Ticket
Gary, I respect your position and understand what you are saying. And for what its worth, I think it should be ok to pull a longer rig on the road. However I also think fireworks should be completely legal, and gun control is a crock. You can add the seatbelt law to the list too. So that being said, it really doesnt matter if I like it or not, its against the law here in the republic of California
As far as the dialouge with the patrolman, you have to ask yourself what your objective is. It can really only be two things I can think of.
A) You don't want to get a citation.
B) You don't care if your get one, you want to prevail in court.
If you don't want to get a ticket, telling the patrolman you intend to fight the ticket won't likely give him pause at all, and will likely be perceived as a challenge (of sorts). Trust me, the decision as to if he is going to write you a ticket will be made in milliseconds after those words escape you.
As to the day off theory, there is a specific spot on a CHP ticket where they have to list their days off, plus they stack their court dates on to specific days to avoid overtime and always having the officer in court. So it does not really matter to them whatsoever. You will be on the same day as many others.
As to dragging out stacks of documents as you are stopped along the road, unless you have a specific exemption in the California Vehicle Code in your hand, you are out of luck. They are not going to take the time to read federal guidelines and case law, that is what the court is for. (Attornys have to make the big bucks, right)?
Your best odds at not getting paper is to crack the largest, most gregarious smile you can muster, and be honest. If that includes the fact you didn't know whatever it is you were stopped for was illegal, and you will never do it again then feel free to offer that up, but be sincere. You might get lucky.
Fact is it is currently illegal in California, sans having a permit which I think all agree is not viable.
The best thing to do, is exactly what is being done, get behind a group like FMCA that has an attorney or two (making more big bucks) and get the law changed!
Like I say, don't get me wrong on this, I would like to see a longer max limit, we are on the same side. But arguing roadside with a patrolman will not serve you well as they are powerless to change the law, but sworn to enforce it.
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