Can an officer give a citation for careless driving when he isn't in his vehicle?

[Yetti831]

I was wondering if a police officer can give a citation for careless driving when he was not in his vehicle(talking to someone about 50 feet fromm it) thanks!

[Dan]

Was he in uniform?

[Yetti831]

He was in uniform, although not wearing his hat. His car was undercover. He was talking to a man who was cutting the soccer field. He simply flagged me down.

[Dan]

Yeah, I don't see why he couldn't give a ticket the way you described him.
What state are you in?
I think the laws might vary for each state.

[Yetti831]

I'm from PA.

[Dan]

Oh, I don't know much about PA laws so I'll let someone else who knows answer.

How were you driving carelessly?

[Yetti831]

I wasn't driving carelessly, thats the thing. He said I was speeding, but then cited me for careless driving. He obviously knew that careless driving would hold up much better if I challenged the ticket. I'm only 17.

[Dan]

I dont know what to say other than to try fight the ticket.

[Yetti831]

i e-mailed someone who seems to be a judge. He replie:
I cannot comment on your particular situation, but generally an officer does not have to be in a vehicle to charge a violation.

[Island_Girl]

If you weren't doing anything wrong he would'nt have pulled you over. Why would you be worried if you weren't doing anything wrong? Just wondering.

[Yetti831]

I wasn't doing anything wrong. We all know these cops love to harass teenagers. They have nothing better to do-they have no lifes. I was driving in a staright line down a sports complex road. He cited me for careless driving, stated as driving with diregard for the safety of yourself and others. There were no people within 200 yards of me. So yes, these cops are pathetic.

[Stump]

Originally posted by Yetti831
I wasn't doing anything wrong. We all know these cops love to harass teenagers. They have nothing better to do-they have no lifes. I was driving in a staright line down a sports complex road. He cited me for careless driving, stated as driving with diregard for the safety of yourself and others. There were no people within 200 yards of me. So yes, these cops are pathetic.

You weren't doing anything wrong? Hmm... wonder why he stopped you? He was obviously busy, if you say he was talking to someone already. Its not like he was bored, right?
Cops love to harass teenagers? I was never ONCE harassed by cops when I was a teenager. Yes, I have been pulled over by cops - but I was doing something wrong. Maybe you should think about the people you hang around with, and maybe ask your parents if they think you drive recklessly. (I know my parents both offered their opinions on my driving - but never because I asked them :p )
I suggest you taking a defensive driving course. They sometimes are offered by schools, but AAA also offers them. It reduces your liability insurance by 10% and also takes some points off your license. PLUS - it teaches you some tricks on how to be a safe driver.
An officer can stop someone when they are not in their car. And no, officers do not have to wear their hat in order to make it legal. Did you ask the cop why he thought you were driving recklessly?

[Jenna]

somebody is mad cause he got caught

[locokarma]

Cops harrasing teenagers? Perish the thought!:eek:

[MarineDispatch]

Call me Crazy...but I don't really think this is where you want to come and dog the police.