Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:21:04 -0800
Reply-To: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Marshall <vanagon@VOLKSWAGEN.ORG>
Subject: Re: speeding ticket in Vanagon
In-Reply-To: <200202210106.g1L16PM42201@mail.aros.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
I have been to the USA and to Germany quite frequently (I live in Canada).
I have been asked if it was OK if the police searched (their phrase 'have a
look') the vehicle I was in. My feeling and personal policy is that I never
have anything that I hide. In the USA most are totally amazed that I am
driving a DoKa and that it is watercooled with a Golf motor - I can talk
their ear off with EVERY detail about the vehicle, where it was made, how
many were made, what makes this one unique blah blah blah blah - after about
45 seconds of Volkswagen trivia they have had enough, wish me a pleasant day
and off they go. Germany - they had machine guns and it was a random road
side check - no knowing German all that well, I played even more dumb and
they left me alone pretty quick. There is a good saying out there - don't
play asshole with me as I am too good at it - I think it is the motto of
lots of police officers. Place nice and honest and sincere with them and
they will leave you alone. My personal experience... yours may vary.
David Marshall
Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3
mailto:info@fastforward.ca <mailto:info@fastforward.ca>
http://www.fastforward.ca <http://www.fastforward.ca>
Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160
• Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
• Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
• European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of John Brush
Sent: February 20, 2002 3:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: speeding ticket in Vanagon
I>open back window he took down my info and let me go with a warning. I
was >really waiting for him to ask to search the van.
Folks,
Make sure you understand your rights in the police state we are evolving
into. The police have no right to search your vehicle without reasonable
cause, and they have to tell you what it is. If you think they have no
cause, you just say a courteous NO. If you tell them yes, you give up
every right you ever had to privacy.
Sadly, many of us are intimidated, and sadly, many officers go over the
edge, but if you feel he is over the line, say no. Often we feel so
innocent we figure 'sure, go ahead' but if you have ever seen a vehicle
that has been searched, you will know its not desirable. If you want to
feel you have been violated, go ahead and let them have at it, but you
don't have to.
Just an FYI opinion
John
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