Do you flash drivers that are comming towards a speed trap?

[Grayfox]

I do since in Australia speed cameras are nothing more than revenue raisers, the more people I warn the less money they may get from fines.

• They are never put in a high risk zone or a spot that has had multiple accidents.
• They reduced the leeway from 8km/h(5mph) to 4km/h(2.5mph)
• The government does not believe that speedometers are ever wrong and are pin point accurate even on a 30 year old car.
• Money gotten from fines does not go back toward the road infrastructure.

 

[FordMKIVJ5]

I do since in Australia speed cameras are nothing more than revenue raisers, the more people I warn the less money they may get from fines.

• They are never put in a high risk zone or a spot that has had multiple accidents.
  [*]They reduced the leeway from 8km/h(5mph) to 4km/h(2.5mph)
• The government does not believe that speedometers are ever wrong and are pin point accurate even on a 30 year old car.
• Money gotten from fines does not go back toward the road infrastructure.

Interesting. I'm pretty sure that we get 10% leeway over here.

 

[speed junkie]

I sure do.

 

[astrosdude91]

We don't have speed cameras here in the states. But I'll see people flash other people if there is a cop with a radar gun up ahead. I usually don't flash people, because I hate it when people speed though neighborhoods, and they deserve to get caught. But sometimes I will flash people when I see someone speeding through a neighborhood. They think I'm trying to warn them that there's a cop up ahead, so they slow down in accordance. But in reality I just want them to slow down. They can speed all they want anywhere else, but not where there might be children at play.

 

[SkylineObsession]

I used to, but then stopped because if a driver wants to risk getting a speeding ticket then that's their choice.

 

[killer tiller]

Interesting. I'm pretty sure that we get 10% leeway over here.

Depends on where you are, I believe NSW has up to 10% leeway. But I got fined in Melbourne by a freeway speed camera doing 102 in a 100 zone

We don't have speed cameras here in the states. But I'll see people flash other people if there is a cop with a radar gun up ahead.

We call radar guns speed cameras too, so if someone flashes you it means there is a cop with a hand held or in car radar ahead

Fixed cameras in NSW are by law required to have 3 signs before it warnings drivers so if you get caught there's no excuses really.

We have recently been introduced to safety cameras as well, these are red light cameras and speed cameras combined. So if you put your foot down to beat the red you'll get pinged. If your unlucky enough to miss the red in doing so you get done twice

 

[daan]

Nope, I don't. If someone is speeding, then that's their problem, as it would be mine if I was speeding.

Also...

Driver who flashed lights to warn motorists of speed trap is fined

CPS defends decision to prosecute Michael Thompson, who was pulled over by officers in Grimsby

The Crown Prosecution Service today defended its decision to prosecute a driver who flashed his lights at other motorists to warn them of a mobile police speed gun.

Michael Thompson was pulled over by officers in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, in July after warning several cars.

Thompson, of Grimsby, was found guilty of wilfully obstructing a police officer in the course of her duties. He was fined £175 and ordered to pay £250 costs and a £15 victim surcharge at Grimsby magistrates court last week.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jan/04/driver-flashed-lights-motorists-speed-trap

 

[FordMKIVJ5]

Depends on where you are, I believe NSW has up to 10% leeway.

Over here in England I believe it's 10% wherever you are.

 

[homeforsummer]

Do I flash other drivers? No, indecent exposure is frowned upon...

 

[Jacob]

Do I flash other drivers? No, indecent exposure is frowned upon...

 

[killer tiller]

Over here in England I believe it's 10% wherever you are.

I ment depending on which state in Aus. We have different rules and regs in all states

 

[Grayfox]

We also have these Mobile Speed Cameras which are SUVs with Infra-Red speed cameras so you do not see a flash these have the 4km/h leeway on them.

Plus flashing your lights can mean anything.

 

[Famine]

Over here in England I believe it's 10% wherever you are.

Nope.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines - guidelines - are that prosecutions should not be brought unless the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit plus 10% plus 2mph. That's 24mph where the limit is 20 (so 25mph is speeding), 35mph where it's 30, 46mph where it's 40, 57mph where it's 50, 68mph where it's 60 and 79mph where it's 70.

That doesn't mean prosecutions cannot be brought below those speeds, but that the ACPO believes it's not worth the time due to low successful prosecution rates. Individual forces' policies may vary however.

 

[Crash]

No, my high beams are broken and if I turn them on or flash them, they get stuck on.

Maybe I should just get a new relay.

 

[MatskiMonk]

Occasionally, If I like their car.

To be honest though, despite having once accrued 3 SP30's in 3 months (one of which within 10%+2mph) I still don't have any sympathy for people that get caught breaking the speed limit, even if it's just by 1mph, there is no excuse for it, so take it like a man.

 

[Carlos]

I used to but got fined by an upcoming undercover police car for flashing my lights..

 

[Grayfox]

I could say it was an accident since my car has a reverse set up with the combo switch(mirrored to what it should be for RHD cars)

 

[Ibonibo]

^ I would say I taught it was a friend in the cop car.
THen the cop lets you go.

Yes I do when it is not a reckless driver at very high speeds or at dangerous places (schools, towns,...). Otherwise I do it.
I was also already caught flashing.
I refused the fine. Took a written complaint. Never heard of it again.

Those who say 1 mph - kmh over the speedlimit deserve it, ... come on really!? Beeing the straight, honest guy on the internet?
Deserves you a cookie

 

[Ravenmaven]

On the highway yes. In the city, no. Especially not near school zones.

 

[MatskiMonk]

^ I would say I taught it was a friend in the cop car.
THen the cop lets you go.

Yes I do when it is not a reckless driver at very high speeds or at dangerous places (schools, towns,...). Otherwise I do it.
I was also already caught flashing.
I refused the fine. Took a written complaint. Never heard of it again.

Those who say 1 mph - kmh over the speedlimit deserve it, ... come on really!? Beeing the straight, honest guy on the internet?
Deserves you a cookie

A speed limit means you can drive at any speed up to that point, people seem to think it's some kind of knife edge, it's not, if you aren't capable of maintaining your speed accuratley and consistentley, then drive a few mph LESS than the speed limit. It's not rocket science is it?

And yeah, I don't see what the problem is with being straight and honest about it is, I'm not saying that I observe the speed limits with 100% dedication, my driving license will testify to that. Are some limits too slow? I think so.. are camera's always in the most suitable place? maybe not... but that doesn't change the LAW, people are totally aware of these LAWS (if they are not then they should not have been able to obtain a drivers license in the first place), and if they CHOOSE to break them then, like I say, take it like a man, don't get all butt-hurt about it.

 

[Famine]

Indeed. 1mph over the speed limit is 1mph over the speed limit - just as 1mg/ml over the breath alcohol limit is 1mg/ml over the breath alcohol limit. You know the limit, you chose to break it so exactly who are you going to whine at when you get caught doing it?

My driving licence doesn't attest to the antipathy I hold towards speed limits (yet) and I always drive just below the speed I have learned that is appropriate for the conditions, the vehicle I'm in and the environment, regardless of the posted legally acceptable speed. Yes, this includes being considerably lower than it, where appropriate. I rarely drive down either my own road or the adjoining one at anything over clutch out in 2nd (which is about 8-10mph) because it is narrow (one lane each way, equating to about 20 feet), residential and full of parked cars on one side - it is a neighbourhood for many families and parked cars are magnetic for children wanting to go over to their friend's house... It's a 30mph limit though, which means people habitually drive down it at 35mph - usually the people who live here, due to complacency about their own area. Apparently they've never learned hazard perception or had to scrape their own child's remains off their exhaust heat shield...

 

[mustangGT90210]

Occasionally, If I like their car.

To be honest though, despite having once accrued 3 SP30's in 3 months (one of which within 10%+2mph) I still don't have any sympathy for people that get caught breaking the speed limit, even if it's just by 1mph, there is no excuse for it, so take it like a man.

A speed limit means you can drive at any speed up to that point, people seem to think it's some kind of knife edge, it's not, if you aren't capable of maintaining your speed accuratley and consistentley, then drive a few mph LESS than the speed limit. It's not rocket science is it?

And yeah, I don't see what the problem is with being straight and honest about it is, I'm not saying that I observe the speed limits with 100% dedication, my driving license will testify to that. Are some limits too slow? I think so.. are camera's always in the most suitable place? maybe not... but that doesn't change the LAW, people are totally aware of these LAWS (if they are not then they should not have been able to obtain a drivers license in the first place), and if they CHOOSE to break them then, like I say, take it like a man, don't get all butt-hurt about it.

Exceeding the speed limit by 1mph is good cause to get a ticket? I'm sorry, but speedometers are not that precise. There will always be error in them. You can go at a reasonable speed under the speed limit, but please answer me this, when it's a 50mph road and you're stuck behind someone doing 35-40mph, does it not annoy you? Sure they're being legal speedwise, but they are also holding up traffic, which is illegal.

[/rant against elitist drivers]

That's highway and busier road driving. Now in the neighborhoods, I'm fully with you guys, drive slow, because at any second you might need your brakes for a kid in the road. I'm 5 under in neighborhoods at least, and it still seems too fast when there's people getting close to the road

 

[MatskiMonk]

Exceeding the speed limit by 1mph is good cause to get a ticket? I'm sorry, but speedometers are not that precise. There will always be error in them. You can go at a reasonable speed under the speed limit, but please answer me this, when it's a 50mph road and you're stuck behind someone doing 35-40mph, does it not annoy you? Sure they're being legal speedwise, but they are also holding up traffic, which is illegal.

[/rant against elitist drivers]

Regarding the Speedo thing.. Yes, hence in the UK you will typically get 10% error, but there is a difference between driving at 35mph in a 50mph zone, and driving a couple of miles per hour less than 50, to give yourself a bit of a buffer, like I say, I don't understand why people think they must drive at exactley 50mph in a 50mph zone... it's a LIMIT, not a recommended average speed.

Not sure about in the US, but to say that holding up traffic is illegal doesn't paint an accurate picture in the UK. You have to be able to maintain a minimum safe speed, and there are minimum speeds permissable on some roads, but mostly they are not that relevant to 95% of motorists, and they're certainly not a reason to exceed the maximum speed limits.

And for the record yes, it does sometimes annoy me being stuck behind someone doing 35mph in a 50 zone, but again, that's no excuse for me or other people to speed. If it's appropriate to do 50, then there's a good chance I can overtake. Also, I think I'm right in saying that in the UK it is legal to exceed the speed limit for a short time in order to safely overtake - I'm sure Famine would know if that is true or not!

It's got precisely jack-all to do with elitism, if 'elite' is being able to understand something as simple as a speed limit, then we've set the bar pretty low! It's just about understanding it's not acceptable to break the law - whether or not you agree with the law in question. And I would say exceeding the speed limit by 1mph is pretty minor, but then, so is the penalty (£60 and 3 points here). If, like I did, you get to the stage where it becomes likely you could loose your license, then FFS.. slow down by a couple of mph. Driving is a privilage, not a right, and people need to understand there are penalties for abusing it.

 

[homeforsummer]

Regarding speedometer error, it's also a legal requirement for the speedo to over-read, rather than under-read.

That way, you can happily do 50mph on the clock and be doing slightly less by true speed.

It also means you have no right to complain for getting caught at 1mph over the limit, as depending on the speed you're doing, the speed you're reading off your speedo is probably quite a bit over the allowed limit.

 

[Keef]

Indeed. 1mph over the speed limit is 1mph over the speed limit...

It is, but it's not enforceable because of the margins of error in the driver's speedometer and whatever device is being used to measure it. Fining a driver for operating over the limit but within a margin of error while operating a car in any reasonable state of repair would probably be tossed by the judge. If it comes down to it, the system of the car will be checked, but at that point the city/county/state will have already spend more than the cost of the fine.

I'm not condoning speeding (actually I am because it's a victimless crime), I'm just saying that 1 mph over the speed limit isn't necessarily 1 mph over the speed limit.

 

[killer tiller]

Plus flashing your lights can mean anything.

I forgot about those flash for cash cars, there's a few average speed cameras out on some of the highways too



Generally it means police ahead, I know I slow down when someone flashes no matter what their reasoning for doing it lol

 

[MatskiMonk]

It is, but it's not enforceable because of the margins of error in the driver's speedometer and whatever device is being used to measure it. Fining a driver for operating over the limit but within a margin of error while operating a car in any reasonable state of repair would probably be tossed by the judge. If it comes down to it, the system of the car will be checked, but at that point the city/county/state will have already spend more than the cost of the fine.

I'm not condoning speeding (actually I am because it's a victimless crime), I'm just saying that 1 mph over the speed limit isn't necessarily 1 mph over the speed limit.

Surely, it is only sensible that if you have reason to believe you aren't able to accurately gauge your speed, to err on the side of caution?

And speeding is only a victimless crime if no-one is injured or killed because of it... I'm not sure - but I'm pretty sure that happens everyday.

 

[Famine]

Exceeding the speed limit by 1mph is good cause to get a ticket? I'm sorry, but speedometers are not that precise.

Indeed, but they are set to overread (it's actually illegal in the UK and EU to have an underreading speedometer), so if your speedo says 50mph and it's inaccurate, you're under 50mph.

Of course you should never actually use your speedo. It's the tach you want to look at.

You can go at a reasonable speed under the speed limit, but please answer me this, when it's a 50mph road and you're stuck behind someone doing 35-40mph, does it not annoy you? Sure they're being legal speedwise, but they are also holding up traffic, which is illegal.

How are they behaving illegally? The limit is a limit, not an aim. If they do not believe it is safe to exceed the speed they are doing why do you - who aren't driving their car - think you know better? You shouldn't be getting annoyed. You should be wondering if they've seen something you haven't or if they have some other reason to go at that speed...

Also, I think I'm right in saying that in the UK it is legal to exceed the speed limit for a short time in order to safely overtake - I'm sure Famine would know if that is true or not!

No, but it can be a reasonable defence (on grounds of safety) if prosecuted. Just as it's not legal to run a red light, but a reasonable defence of getting out of the way of a fire truck can be presented if prosecuted.

It is, but it's not enforceable because of the margins of error in the driver's speedometer and whatever device is being used to measure it.

Yes and no. The devices need to be calibrated to within a twentieth of a mph. Your speedo does not but, again, it will overread (unless you've futzed about with the wheels and gained yourself an underread, which is illegal).

However, it is the reason ACPO advise that no prosecutions should be brought at or below +10%+2mph. They advise. In practice you can be prosecuted for +1mph, though it rarely happens.

I'm not condoning speeding (actually I am because it's a victimless crime), I'm just saying that 1 mph over the speed limit isn't necessarily 1 mph over the speed limit.

Nevertheless, you know the proper procedure for disagreeing with a law and if you choose to avoid that procedure by breaking it you are liable for prosecution under that law.

The message here is that if you knowingly commit a crime, you don't really have much to whine about when caught doing so.

Surely, it is only sensible that if you have reason to believe you aren't able to accurately gauge your speed, to err on the side of caution?

And speeding is only a victimless crime if no-one is injured or killed because of it... I'm not sure - but I'm pretty sure that happens everyday.

Inappropriate speed is what causes injuries and deaths. Even if that inappropriate speed is below the posted limit.

 

[Joey D]

I alway flash my high beams as a warning because I'm a decent human being. We've all been there, late for an appointment, overly stressed, tired, whatever the reason is you lost track of your speed for a few minutes, someone flashing their high beams might just make you more aware of what's going on.

I've been told flashing your lights is illegal but I would like to see how they'd write you up. I know if I ever got ticketed for that I would fight on the grounds that I thought I was trying to get wash fluid to come out and pulled the wrong lever.

 

[homeforsummer]

I know if I ever got ticketed for that I would fight on the grounds that I thought I was trying to get wash fluid to come out and pulled the wrong lever.

Funnily enough, I actually do that quite a lot.

Ever since having the MX5 where the indicators/lights were on the right and the washers on the left, that layout has made more sense to me. I've had the Fiat for over a year now and I still pull the wrong lever accidentally, or try and indicate with the wipers...