The Peach State and the Art of Not Getting Pulled Over: Can Cops Hide Behind Trees With Radar Guns in Georgia?
Ah, Georgia. Land of peaches, pecans, and...speed traps? Well, maybe not exactly traps, but definitely a state where keeping your foot off the gas pedal can be a wise decision. But what about those sneaky suspicions you get when you see a suspiciously empty stretch of road followed by a cop lurking in the bushes with a radar gun? Can they legally do that in the Peach State? Buckle up, gearheads, because we're about to navigate the fascinating world of Georgia's "visible patrol car" law.
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| Can Police Hide To Catch Speeders In Georgia |
Marked Men (and Women): The Visibility Rule for Local Law Enforcement
Here's the gist: local law enforcement in Georgia (think city and county police) can't exactly play hide-and-seek with their radar guns. There's a law, OCGA 40-14-7 to be precise, that states their patrol car must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet for them to use a stationary speed detection device. So, no more hiding behind billboards or taking cover in bushes like some kind of speed-limit vigilante (although that would be a hilarious cop movie concept).
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Does that mean you can just floor it everywhere? Hold on there, buddy. This visibility rule only applies to stationary radar. If a police officer is cruising down the road and clocks you speeding, that ticket is fair game.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
The Georgia State Patrol: Masters of Disguise (Sort Of)
Now, there's an exception to every rule, and Georgia's got one too. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) isn't bound by the visibility requirement. So, if you see a GSP cruiser parked strategically on a hill with a suspiciously shiny object pointed in your direction, well, that might be your cue to ease off the gas.
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But wait, you might be thinking, "doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of catching speeders?" Well, the idea is to encourage safe driving, not trick people. The GSP likely has more pressing matters to attend to than hiding in the bushes to catch someone going 5 mph over the limit.
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So, How Safe Are You From Sneaky Speed Traps in Georgia?
Here's the takeaway: Local law enforcement has to be pretty obvious about where they're parked when using radar. The GSP, however, can be a little more creative with their positioning. The best defense? Just obey the speed limit. It's not only the law, but it's also the safest way to navigate the beautiful roads of Georgia.
Bonus Tip: If you see a ton of brake lights ahead, that's a pretty good indicator there might be a speed trap up ahead, regardless of how visible the police car is.
FAQ: How to Avoid Speeding Tickets in Georgia (Besides Not Speeding)
- How to Spot a Legitimate Speed Trap: Look for a marked police car within 500 feet of the radar device (unless it's the GSP).
- How to Use Cruise Control: Most cruise control systems can be set to a specific speed, helping you maintain a safe and legal pace.
- How to Be Polite During a Traffic Stop: Even if you think the ticket is unfair, stay calm and respectful. You can always contest the ticket later.
- How to Fight a Speeding Ticket: Consult with a lawyer to see if the visibility rule or any other factor might help you get the ticket dismissed.
- How to Learn More About Georgia Traffic Laws: Check out the official website of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (https://dds.georgia.gov/).
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