Radar Trap Warning

[Whos ur dadd]

There was a discussion about this topic on another car forum. Say there\'s a radar trap set up. The people who pass the trap in the other side of the road sometimes warn oncoming traffic of the trap by flashing their highbeams.

One poster said it was illegal and that you could be charged by a cop if they saw you doing this. I want to know WHY it is illegal. I don\'t think there\'s anything specific in the HTA about the \"warning\" aspect. I though maybe it was because of the \"flashing\" aspect. Anyone know the answer?

[Whos ur dadd]

Oh and a related question: is it illegal to highbeam flash-to-pass if someone won\'t move out of your way (in the left-lane of course). Other than being rude, is it illegal and WHY is it illegal?

[Xenon]

I don\'t think either of the two situations are illegal.

The only HTA rile I can think of that applies to highbeaming is that it is illegal to drive with them on, if within 150 m of another vehicle (either 150 m in front or 150m oncoming) or if there is already sufficient street lighting present.

I don\'t think hi-beaming (flashing) is illegal, in any way, unless if it is done as to duplicate an emergency vehicle.

[Kevin@nextmod]

I think thats just BS. I do that to warn people opposite side and I also have been warned and it actually helped me.

[Nextmod]

I have heard of that being illegal also.

I wonder what they can charge you with though lol

[TheProfessor]

I suspect it\'s just a scare tactic, like an old wives tale, to prevent people warning others of the trap. Thankfully, somebody high-beaming me a few days ago saved me from a definate ticket!

[MAZDA Kitten]

I hear its illegal too... something about interferring with a potential crime or something

[Cardinal Fang]

So let me get this straight then....If I urge people to obey the law in certain areas because there is a speed trap then I am committing a crime?

Personally I don\'t think its true because I remember radio traffic reports broadcasting where speed traps were including intersections that were being monitored by police.

By the way the OPP will be out this weekend looking for cottage country speeders.

*Runs*

http://www.cbsc.ca/english/decisions/decisions/1996/961218c.htm

[fourtrack78]

Personally I don\'t think its true because I remember radio traffic reports broadcasting where speed traps were including intersections that were being monitored by police.



I remember the used to announce it on the radio about \"photo radar\"

[silversurfer]

I was riding in my friends car a while ago and he flashed his high beams after we passed a speed trap. 2 secs later the cop pulls us over. He threatened to give my friend a ticket for interfering...basically preventing the police from doing their job. He detained us for a while checking ownership etc. but in the end no ticket. Not sure whether it\'s illegal or not but they can definitely pull you over and hassle you.

[SIM SIMMA]

Yes you guys are right.

They consider it \"obstruction of justice\" :sarc

You are potentially preventing them from nailing someone for breaking the law.

[bluntman]

I guess we should start hanging a CD from our rearview mirror? ;)

[JMAK74]

Originally posted by bluntman


I guess we should start hanging a CD from our rearview mirror? ;)

I think you\'d get nailed with something like driving distraction/blocking your view. And I believe on Mythbusters they showed that a hanging CD doesn\'t help one bit in confusing radar.

Now if I could only get my hands on a radar jammer like on jet fighters.

JK

[billyfo]

Originally posted by silversurfer


I was riding in my friends car a while ago and he flashed his high beams after we passed a speed trap. 2 secs later the cop pulls us over. He threatened to give my friend a ticket for interfering...basically preventing the police from doing their job. He detained us for a while checking ownership etc. but in the end no ticket. Not sure whether it\'s illegal or not but they can definitely pull you over and hassle you.

it\'s not illegal as I know, but sure the cop can issue ticket for the \"high-beamed\" driver, don\'t know why, and why not send an email/letter to Star\'s Wheels section to confirm it?:p

[dr_sarcasm]

Double standards? Letting people know over a public radio broadcast is OK, but passing a speed trap and giving oncomming drivers the heads up is illegal? Our system is rediculous.


dr_\"maybe they feel that the high-beaming of oncoming traffic, is an invitation to street race\"_sarcasm

[KenYork]

Originally posted by Jobes


Yes you guys are right.

They consider it \"obstruction of justice\" :sarc

You are potentially preventing them from nailing someone for breaking the law.




Would we be obstructing justice or preventing crime?

[Mica3SGT]

Ah, my 300th post - time is fleeting!
This officer clearly overstated his authority. Charge a radio DJ for announcing speed traps throughout the city to their listeners? I think not. Once again aggression against those with the thought of minimal resistance or consequences is called a bully.
With or without a badge - no difference.

I\'ll continue to advise fellow motorists of all kinds of road hazards - including speed traps.
That\'s why they call them TRAPS. Maybe their resources would be better spent tackling REAL crimes.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Can\'t remember where I read it but there is now a \'text message\' service through your cell phone that when you register, you let them know where your drive pattern is and they send you a text message to alert you of potential speed traps..

I am sure that majic will be along in a sec to post the link..

As for it being obstruction of justice.. I have heard that as well, but pointts will get you off the hook.

Gotta love pointts! I once broke a mirror and they got me off with only 2 weeks bad luck. Pure talent.

[bluntman]

Flashing your highbeams is mentioned in the Highway Traffic Act.




Alternating highbeams on other vehicles prohibited

(2) No person shall use highbeam headlamps that produce alternating flashes of white light on any vehicle other than a vehicle referred to in subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 169 (2).

[majic]

Originally posted by bluntman


Flashing your highbeams is mentioned in the Highway Traffic Act.




Alternating highbeams on other vehicles prohibited

(2) No person shall use highbeam headlamps that produce alternating flashes of white light on any vehicle other than a vehicle referred to in subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 169 (2).



then alternate your fogs (yellow) or low beams :D

[Whos ur dadd]

Originally posted by bluntman


Flashing your highbeams is mentioned in the Highway Traffic Act.




Alternating highbeams on other vehicles prohibited

(2) No person shall use highbeam headlamps that produce alternating flashes of white light on any vehicle other than a vehicle referred to in subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 169 (2).



But \"alternating\" means that one headlight would flash first, then turn off while the other would flash, and then so on.

\"But officer, I was flashing my lowbeams...\" :D

[wtom]

Originally posted by silversurfer


I was riding in my friends car a while ago and he flashed his high beams after we passed a speed trap. 2 secs later the cop pulls us over. He threatened to give my friend a ticket for interfering...basically preventing the police from doing their job. He detained us for a while checking ownership etc. but in the end no ticket. Not sure whether it\'s illegal or not but they can definitely pull you over and hassle you.

Then they should rip down those \"Red Light Camera\" signs all across town! :sarc