All vehicles in Texas have the same speed limit now......Was passed alittle bit back...as far as the reflector theory..The radar is just a tool, the officer already knows your are speeding and the radar just confirms is....When I took the test for the radar, I had to estimate speeds ( I think 5 -10 consecutively) and be within 5 miles per hour....I was usually 2 either way...All they have to convince the judge is that you were 1 mile per hour over the speed limit...but would the reflectors change the radar unit to misread, I doubt it...all cars have reflectors, all signs are, our patrol cars are...glass on buildings, dont think I would use that...but just my .02...Dave

and yes there is a difference between 18 wheelers and pickups...but not anymore here in Texas..all speeds are the same...

 

Tks, both!

CatMan: Have you had a chance to look at the differences between your 250LD and the 7700?

I had the 97 4x2 -- and/but the 7700 is really close (except it now dwarfs my wife).

 

Figured that I might as well join in on this post. Not like I'm going to answer to many question from you guys in the States, but if anybody has a question for a Dutch cop, feel free to ask, and if I know the answer (I'm a cop not a lawyer!) I will answer it.


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(Currently) Ordered 4 May 2000 from AAFES Cancelled, and reordered from Hotze Ford on June 29th. Order accepted by Ford on 7/10; expected delivery 25th Sept 2000.
4X2, Lariat, 5.4L, Arizona Beige, Moonroof, 6cd changer, captain's chairs, limited slip, towing package.

 

DAVENSA:

Is it illeagle to drive with no muffler and can I get pulled over for this?

 

TEXAS TRAFFIC CODE 547.604 (its short and sweet}

(a) A motor vehicle shall be equiped with a muffler in good working condition that continually operates to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

(b) A person may not use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehilce.

so YES you have to have mufflers in Texas...

 

Is it illegal to drive with my shoes off?

 

No not in Texas, you can drive without shoes. Just put your seat belt on..DAVE

 

Great thread Dave! I can't believe you've been doing this since February. Good stuff.

Now for my question:
Did the open container law recently change here in TX? Recently I've heard that an officer must see you take a drink in order to cite you (as in you can hold a beer, wave it around, do whatever with it, but as long as the cop doesn't see you take a drink, you can't be ticketed).

I know this sounds like I'm trying to find a way to go out drinking and driving, but I'm not. The reason I ask is because there is one of those drive-through liquor stores here in College Station that sells what they call igloos. (Basically, an igloo is like a Slush from Sonic or a Slurpee from 7-11, but contains lots of alcohol). It is served in a styrofoam 32oz cup with a plastic lid and a straw in a sealed wrapper.

I'm basically trying to figure out how they can do this. Is this okay under the new law (if there is one), or is the removable lid and/or wrapped up straw enough to consider the beverage an "unopen container?" I've tried searching the website for the State of Texas, but I can't make heads or tails of the layout.

Thanks for your time and efforts. They are greatly appreciated. You ever thought about taking a pay cut and becoming a College Station Officer? We could use a few more good ones down here.

DUCK

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November 18, 1999 We will not forget.
The fallen 12 will live in our hearts forever.
Fightin Texas Aggie Bonfire 1999



[This message has been edited by DUCK01 (edited 09-04-2000).]

 

Dave

How have you been ??

One question even though I think I know the answer. Are my Lighted Ford Logos Illegal ? If yes what is the penalty and likley hood of getting a ticket.

You gonna be up to DFW soon ?? Thanks for the great answers

Doug

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Picked up Silver 2000 Lightning 2/28/00!!
1st run 13.9 sec 1/4 !!
Best Run 13.7
Carrollton TX
drbdkb@hotmail.com
http://www.SVTLightnings.com
Had 87 Turbo Coupe traded for
92 F150 XLT 302, Put K&N Filter, cat back and Chip on 92 still not enough.
92 is For Sale. $5600.00

Silver 2000 Lightning, FMS 3.73 gears ( Expensive ), PSP 4 Way Chip, PSP Intake, <A HREF="http://www.valentine1.com" TARGET=_blank> Valentine
1</A>, Snuglid, Bedrug, Lighted Ford Logos, Superchip ( Retired ) , and 3m Panther Black nickel tint.



[This message has been edited by Silver_2000_! (edited 09-04-2000).]

 

Both answers are yes...but I dought you will get stopped for the logos...unless you get a real hard head...The reason of the illegal issue is it is blue...but its not bright enough to mess with...I am keeping mine on..

As far as the drive thru, it only against the law on public property...

Penal code 49.03
(a) a person commits an offense it the person consumes an alcoholic beverages while operating a motor vehicle in a public place and is observed doing so by a peace officer.

both of the above offenses are class C misd..equivalent to a traffic ticket....Dave

 

So the second yes was to.... ?? Just kidding . Thanks for the feedback.

Doug

 

Dave,
The way I understand the construction zone law is that the speed limit is always less (ie 55), but fines only double when workers are present. Is this right? If so, the workers present thing has some gray area. I got a ticket for 71 in a 55 (plucked out of the middle lane with cars all around with laser at 1350 ft). This construction zone was 12 miles long and it was 6:00 in the afternoon. I only drove on about 4 miles of the zone and never saw a worker, truck, tractor, etc. Also, being 6:00, you would think that they've most likely gone home. I took my ticket and politely went on my way. I was mad and when I finally cared to look at the ticket it had the construction zone box checked off and hand written "workers present!" I ended up taking probation (w/2X the fine) and it's passed, but I still wonder about the zones and if it's up to the officer's judgement if they're working??

Sorry I typed so much

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Hank
94 Z28
9.00@80mph
My 94 Z28

 

Sorry Hank,
If they even have one worker in the zone, in your words its a 6 miles zone, then they are considered working construction zones. Becareful, some of the construction zones are active even after dark. How are you suppose to know? Beats me, just treat them all as if the are active. Dave

 

Thanks Dave. That's kinda what I figured. Your word against theirs. I watch it in those zones really closely now.
Thanks
Hank

 

I saw in another message string yhst you were stationed at Kadena -- the same time I was there. Do you remember the "hog-nosed" RC-135 aircraft sitting on the north side of the runway?

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99 F-150 XLT 4X4, SC, SB, AT, 5.4, Single CD
3.55LS, Tow pkg, Rhino Liner, Sportsman topper,
Westin black double step bars, Custom gold pinstripe, Bright Red/Gold