Police driving without lights....
Discussion
I leave pretty early for work (still properly dark), and came across a plod car coming the other without lights.
Know I know plod can ditch the lights for various reasons but these guys were not 'casing a joint' or anything, they were just driving up a main road in the city centre. Without lights. In the dark.
I would of flashed 'em but I just kind of stared as I was quite surprised.
So, would they get points?
Know I know plod can ditch the lights for various reasons but these guys were not 'casing a joint' or anything, they were just driving up a main road in the city centre. Without lights. In the dark.
I would of flashed 'em but I just kind of stared as I was quite surprised.
So, would they get points?
Edited by DoubleSix on Wednesday 18th January 11:22
bobfather said:
I was being followed by plod with side lights on a few days ago. I realise that old fogy's still think that's the right thing to do at dusk but I was shocked that plod didn't know the Highway Code
I believe you can legally drive with sides on in an area that is lit by streetlighting, someone will confirm I'm sure.DoubleSix said:
bobfather said:
I was being followed by plod with side lights on a few days ago. I realise that old fogy's still think that's the right thing to do at dusk but I was shocked that plod didn't know the Highway Code
I believe you can legally drive with sides on in an area that is lit by streetlighting, someone will confirm I'm sure.That said, why anyone would think that side lights would provide adequate visibility of your car for people driving towards you. If you think it's dark then put your lights on.
bobfather said:
That's not my understanding but perhaps I'm mistaken. Side lights can only be used as parking lights in the UK.
That said, why anyone would think that side lights would provide adequate visibility of your car for people driving towards you. If you think it's dark then put your lights on.
Oh yeah, don't get me wrong, it would annoy the hell out of me as it shows a complete lack of awareness... but I'd hate for you to reprimand someone to be proven wrong. That said, why anyone would think that side lights would provide adequate visibility of your car for people driving towards you. If you think it's dark then put your lights on.
O and just to avoid thread drift, I would re-iterate; no sidelights on this cop car....
Edited by DoubleSix on Wednesday 18th January 12:47
cjb1 said:
stemll said:
Plod (most of them anyway) are just normal people.
People make mistakes.
Oh well, next time I get pulled for anything I'll use that excuse then, "I'm just like you officer, I didn't mean to do it" I'm sure that they will understand?People make mistakes.
Point is why does this merit a mention rather than "saw some old biddy with no lights on today"? (To help you out with the answer, it doesn't)
When driving on a 'restricted road' ie a road limited to 30mph due to the presence of a system of street light. All you legally need to display are 'obligatory lights' sidelights to most people. (Road vehicle lighting regulations)
As for why a plod car might have no lights on, there might be many reasons from forgetting to put them on, to an electrical fault. It is also possible that they were engaged in an operational situation, for example, intruders recently disturbed, by turning off the lights the car would be less obvious perhaps leading to suspects revealing themselves. ( yes I agree driving in this manner is illegal, whether the ends justify the means will depend on whether it was your house that got screwed and your property that got recovered)
As for why a plod car might have no lights on, there might be many reasons from forgetting to put them on, to an electrical fault. It is also possible that they were engaged in an operational situation, for example, intruders recently disturbed, by turning off the lights the car would be less obvious perhaps leading to suspects revealing themselves. ( yes I agree driving in this manner is illegal, whether the ends justify the means will depend on whether it was your house that got screwed and your property that got recovered)
Whilst it's entirely possible there's a legitimate reason I'll put my hands up and admit that I've driven around for long periods without my lights on. And not because I'm playing at being the Pink Panther either. I've also gone on blue light runs without my head/sidelights on as well to my chagrin (blue lights and sirens mind, just not headlights.)
Cars with permanent backlighting on the dash are a pet peeve of mine, but ultimately I'm human and I make mistakes. I suspect I'm not alone.
Cars with permanent backlighting on the dash are a pet peeve of mine, but ultimately I'm human and I make mistakes. I suspect I'm not alone.
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff