tjamz wrote:
just got this response from the CHP, I plan on responding.

** High Priority **

The laws of the State of California prohibit officers from conducting traffic stops with out probable cause or probable suspicion...

And they get around that by changing what defines "probable cause." So now probable cause is having a wing/can/loud exhaust/stickers/bodykit/etc. instead of swerving in and out of traffic/speeding/racing/etc. Just when you think California couldn't create any dumber laws they surprise you again.

Somewhere Eric Estrada is weeping.

Incidentally, there is a mustang done up by Mustangs Plus (1995 CObra R) I believe, that can't get certified. For no Reason! He passes emissions, he has all original equipment, it's street legal, they just say no. That's bullshit too, thank god for me not having a car that they can control with emissions, and GOD I LOVE ND!!!

** High Priority **

If something on a vehicle is "completely LEGAL" officers could not issue a citation.

"Never once did you answer my major questions:
Why are aftermarket gauges probably cause and/or illegal?
Why are large spoilers probable cause and/or illegal?
Why are stock exhaust systems probable cause and/or illegal?
Why is tint (that is legally applied) probable cause and/or illegal?"

The CHP doe not make or change laws, we enforce the laws that are implemented. If you want an explanation to why violations are in effect you need to contact your local legislature and ask them.

The Winner and STILL CHAMPION: TJAMZ!!!!!!!!!

I think that should be my new title and you can all pay me lots of money every year to work on your behalf.

So, what your response indicates to me is that probable cause can be having large spoilers, gauges, decals and other noticeable, though completely LEGAL modifications (I've read your websites listing of illegal mods.) As for where I obtained my information, please review the following link:

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/05/576.asp

or do a google search, it will yield many similar results.

I know you can't use the words "target" or "profile" since that will get your organization in trouble, but thats exactly what you are doing. Call them warning signals/call signs/whatever you want, its still targeting a group of individuals based on how they choose to express themselves (again legally) when they fit within the profile of what you consider a street racer, and that my friend is illegal. Its just as illegal as saying "Hey that guy has tatoos, he must be a drug dealer, lets go raid his business/house" or "That black man is driving a Ferrari, he must be a pimp/gangster/drug dealer/etc....lets pull him over and ask to see his income tax statements for the past 5 years".

Never once did you answer my major questions:
Why are aftermarket gauges probably cause and/or illegal?
Why are large spoilers probable cause and/or illegal?
Why are stock exhaust systems probable cause and/or illegal?
Why is tint (that is legally applied) probable cause and/or illegal?

My point was that not everyone that modifies their car is a street racer, some are show cars, some just like the look of the race cars they see in magazines. Do you pull over older camaros, vettes, mustangs, vipers, etc... that have been made to look like NASCAR pace cars (some came from the manufacturer w/ a racing decal package)? I'm guessing not. So why harass the people who drive cars that look like what they see in drifting events, drag races, touring car races, etc?

I know street racing is a problem in your state, and I am very aware of the role the CHP has in law enforcement. If you want my opinion, take that $5,000,000 that your organization received as a federal grant and do something POSITIVE for kids that want a chance to LEGALLY race their cars. $5,000,000 would buy a ton of track time at a local drag strip, why not rent such a strip and allow the racers to come in and race for a nominal fee ($10 or whatever). While they are there, have a trained officer inspect their vehicles for illegal modifications, but let it go on anonymously. In other words, no tickets. No names taken and entered in a database. No penalty. Just make them aware that their parts do not conform to CA law and if they are caught on the street with them their cars will be impounded. Then work with the industry to find out who is making street legal parts for the cars and provide EVERYONE at the track with a list of manufacturers who comply with California and Federal laws regarding these issues. Do that and the import community will have a much better respect for your organization.

Thank you for your response, I look forward to future correspondence with you and your organization.

Tell them to start pulling over peopel in vehicles with 20"+ rims because most of the people that drive them are black and are drug dealers.sarcasm

** High Priority **

The laws of the State of California prohibit officers from conducting traffic stops with out probable cause or probable suspicion. I have no idea where you allegedly saw the CHP training telling officers to "target and profile" vehicles. Officers are trained to know what to look for to spot VIOLATIONS. Street racing is a MAJOR problem in this state. People are being KILLED every day because of this epidemic. You may not agree with the attention and crack down and that is unfortunate, but we get hundreds of pleas every day from the families of the deceased who were killed by illegal street racing. Furthermore, illegal street racing is not limited to any one race, color, ethnicity or otherwise. "People" are racing their vehicles and killing people, and it is unacceptable.

Regarding your comment, "real problems like Meth, Cocaine, Marijuana and Alcoholism," the main job duty of the CHP is traffic enforcement. There are many "real problems" that need to be dealt with, this is our job and we intend on doing our best to keep everyone safe, including you.

Community Outreach and Marketing Section
California Highway Patrol

99slowGSX wrote:
Too bad for those silly californians.......they should target rice and wipe that out.
They can send the ricers here so I have more people to rice around Fargo with

I feel ashamed now for having been born in San Diego.