

Good to know. Thats why I asked.

[erik_26]

Oh god......Not this again..........

A little bit of respect can go a long way. I was just asking. Now I know that sometimes its safer to go without the lights and siren then to have them on.

[erik_26]

Only a single solid red light is required to go code three, the flashing lights and siren are not required. For some reason when you have the sirens and flashing lights on people do the stupidest maneuvers you can imagine.

Thanks for answering. Good information. Now I know.

[lavgrunt]

....We're all glad you got the 'answer' you were looking for !!

[lavgrunt]

A little bit of respect can go a long way. I was just asking. Now I know that sometimes its safer to go without the lights and siren then to have them on.

This same question comes up every few months and turns into a 'cop bashing' feeding frenzy.......please excuse my cynical reply...........

Glad it didn't go the way it usually does.............

[CSDGuy]

Is it ok for LEO's to speed in their patrol cars without their lights or siren on?

I have seen some LEO's going 5-10 miles over. Not too big of a deal to me (doesn't mean its ok).

But I have seen some really on the gas, 20+ over the limit.

I don't think that is appropriate behavior. If it is not ok for them to speed when not responding to a call then I am not above taking down there car number and reporting them.

Anyone know the answer to this?

From a technical, legal standpoint, if that steady red light is off, not legal. Here's the reality. Many times they respond to calls in a "silent" manner to not alert someone to their approach OR they know from previous experience that it's the prudent and safe thing to do in that area. I used to drive ambulances... and I've had to expedite responses before, but not go Code 3.

I always drive with the due regard to the safety of others. Even when I was going C3. If the safest course of action was for me to speed a little bit, then I'd do it. I suspect that the same goes for cops... even if a call is urgent, but not requiring the C3 light.

Unless they're doing something that puts everyone else in danger, this is one thing you should just let go.

I'm not saying to never hold them accountable for their actions... just hold them accountable for their unsafe ones.

[lorax3]

Is it ok for LEO's to speed in their patrol cars without their lights or siren on?

21055 VC seems to point out some requirements. I have not looked up case law on this, nor legislative intent. I am much more familiar with PC, so if anyone knows any VC related sections let me know.

CA Vehicle Code 21055. The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle is exempt
[redacted - this section names the exempt chapters, which include the basic speed law]
under all of the following conditions:
(a) If the vehicle is being driven in response to an emergency
call or while engaged in rescue operations or is being used in the
immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law or is
responding to, but not returning from, a fire alarm, except that
fire department vehicles are exempt whether directly responding to an
emergency call or operated from one place to another as rendered
desirable or necessary by reason of an emergency call and operated to
the scene of the emergency or operated from one fire station to
another or to some other location by reason of the emergency call.
(b) If the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren as may be
reasonably necessary and the vehicle displays a lighted red lamp
visible from the front as a warning to other drivers and pedestrians.
A siren shall not be sounded by an authorized emergency vehicle
except when required under this section.

And yes, police cars are emergency vehicles.

CA VC 165. An authorized emergency vehicle is:
(a) Any publicly owned and operated ambulance, lifeguard, or
lifesaving equipment or any privately owned or operated ambulance
licensed by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol to
operate in response to emergency calls.
(b) Any publicly owned vehicle operated by the following persons,
agencies, or organizations:
(1) Any federal, state, or local agency, department, or district
employing peace officers as that term is defined in Chapter 4.5
(commencing with Section 830) of Part 2 of Title 3 of the Penal Code,
for use by those officers in the performance of their duties.
(2) Any forestry or fire department of any public agency or fire
department organized as provided in the Health and Safety Code.
(c) Any vehicle owned by the state, or any bridge and highway
district, and equipped and used either for fighting fires, or towing
or servicing other vehicles, caring for injured persons, or repairing
damaged lighting or electrical equipment.
(d) Any state-owned vehicle used in responding to emergency fire,
rescue, or communications calls and operated either by the California
Emergency Management Agency or by any public agency or industrial
fire department to which the California Emergency Management Agency
has assigned the vehicle.
(e) Any vehicle owned or operated by any department or agency of
the United States government when the vehicle is used in responding
to emergency fire, ambulance, or lifesaving calls or is actively
engaged in law enforcement work.
(f) Any vehicle for which an authorized emergency vehicle permit
has been issued by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol.