If this was aimed at me, I hope you read the part where I said I was extremely polite, but persistant. Basically I tried to have a discussion, while he argued with me with threats of a ticket if I questioned him at all.

 

Im sorry if you guys are pansies (not you akira), but if you have nothing illegal done to your car the cop cant do **** other than stand there and look stupid. Its open season for you so you might as well have fun with his ignorant ***. Dont you guys know how to have fun?

 

Hmmmm...that is an interesting point of view. I have a feeling that you my friend are unaware of your rights, and the officers use of authority. I come from the law enforcement sector of the fed gov't, and can tell you that in civilian clothing I have had run-ins with SF city cops, listened to them and laughed inside because they were spewing BS to give me a hard time. If and when I tell them who I am they suddenly change their tone, and become non combative, and conversate instead of harassing. Interesting how things change when someone knows the other person can't be bullspitted for lack of better terms. In a case such as described above the officer is not trained or certified to be determining the legality of the exhaust system on the STi or cars in general. I hate to say it, but I would have insisted upon a state ref ticket to resolve the problem, and once checked out, even though its a hassle, called the city and filed with the office of citizen complaints. You sir have the power in this case. Had you installed a loud exhaust on your car, which admittedly I have, I would never contest the legality of my exhaust. I can tell you that people are often intimidated, however its not necessary. Police offers are human beings...for the most part, and do have bad days. I suggest in the future as you stated, start the conversation off on a nice tone. Continue that tone, and be persistent in what you believe and never, and I repeat never become beligerant. Explain such as this "officer, this vehicle is sold with this muffler and this spoiler in stock form, and none of these parts are aftermarket, the fact is I like the sound and appearance, especially since its CARB approved and sold from the dealer in this condition and legal in CA." In certain circumstances the officer will retort with "there is no way its legal, and or its sold as an offroad piece." Just remain calm, and let him cite. Do realize that if the officer is wrong, and this goes to court, even though as previously stated its a hassle, you will walk out smiling and future citations from that officer will barely hold water when it comes to this type of case. You really are doing something for everyone in this instance. Drive safely and never make me type this much again for a dang post. Remember flashy and loud cars such as many of our WRX's and STi's attract attention. Simple fact is we bought them for that reason among many, and must be prepared to own up to our decisions.

 

Haha sry aups i misread your and chomsti's posts, thought you were saying youre a punk if you talk back to an officer.

 

Im saying the cops was incredibly ignornat. Your statement "I don't think MOST cops would pull you over unless they are sure your car got some illegal parts on it. Cops are pretty well trained about little stuff like exhuast." just makes me laugh, I dunno how long youve been reading this board or how much you know about STis but TONS of people with STis get pulled for stock exhaust. If you are a well informed officer are you really pulling over people with stock exhausts? I hope not...

 

Believe it or not alot of "people" on this board are well aware of what type of training officers receive. Are you, or are you a rookie or future just out on a hunt.

 

Calif law used to say that ALL mods to factory exhaust were illegal. As of Jan 1st, 2004, the new law makes more sense. Exhausts above 95dB are illegal. The officer can write you a ticket if he *thinks* you have a too-loud exhaust, then you have to go in and get it checked at an official testing center. Then they determine if you're legal or not. Course, it is easy to swap out an illegal muffler before the test.
My WRX has no muffler, just a pipe, and it does not exceed 95dB.

 

And that was total b*lls**t too. "Accelerating too fast" is not a crime.

In Berkeley, I had a slammed, tinted, Volvo 740 with a plate that said "THE DRGN".
Cop pulls me over, says 'you have an expired registration' (which I did, by 4 days). Started to argue because I thought a 'MAY' sticker meant it expired at the end of May, and he IMMEDIATELY yelled, "and you were speeding". To which I said, "No, I saw you parked by the side of the road three blocks back...I wouldn't be stupid enough to tear by you." Of course, that set him off.
Long story short, he was really just pulling me over because he figured I was in an Asian gang (wasn't), and he'd give a bit of trouble. Was shining his flashlight thru the back tinted windows. Course, all I had back there were some cute Asian babes Maybe he was just checking them out.

 

If we suck so bad then don't read the posts and don't post.

Why would I make up a story?

 

Akira, have you filed a complaint against the officer yet? If not, here are a couple of websites to get the process started: http://www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/ipa/home.html and http://www.sjpd.org/internal_affairs_ocop.htm

My opinion is that there are good cops and bad cops, more good than bad. I have worked enough with them to know that there are those few in a department that can give the entire department a bad name. Overall, SJPD is a clean department. I know from personal experience that both the former chief and current chief are big believers of customer service, and the way they run the department reflects that. If you have a legitimate complaint, you should report it.