Highway Patrol
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
So as a few of you know, I had a small run-in with the Tennessee Highway Patrol on Friday. I pulled into a gas station,noticed there were 4 Unicoi County Cops and 1 State Trooper. I went in used the ATM and on my way out stopped and talked to one of the deputies. Got back into my truck (still not buckled up) backed out. I am driving thru the parking lot. I stop make sure there is nothing coming, look in the rearview mirror and see the black and tan Excursion of the THP. Then pull out onto the highway drive about 15 feet and he bluelights me.
His reason for pulling me over was no seat belt, then he asks the dreaded question "does this thing have a muffler on it" OH CRAP what do i say "well no sir it doesnt"."Well its louder than my neighbors semi" he says. So i say "thats because your neighbor hasnt been smart enough to take them off yet" So at this point he becomes a huge jerk about the whole deal so now i have $10 dollar fine for no seat belt, and a Fix-It Ticket for the muffler. I really dont want to put a muffler on, Does anyone have any suggestions?????? TIA
His reason for pulling me over was no seat belt, then he asks the dreaded question "does this thing have a muffler on it" OH CRAP what do i say "well no sir it doesnt"."Well its louder than my neighbors semi" he says. So i say "thats because your neighbor hasnt been smart enough to take them off yet" So at this point he becomes a huge jerk about the whole deal so now i have $10 dollar fine for no seat belt, and a Fix-It Ticket for the muffler. I really dont want to put a muffler on, Does anyone have any suggestions?????? TIA
Just curious. . .
What do the Motor Vehicle Laws of Tennessee state?
Are you required to have a muffler (working, or not) on your vehicle???
Are you (and your passengers) required to wear a seatbelt while on a public road???
If "yes" is the answer to even one of the above, then, by all means, follow the law.
To put it another way, these Troopers and Deputies and Officers DO talk to one-another, and don't think for one minute that YOU haven't been the subject of conversation, now that you got 'wise' with a Trooper.
While on the subject, I happen to know quite a few LEOs (Federal, State and Local) in this area. (Washington, DC area.)
IF someone is blatantly breaking the law (speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, no muffler, etc.) and drives past an LEO, that sort of thing is similar to giving that particular LEO 'the flying fickle finger of fate', and will cause you to be pulled over so fast, you won't even have time to think about WHAT you actually did!
You (and your truck) are now 'on their radar screen'.
Oh, and do us 'old folks' a favor. . . put a (working) muffler on that thing.
My hearing is bad enough, already.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
As a truck driver of over 20 years, i can attest to the fact that i see some LEO's who do not wear their seat belt while traveling down the highway. And i muse, how many seat belt tickets have they written? Whats their excuse?
I'm not trying to justify anything, just making an observation.
I'm not trying to justify anything, just making an observation.
I don't doubt that a bit and have seen lots not wearing them as well. My people do. It's in our policy, it's required by state code, and it's a sure-fire azz-chewing from me if I catch them not wearing it. There are some states where there are exemptions for police within the law requiring seatbelt usage. VA is one of them and gives a few minor exemptions, however, our policy does not. To be honest with you, I've always worn mine on duty and off and just feel really uncomfortable without it.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Some cops are freindly others can be jerks, seen the goodcop bad cop enough to think they must go to school for it. In either case, YOU should treat them with respect until or unless you know them better. Smart comments can often set off any one, not just cops. But cops have the upper hand, they have ticket books and are not afraid to use them.
As far as mufflers, you're gonna have to get some on there. Maybe some cutouts if you just have to have the brain rattle of open exhaust.
Way back when I was still a pretty young driver, the car dealer mechanic told me "You will someday want a car that rides nice and is quiet". He was right, haven't wanted glass packs or open headers for a long time. A lot to be said for a car that doesn't thrum in your skull after a long drive.
Wear your seat belt so you can live long enough to give us advice. I have been saved from at least 3 or 4 injury or life threatening accidents by wearing my belts. It becomes a habit and eventually you will feel very uncomfortable without them. And if you are a sporty driver, they hold you in your seat so you can do those ridiculous but fun stunts, ditto control after accidents.
Good Luck,
Jim h\Henderson
As far as mufflers, you're gonna have to get some on there. Maybe some cutouts if you just have to have the brain rattle of open exhaust.
Way back when I was still a pretty young driver, the car dealer mechanic told me "You will someday want a car that rides nice and is quiet". He was right, haven't wanted glass packs or open headers for a long time. A lot to be said for a car that doesn't thrum in your skull after a long drive.
Wear your seat belt so you can live long enough to give us advice. I have been saved from at least 3 or 4 injury or life threatening accidents by wearing my belts. It becomes a habit and eventually you will feel very uncomfortable without them. And if you are a sporty driver, they hold you in your seat so you can do those ridiculous but fun stunts, ditto control after accidents.
Good Luck,
Jim h\Henderson
Not a liberal...
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,635
Likes: 4
From: Cut & Shoot, Texas
I actually meant it as a joke i wasn't trying to be a jerk. He had asked if i had a reason for not wearing my seat belt, and i told him about a friend of mine that had been trapped in a car during a crash and was burned up besause he had his seat belt on. And i also added that i knew to him that probably wasnt a good reason, but that was the decision i made.
Dunno man, my Dad was a firefighter for 32 years and he has always said that was the dumbest excuse he has ever heard for not wearing a seat belt.
I'm just sayin....
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According to everything i have been able to find out about the TN motor vehicle laws. There is nowhere that it mentions a "muffler" it does however mention an "airflow restriction device" and a "noise reduction device". I also want to clarify things i am not trying to be a jerk or a p rick. I was just a lil aggravated by the situation.
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According to everything i have been able to find out about the TN motor vehicle laws. There is nowhere that it mentions a "muffler" it does however mention an "airflow restriction device" and a "noise reduction device". I also want to clarify things i am not trying to be a jerk or a p rick. I was just a lil aggravated by the situation.
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I guess thats good and bad.
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Kinda hard to relax and enjoy the beach with that hanging over my head. We did some fishing this evening and i caught about a 6lb. Croaker. It was my first time fishing in the ocean so i was pretty excited.
