I really have to chuckle about the answers given here from an LEO, while pondering the thoughts of what is actually being done.
First off, the LEO on duty, is out there to enforce current laws, speeding being one of them.
Why do people get arrested for speeding? Because it is dangerous, and causes undue hazard on those driving on the same roads... Ok, I buy that, and have no problem with that reasoning... in fact I can say when you see one of those "speed zone machines" on the side of the road giving a readout of speed, people tend to slow down...mission accomplished.
Also, when an LEO is on the side of the road, VISIBLE, it tends to accomplish this end result also.... people slow down. But I have to say that hiding in wait, in a position of blind opportunity with the intent of specifically ticketing...while hiding in wait, is just sleazy... now someone flashes thier lights and the would be speeder (maybe he's doing 5 mph over, who knows)slows down, IS'NT THIS THE EXACT REASON THE LAW IS BEING ENFORCED???
to maintain safe speeds on the highway? or is it simply to arrest and ticket those breaking the law?
difficult question? I don't think so, the intent is to have everyone travel at the speed limit....but the activity is only to enforce this when someone breaks the rule, it does nothing to prevent it from being broken. It would go a lot further towards being succesful in slowing people down to simply be seen, and have a presence.
presence means everything here, don't think so? Watch people slow down when a car is pulled over on the roadside, and as soon as the people realize the LEO is occupied writing a ticket, they all punch it thinking they are free and clear to speed now.... but have a cop sit on the road, just sitting there, watch the caution level for those drivers peak, and speeds reduce "just to make sure" they don't get pinched...
Unless I'm missing something or there is more to the code, it says nothing about allowing a single flash as a signal to pass, or that anything else is a violation. The only place a single flash is refered to is in a previous post, not in quoted code. Unless there is more or other code involved here, it seems like the LEO(s) involved in writing these tickets are extending enforcement to their own intrepretation. No (stock) car or truck has EV style lights, no laws broken. I have yet to see where a law or code that has been posted or refered to here states that a driver MANUALLY flashing his/her lights is a violation of any kind.This.
Unless I'm missing something or there is more to the code, it says nothing about allowing a single flash as a signal to pass, or that anything else is a violation. The only place a single flash is refered to is in a previous post, not in quoted code. Unless there is more or other code involved here, it seems like the LEO(s) involved in writing these tickets are extending enforcement to their own intrepretation. No (stock) car or truck has EV style lights, no laws broken. I have yet to see where a law or code that has been posted or refered to here states that a driver MANUALLY flashing his/her lights is a violation of any kind.
This.
There are some gangs out there that will do you harm, if you ever flash your lights at them.
Mechanical or Manually has nothing to do with it. Why must everything have it own seperate code to explain common sense? Its just the mere flashing of the lights on a non-emergency vehicle is the violation. Why would they single emergency vehicles out just for this code section?
Probably so we can how long discussions about like this one.
46.2-842.1. Drivers to give way to certain overtaking vehicles on divided highways."Signal" is not defined, you're doing that. Around here, a request to pass is a left turn signal from the overtaking driver. Flashing of the high beams is also recognized but the turn signal is considered more courteous. As far as the flashing mechanism, the code you refer to states Ican't have such a device in my car, not that I can't flash my lights. I flash my high beams at drivers not dimming their high beams, you're telling me that's a ticketable offence in Va? I think this is entirely your own intrepretation, and in my opinion, has no justification.
It shall be unlawful to fail to give way to overtaking traffic when driving a motor vehicle to the left and abreast of another motor vehicle on a divided highway. On audible or LIGHT SIGNAL, the driver of the overtaken vehicle shall move to the right to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass as soon as the overtaken vehicle can safely do so. A violation of this section shall not be construed as negligence per se in any civil action.
Signal. Not signals.
It seems to me the VA law is trying to base a crime on intent. Has this now become a thought crime? The Leo gives me a ticket because he saw my headlights flash. His only basis for the ticket, unless I specifically tell him why I did it, is his best guess as to why. Should he be also able to issue me a ticket because I own a motorcycle capable of exceeding the speed limit and his best guess is that I am going to do it?