Whilst out driving today I took a bent at around 15mph gave it some out of the bend and got the back end out (20mph). I then continue on with my journey as per usual pull up at a friend’s house and have the police pull up.

They tell me a traffic cop saw what I did (has it on camera) and asked for them to pull me. Anyway at first I thought I was doing ok and would get away with a producer but then they decide to caution me for reckless driving. I have been down my local station and shown all my documents which are fine. The police said they would get in touch and lmk if they intend to pursue the incident. Now I don't believe they have this on camera as I asked the police to show me which they did not. The traffic cop also pulled up gave me a telling off, but did not show me and said he was a couple of cars behind.

I've only put around 20 miles on it since owning the car and already i'm in trouble. No more silliness from me.


This is my first run in with the police and what is the typical out come of such an offense?

they dont have to show you any evidence before a court case.


being cautioned is a legal thing. they have to tell you within 14 days of an offence that you may be prosecuted. So a kind sounding caution is just a legal tool to get you in the system. Doing it at the roadside is complies with the 14 day rule. Its to allow you to remember the facts and prepare your case.

If it went to court, i would just say that you were driving a car that was new to you, and you were not aware of how tail happy it was, and that the road was slippy, blah de blah.

I was taken to a full two tape interview once when i overtook a copper in plain clothes in an old golf on the inside lane of a dual cariageway that he was hogging outside lane at 50. This I was told was Dangerous Driving, which is the worse of the lot. I didnt admit to anything, and said I was overtaking on the approach to a roundabout 1/2 a mile further down

no prosecution.


Most important is dont admit anything. all questions will be to put you in to a corner if it goes to court. Just keep saying one statement which you will prepare - like you were not used to the car, were only doing 20mph, it was more tail happy than you were used to and have learnt your lesson.


atb

steve


[Edited on 31/5/05 by stephen_gusterson]

Thanks for the quick reply Steve.

I have not admitted anything and did say that I have just bought the car. They asked if I lost control of the car at any point and I said no. (I was in full control going sideways ) To be honest it was not that much out just made hell of a racket as it's a bec.

The traffic cop said he was surprised I kept control, but he was a complete arse anyway. (I just kept quiet when he said this)

Can't blame them as they were only doing there job but I'm sure they could have been doing more meaningful work instead of wasting an hour with me.

Sounds like a case of sour grapes to me, copper working Bank Holiday weekend saw you out having fun and pulled you over. Nothing better to do.

I was on the way back from the local Kart Track one Sunday afternoon, in a two week old Passat, giving a lift to four mates. We'd been mad on the track, but very calm down the lane to the main road (mainly cause I'd picked up 3 points the week before seeing what my new car could do).

Anyway as we pull up at the main road, a cop car drives past, sees us all laughing our heads off.

I pulled out and went the other way. 2 miles further on got pulled, he'd done a U-turn and caught up with me. Sat in the car for 20 mins whilst I got a lecture about dangerous driving and they did a PNC check on the car. His argument was that although he hadn't actually seen me driving badly, he knew i must have been because my mates were laughing.

No video evidence, nothing. I subsequently found out that my local force use big Volvo's as both normal patrol cars and traffic cars. As the car I'd been sat in didn't have a video or any of the fancy gear, I assume it was an ordinary patrol car, not a traffic one. Gave me a producer (for a two week old car) and sent me on my way.

Good luck anyway, don't let the bar stewards get you down.

Mike

mandeep_sr, just to make you feel bad, I go chased for a bit of wheelspin once. The cops beside me in the other direction (at a junction) noticed and started to do a U-turn to get me. So I kept at the speed limit, drove sensibly, but the U-turn took them so long that they lost me.

OK no problem here mate. First of all you'll prob not hear from them again. Bt just in case you could get your solicitor to quote the crown versus a class 1 police officer who was aquitted of dangerous driving and testing a new car to see its capabilities. At least you found your limits at 20mph which in my opinion should get you at the very most a £1000 rebate for not breaking the speed limit
Seriously though i hope it all turns out ok for you cause the way things are going in this country there will soon be a law against smiling OR A TAX LEVIED ON IT.

Could you not counter-sue the council for oil laid down on the junction by those smelly buses and HGV's. Worth a try!

And the moral of this story is.............Never admit anthink to the plod says me wno has lernt from bieng banned twice

My uncle (PLOD) once told me if i was ever to get arrested and they ask you do you have anything to say sir. Just say PLEASE DON'T HIM ME AGAIN OFFICER. Don't know if it works never used it.
Apparently they are supposed to log all that is said in that little black book.. Or he used to say that to scare the crap out of me.

Be careful how much you say on here... you never know who's reading it....