I do it all the time for cops or accidents. Very few people return the favor.

I find that Los Angeles seems to be generally much lighter on police looking to give tickets compared to Boston or New York/New Jersey.

 

That's why I don't flash anymore (as much ) got pulled over after signaling by turning lights on and off here in ohio. Some BS about obstructing justice...

 

I guess my iPad does work. I didn't think anyone was was reading my posts . I'm sure you don't park in a cave

 

If they cited you for that you could probably win. You can't be guilty of obstruction until there is a crime/violation. Same for interfering with an officer...slowing someone ELSE down does not interfere.

More like 'obstruction of revenue collection'...

 

With today's cell and gps technology, there should be a better way to warn other drivers that they're coming up on a speed trap. Just like the old days (or maybe still today?) of truckers using CB radios to warn each other. For example, I could imagine an app or a device where you would just hit a button whenever you see a speed trap. Then, other drivers with the same device/app would get a warning when they're coming up to the same location. Just an idea.....

 

Looks like Escort already has. Anyone try the Smartcord live option for their passports?

 

There was at least one iPhone app that did just that but I believe Apple took it down after some time.

 

Yeah -- I can understand that the authorities would not like such an app. One could imagine other people, interested in doing things that are worse than speeding, who would be interested in where the LE is at any given time.

 

There is an Android app called "Trapster" that does basically what was described above. People could input locations with their phone (GPS - not entering an address) where they would see radar set up and then others with the Trapster app loaded on their Android phones would receive an alert when they approached that area. I tried it but uninstalled it - it was too cumbersome to enter a location while driving...and unsafe. I was fearful of running into a bus while trying to enter the location of a speed trap that I had just passed. To be accurate, you would have to stop, start the Trapster app, hit the button and hope for the best. Trapster is still available and it's still free. It has likely been upgraded several times since I tried to use it.

 

Love the signature...

I notice on I-280 in NorCal, cops always set traps as a pack. If you see one hiding in the bushes, 9 out of 10 times you'll see another 2 miles later. These guys are obviously in radio contact.

 

This is a primary reason why we don't see it and why I am less likely to do it. I've "only" been driving for 10 years, but while I would exuberantly do it during my first 4-5 years as my dad was such a proponent, I was more often than not met with confused looks from other drivers. I was taught to respond with a 1 flash of my own to signal I understood and thanked them. No one my age gets the idea behind the flash.

As was mentioned, other sportbike riders do understand the helmet tap...

During my long distance drives in school and after this was one of the only "fun" things I would do. Cops would be hard-pressed to ticket for this given that damn-near every semi does it at night. Clearly the only time they care is when our use of signals impedes their speed trap.

Agreed on both. I too find that when I visit the in-laws in California the police radar/laser presence is very light compared to the NJ State Troops or even worse, Virginia State Police on the highways on the east coast.

Those who live around Palos Verdes or PVE in California are probably used to the abandoned police car with limo tint along PV Drive used as a warning to residents/fake speed trap...that blew my mind as it sure seems like its wasting a vehicle. Now that I visit the in-laws pretty frequently in Malaga Cove...I am used to it.

 

One click reporting now available on trapster

 

I always flash to warn others of police..its the right thing to do....My dad taught me this like 30 years ago

 

+1 on michaelwww. I have been stop a couple of time after flashing/warning other drivers. Here in Jersey, they like to set up radar/laser and 1/2 mile down the road have the chasers (police cars radio'd to pull over the +65'ers). I get the revenue game and I am not a hater, even though it seems bogus. I still flash but am careful as I know the cops will pull you for it.

 

I always get stuck in an awkward position when I pass a cop. I try to be a nice guy by flashing them but I never know when to stop, I've done it one time to every single car for almost 2 miles