Lifted Trucks and seatbelt offenders...

[Josh]

There's a rumor among the 4x4 community in the Hampton Roads area that more and more lifted trucks are getting target by local police and pulled over specifically to check for seatbelt violations, especially among youths. Is there any truth to this rumor? If so, does a similiar rumor exist in your locality? The reason that I ask is that I seriously doubt any truth behind this rumor, but my friend keeps on telling me it's true. I drove a lifted truck for 6 months and was never pulled over for anything.

[Crex4242]

There's a rumor among the 4x4 community in the Hampton Roads area that more and more lifted trucks are getting target by local police and pulled over specifically to check for seatbelt violations, especially among youths. Is there any truth to this rumor? If so, does a similiar rumor exist in your locality? The reason that I ask is that I seriously doubt any truth behind this rumor, but my friend keeps on telling me it's true. I drove a lifted truck for 6 months and was never pulled over for anything.


I really think that your friends need to get a life. Law enforecement officer's just do not go around and target your friends and lifted trucks. It does not even make sense to pull you over just for your seatbelts. What does a lifted truck have to do with police offciers looking for seatbelts. Rumors are what they are

[Josh]

It's not that he needs to get a life. He's just paranoid and trusting of every rumor out there, regardless of its content. I never accused officers of targeting my friends. In fact, I had pretty much shrugged it off as untrue. I simply asked if a similar rumor existed in your locality. Of course, it doesn't make sense to pull someone over for their seatbelts. That's why I figured I'd run it by this forum to see if anyone actually thought it true. I agree that rumors are what they are and that's why I didn't believe this one. My first post was a little misleading. What I really meant to ask was if officers have an inclination to pull over a lifted truck vs. a normal unmodified vehicle or if the vehicle type has no relevance to whether or not the stop is made.

[Crex4242]

It's not that he needs to get a life. He's just paranoid and trusting of every rumor out there, regardless of its content. I never accused officers of targeting my friends. In fact, I had pretty much shrugged it off as untrue. I simply asked if a similar rumor existed in your locality. Of course, it doesn't make sense to pull someone over for their seatbelts. That's why I figured I'd run it by this forum to see if anyone actually thought it true. I agree that rumors are what they are and that's why I didn't believe this one. My first post was a little misleading. What I really meant to ask was if officers have an inclination to pull over a lifted truck vs. a normal unmodified vehicle or if the vehicle type has no relevance to whether or not the stop is made.


What is the big deal with the lifted trucks. If the guys want some attention, dont try to get it from the police.

[SgtScott31]

What's the big deal with seatbelts????

Ummm, saving lives...

Failure to wear one in TN is a primary offense and I can pull you over for solely that reason, and normally do.

I could actually see law enforcement targeting lifted trucks for this reason and I'll tell you why:

#1 - Most lifted trucks have younger drivers that, proven statistically, do not wear seatbelts as much as adults

#2 - Lifted trucks are top heavy and have a higher likelihood of rolling over

I'm not trying to be the "a**hole" law enforcement officer to ticket you for a seatbelt violation, but here's my reasoning:

Before doing law enforcement I have volunteered for many years with a rescue squad. Our primary function was strictly vehicle rescue/extrication. In other words, cutting people out of vehicles. I am instructor in vehicle extrication and usually go to schools to educate people on seatbelt laws, DUI laws, etc. I have seen first hand for years what failing to wear a seatbelt will do to all occupants of the vehicle.

Bottom line, seatbelts save lives. We're not out enforcing this law to be a**holes, we're doing it because it's common sense. Ever hear of "click it or ticket?" Why would there be a national push for people to wear their seatbelts.

Couple of statistics provided by NHTSA to prove my point:

More than 60 percent of the 5,625 young adults ages 16 to 20 who were killed when riding in passenger vehicles in 2002 were not wearing safety belts.

In 2002, approximately 60 percent of the 3,448 drivers in the 16- to 20-year-old age group who were killed in passenger vehicle crashes were not wearing safety belts.

[Bodie]

Lifted Trucks we impound .......... No seatbelt any vehicle ZERO TOLERENCE and it's easy ticket here.

[Josh]

I hope you guys don't think I'm arguing against pulling people over for seatbelts. The Statistics indicate that most youths do not wear their seatbelts. I can confirm this statistic, especially with teens in lifted trucks. I guess they don't wear em because they feel invincible in those things, but it is true that most of my friends with lifted trucks do not wear their seatbelts.


Bodie, why do you impound lifted trucks?

[SgtScott31]

I hope you guys don't think I'm arguing against pulling people over for seatbelts. The Statistics indicate that most youths do not wear their seatbelts. I can confirm this statistic, especially with teens in lifted trucks. I guess they don't wear em because they feel invincible in those things, but it is true that most of my friends with lifted trucks do not wear their seatbelts.


Bodie, why do you impound lifted trucks?

Could be in Bodie's area lifted trucks are violating motor vehicle laws and can be impounded until they are lowered to required height. We do have certain statutes in my area to in regards to how high a vehicle can be, type of tires, mufflers, etc, etc.

[Bodie]

Because they are illegal vehicles. All lift kits state clearly for "OFF ROAD OR SHOW USE ONLY" a lifted truck that rearends a passenger car can take the top off a car and kill several people in what would have been a minor accident if the truck were LEGAL. Lifted trucks roll over many Ohio insurers will cancel a policy once they find the truck is no longer street legal.

There is no job that requires a lifted truck and no use for the vehicle other then off road.

[kirch]

Lifted trucks fall into that category of 'showy' vehicles that are always going to get a higher level of attention from the police. Think about it -- why does one lift his/her vehicle (or attach a Las Vegas Strip's worth of neon lights, or put a fart can on the muffler, etc.)? It's look-at-me-ism. So it's not surprising that these sorts of vehicles come under special scrutiny by police. They come under special scrutiny by everyone they drive by -- why would the police be any different.

A couple of years ago I was on duty and a guy drove by me in a choice '69 Camaro, jacked in the back, big fatty tires, beautiful paint job and more. Naturally, it caught my attention. So I happened to run the plate. It turned out the plates came back to a different vehicle. I pulled the guy over and found out he had the correct plates in the car, he just hadn't attached them yet. No big deal, verbal warning.

As I concluded the stop, the driver said, "Admit it -- the only reason you pulled me over was because of my car." I told him that, no, I pulled him over for driving with false plates. I also admitted that his vehicle's uniqueness is what originally drew my attention. I advised him that driving a car like that is going to get him a lot of second glances; he shouldn't be surprised if some of those are from the police.

Is it possible that your friends' vehicles are being targeted? Maybe, if the local police know that there's a good chance there are some violations with the drivers. The sure bet to avoid the problem is to drive a legal vehicle and wear a seatbelt -- something 90% of the motoring public is already doing.

[Bodie]

Also once you lift a truck you destroy the value and limit who would buy it. You can never recover the money you put into it & if you sell it and the buyer has an issue and gets hurt you are extremely liable.

[gotthblues]

if you dont wear your seat belt you should be ticketed,

another problem with lifted vehicles, is that most people dont change the axels and brakes to handle the load, therefore you loose braking ability and most also dont have their speedometer calibrated, sooo, you have a truck that cant stop for crap and they have no idea how fast they are going,,,,

also okla has motor vehicle laws regulating the maximum height of head and tail lamps, bumpers and so on. therefore they are illegal in almost all circumstances.

[Josh]

Also once you lift a truck you destroy the value and limit who would buy it. You can never recover the money you put into it & if you sell it and the buyer has an issue and gets hurt you are extremely liable.

I'm actually having that problem the value problem with my truck now. I bought it stock for 3000. Then I paid 500 for a lift and 500 for the tires. With over 5000 invested with the lift, tires, and repairs to pass inspection, I am trying to sell it. The problem is that because it has 140K miles, I'll be lucky to get anything above 2900.

[SWATcop]

Lifted trucks fall into that category of 'showy' vehicles that are always going to get a higher level of attention from the police. Think about it -- why does one lift his/her vehicle (or attach a Las Vegas Strip's worth of neon lights, or put a fart can on the muffler, etc.)? It's look-at-me-ism.
I can't say that I completely agree with that. A lot of us lift our trucks for other reasons - such as hunting/fishing and 4 wheeling. I drive a lifted Tahoe with mud tires, off road lights, the whole nine yards. I've been pulled over ONCE, and that's because I was in fact speeding when I got pulled over.

[SgtScott31]

I can't say that I completely agree with that. A lot of us lift our trucks for other reasons - such as hunting/fishing and 4 wheeling. I drive a lifted Tahoe with mud tires, off road lights, the whole nine yards. I've been pulled over ONCE, and that's because I was in fact speeding when I got pulled over.

Just because you've been pulled over once doesn't mean it isn't illegal to be over a specific height in your state. I could delve further into research in regards to the height limits of vehicles in TN, but do I honestly care to hassle someone because their vehicle is lifted? No. I have more important things to deal with. Besides, IM IN TN! Lifted vehicles are as common as sweet tea down south.

Now, I can honestly say that it does draw a little attention to you, but in my case, unless you're doing something a**nine on the road, I usually don't mess with lifted vehicles.

I have heard of some ridiculously high trucks getting cited several times by different LE agencies, even within a several mile stretch. I guess, with discretion in mind, it will depend on the officer and the dept.

[kirch]

I can't say that I completely agree with that. A lot of us lift our trucks for other reasons - such as hunting/fishing and 4 wheeling. I drive a lifted Tahoe with mud tires, off road lights, the whole nine yards. I've been pulled over ONCE, and that's because I was in fact speeding when I got pulled over.
Well, part of my opinion may have something to do with where I live. In WI, there are not many areas that you need a lifted truck to access. A regular old 4WD will get you into 99% of the places you want to go.

Me neighbor is a truck-aholic and has several lifted vehicles in various states of creation or cannabilization. He'll do a bit of muddin' -- but he knows enough to tow the truck to where he's going to use it.

[SWATcop]

Just because you've been pulled over once doesn't mean it isn't illegal to be over a specific height in your state. I could delve further into research in regards to the height limits of vehicles in TN, but do I honestly care to hassle someone because their vehicle is lifted? No. I have more important things to deal with. Besides, IM IN TN! Lifted vehicles are as common as sweet tea down south.

Now, I can honestly say that it does draw a little attention to you, but in my case, unless you're doing something a**nine on the road, I usually don't mess with lifted vehicles.

I have heard of some ridiculously high trucks getting cited several times by different LE agencies, even within a several mile stretch. I guess, with discretion in mind, it will depend on the officer and the dept.
I agree - and we DO have laws that restrict bumper heights. It's just that nobody enforces those laws in Florida. Some states, such as NJ, are completely ANAL about bumper height laws. Hell, NJ even has a mandatory "roll test" that you have to put your truck through if your bumpers are above a certain height (like 4" over stock height - quite anal).

[alkalinerephlux]

I guess my point is,is that I suppose it is for saving lives............ (raising money and helping the insurance lobbyists save their money) But if someone doesnt want to wear a seatbelt, then they shouldnt have to..........Ive said it before and ill say it again.....ITs not the governments job to tell people what to do if its their own life at stake if they get into an accident!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SgtScott31]

I guess my point is,is that I suppose it is for saving lives............ (raising money and helping the insurance lobbyists save their money) But if someone doesnt want to wear a seatbelt, then they shouldnt have to..........Ive said it before and ill say it again.....ITs not the governments job to tell people what to do if its their own life at stake if they get into an accident!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is the lamest crap I've ever heard. Driving is a priviledge, NOT A RIGHT. If you don't want to abide by safety laws (as in seatbelts) that have been proven to save lives, then take the freakin bus.

You are so blind. The reason insurance rates are up is because nimrods like you refuse to wear a seatbelt because it's a "government conspiracy" and that "I shouldn't have to do what they say." Guess who's paying for all the medical bills for those like you that didn't want to wear a seatbelt without insurance, US! Look at the facts jack. It has been proven for the last 20 YEARS that those that failed to wear seatbelts DIED. Go to nhtsa.gov and that should help you a little bit.

Just keep on not wearing one, and we'll keep on writing you.

[kirch]

I actually agree that it's not the government's place to tell us we need to protect outselves -- if we want to subject ourselves to the added risk of driving without a seatbelt, it's none of the gubmint's business (kids, however, is another matter). But I'll add this corollary: I think if you don't wear a seatbelt (or, for that matter, a motorcycle helmet) and are involved in a collision resulting in your injury, your insurance coverage is null and void and you qualify for NO public medical assistance. If you want to put your life and limb on the line, that's fine. But don't expect me to pay for it (through higher insurance rates or taxes).

[gotthblues]

I actually agree that it's not the government's place to tell us we need to protect outselves -- if we want to subject ourselves to the added risk of driving without a seatbelt, it's none of the gubmint's business (kids, however, is another matter).

1- how is it fair for me to want to stay safe and wear a seat belt, but its okay for my passenger, or driver, to not wear one, then come flying at me as a 200lb rocket, ????????

2- kinda hard to tell a kid what to do if you're a hypocrite!!!!

*sorry, if i sound harsh* but i personally think that someone saying "it isnt the govs. business to tell me to buckle up" is just dumb, *again no offense* then you should just say that if i wanna haul butt, drive drunk, whatever, and risk my own safety. but no one hardly ever says that do they, whats the difference. *none*

[kirch]

1- how is it fair for me to want to stay safe and wear a seat belt, but its okay for my passenger, or driver, to not wear one, then come flying at me as a 200lb rocket, ????????

2- kinda hard to tell a kid what to do if you're a hypocrite!!!!

*sorry, if i sound harsh* but i personally think that someone saying "it isnt the govs. business to tell me to buckle up" is just dumb, *again no offense* then you should just say that if i wanna haul butt, drive drunk, whatever, and risk my own safety. but no one hardly ever says that do they, whats the difference. *none*
1 - As the driver, you have control over who's in your vehicle and their actions. If my passenger refuses to wear a seat belt, I will not allow them in my vehicle. Given the choice of wearing a belt or walking, they usually comply.

2 - Agreed, teaching by example is best. But if the kids buckle up so mom or dad don't get a ticket, there's still a decent chance of them getting into the habit that'll be hard to break by the time they're adults.

And the difference between seatbelt/helmet laws and hauling butt, driving drunk, whatever, is that those who do so not only risk their own safety, but the safety of others on the road. Not wearing a seatbelt or wearing a motorcycle helmet is most likely only going to cause damage to the individual.

[gotthblues]

1 - As the driver, you have control over who's in your vehicle and their actions. If my passenger refuses to wear a seat belt, I will not allow them in my vehicle. Given the choice of wearing a belt or walking, they usually comply.

And the difference between seatbelt/helmet laws and hauling butt, driving drunk, whatever, is that those who do so not only risk their own safety, but the safety of others on the road. Not wearing a seatbelt or wearing a motorcycle helmet is most likely only going to cause damage to the individual.

okay, i'll try not to ramble on this one, here goes,
what if you are the passenger and the driver or other passg. doesnt put on a belt, then they become a projectile in the event of an accident, then you in your seat belt, can still get very much hurt.

here's one for you, *this is a freak thing, but none the less it happened*, while in college i worked for a lumber yard, delivering junk and what not, while out on a delivery one day, it was the beginning of spring, so i rolled down the window of the truck, toolin down the highway, them BAMM, a freggin bird hits the mirrow, then comes flying in the truck at my head, scared the hell out of me, and i try to duck to the right, truck swerves and starts to leave the road and starts road walking bad, IF I HAD NOT had on my seat belt i would not have stayed behind the wheel, which would have resulted in a crash and there were other vehicles on the road, is this weird?? yes, but weird crap happens, for whatever reason if you get tossed from behind the wheel, you dont have a chance of keeping a wreck from happening. which can hurt you, any passengers, and other drivers.
there are many different variables for any given situation, hell, i worked an accident were not wearing a seat belt saved the driver, but if you dont wear a seat belt, then anything can happen and you CAN wind up hurting someone other than yourself. *just my .03 1/2 cents*
some put on here before that "law enforcement and civilians is kinda like parents and kids, sometimes you gotta have rules keep the kids safe from themselves." i have no problems with the gov telling me to buckle up. *but thats just me*. :)

[kirch]

what if you are the passenger and the driver or other passg. doesnt put on a belt, then they become a projectile in the event of an accident, then you in your seat belt, can still get very much hurt.
Well, I suppose we're splitting hairs here, but I'll play barber. I'll add to my initial statement. If I'm the passenger in a vehicle and someone else is not wearing a seatbelt, I have the ability to refuse to ride in the vehicle. And, before you counter with the possibility of the driver not stopping or letting you leave the vehicle...well, that's kidnapping, and then we're on to a whole 'nuther topic.

Weird stuff does happen, and I've seen plenty in my days as an EMT and cop. But you can't protect against everything. In all likelihood, an unbelted or unhelmeted person is going to do damage to himself or herself only. If that person wants to take the risk, who am I (or the government) to say they can't do it. I just don't think the government needs to stick it's head into the matter.

And regarding the parent/kid and government/citizen comparison -- I don't buy it. If you're an adult and you're engaging in behavior that could hurt or kill you, but you're not likely to affect someone else, why should the government say you can't do that? I think that's one of our primary freedoms, the ability to mess ourselves up without governmental interference. It's right there in the Constitution, go ahead and look it up...

[SgtScott31]

Well, I suppose we're splitting hairs here, but I'll play barber. I'll add to my initial statement. If I'm the passenger in a vehicle and someone else is not wearing a seatbelt, I have the ability to refuse to ride in the vehicle. And, before you counter with the possibility of the driver not stopping or letting you leave the vehicle...well, that's kidnapping, and then we're on to a whole 'nuther topic.

Weird stuff does happen, and I've seen plenty in my days as an EMT and cop. But you can't protect against everything. In all likelihood, an unbelted or unhelmeted person is going to do damage to himself or herself only. If that person wants to take the risk, who am I (or the government) to say they can't do it. I just don't think the government needs to stick it's head into the matter.

And regarding the parent/kid and government/citizen comparison -- I don't buy it. If you're an adult and you're engaging in behavior that could hurt or kill you, but you're not likely to affect someone else, why should the government say you can't do that? I think that's one of our primary freedoms, the ability to mess ourselves up without governmental interference. It's right there in the Constitution, go ahead and look it up...

Kirch, I guess you and I can agree that we disagree.

It's the government's place because every facet of driving a vehicle is regulated by the government. The vehicles made, every public road you drive on, every sign/control signal you read. It's all regulated to attempt to provide a safe driving environment should you decide to get a driver's license (issued by government). As I have advised others, in this country driving is a priviledge, not a right. Same with flying. If you don't want to go through airport xrays/security lines and being searched, then don't fly. We have to keep our aircraft and our air travel safe. Same with vehicles. The government does not apply these laws to purposely intrude on drivers of vehicles. They do them to keep fatalities low and insurance rates low. Also realize that many insurance policies of companies or departments (in company/dept vehicles) will not honor a life-insurance policy if you were not wearing your seatbelt and killed.

I don't like government "intrusion" in some aspects either, but this is one issue I don't have a problem with.

Good discussion though.

[BaltoCop]

Also once you lift a truck you destroy the value and limit who would buy it. You can never recover the money you put into it & if you sell it and the buyer has an issue and gets hurt you are extremely liable.

Most people don't buy a car or truck with thoughts of re-sale, or re-sale value, many of us buy our vehicles, and work on them to suit our needs, if everything we did in life depended upon what the resale would be when we are finished with it, we would never be able to enjoy a good steak, knowing we just put a little A-1 on it, we'll eat it slow, enjoy it, but knowing when we're done, it has absultuly no resale value... the same should be true of anything in life, buy what you can afford, buy what makes you happy, and don't worry about the re-sale value... how we enjoy anything in life if all we do is think about the day we're going to sell it.

[mdrdep]

Congrats Balto you win this years Lazarus Award for resurecting a two and a half+ year old thread :D

[phillyrube]

Being from one of those cites in SE Virginia, we are not specifically targeting 4x4s. However, there have been a number of seatbelt sweeps, and since you're from the area, you know we've had a rash of traffic fatalities where no seatbelts were worn (last one was Tuesday morning, an ejection). So in those sweeps, I will have my guys pull you for 3mph over the limit. Warning for the speed, summons for no seatbelt. Last night I folowed a car for 5 miles, no one wearing seatbelts. No violations: lane change with signal, doing just under speed limit, all light working, $%#@!!! I finally pulled up at a light and mentioned it. They all buckled up and apologized.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if your truck cost 3K, and you add 500 in a lift kit, 500 in tires, how does that make it worth 5K?

[jthorpe]

There's a rumor among the 4x4 community in the Hampton Roads area that more and more lifted trucks are getting target by local police and pulled over specifically to check for seatbelt violations, especially among youths. Is there any truth to this rumor? If so, does a similiar rumor exist in your locality? The reason that I ask is that I seriously doubt any truth behind this rumor, but my friend keeps on telling me it's true. I drove a lifted truck for 6 months and was never pulled over for anything.

Here is a very simple answer to your question, an answer that if you follow it, you won't have to worry about any of this:

Wear your seat belt.

You're welcome, that'll be $15.00 please.

[jthorpe]

Of course, it doesn't make sense to pull someone over for their seatbelts.

I beg to differ. Some of the worst fatalities I've seen were because people weren't wearing their seat belts. I stop and write just about every seat belt offender I see. I don't care if they like it or not. It's better than zipping them up in a body bag.

[wirefire2]

There's a rumor among the 4x4 community in the Hampton Roads area that more and more lifted trucks are getting target by local police and pulled over specifically to check for seatbelt violations, especially among youths. Is there any truth to this rumor? If so, does a similiar rumor exist in your locality? The reason that I ask is that I seriously doubt any truth behind this rumor, but my friend keeps on telling me it's true. I drove a lifted truck for 6 months and was never pulled over for anything.
You're more likely to be stopped for some equipment violation. Like having headlights too high.

[papajb]

You know what's cool in Arizona? If you drive a lifted truck you are required to have mud flaps (splash guards) on the back! Yee-HAW I just found a way to pull you over if you ain't got em!

got a nice warrant arrest that way too :) oh and by the way if they are more than 8 inches off the ground I got ya there too! tee-hee

[86-43]

I don't care how slammed or lifted the truck is. Normally the only time I target lifted trucks for seat belt violations is when they're actually not wearing their seatbelts. Just as often as any other type of vehicle.