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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    CALIFORNIA
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    83

    Default Probable Cause to Search Based On Looks, in California

    After reading this post

    Right To Search

    and then I read this article

    =====
    California Crackdown on Modified Cars
    $5 million in federal money will fund a Sacramento, California effort to stop drivers in modified cars.

    Unmodified Subaru looks modifiedPolice in Sacramento, California announced Wednesday that they would use $5 million in federal money to begin cracking down on auto enthusiasts who modify their vehicles. The money will be used to form an undercover "Drag-Net" unit to stop motorists who appear to be driving modified cars.

    The concept, which originated in San Diego in 2001, has been spreading throughout California generating significant revenue for the state and local departments. In Santa Fe Springs, for example, twelve officers on Drag-Net duty issued 300 citations and impounded 50 vehicles in just one weekend. Several cities have drag-racing ordinances that allow police to auction off seized cars and keep the profits.

    Under Drag-Net, San Diego officers come to train other departments how to look out for what they believe to be tell-tale signs of illegal modification such as window tinting, large spoilers, extra gauges or racing stickers. Police say this gives them probable cause to stop and inspect a vehicle and its engine compartment.

    In practice, "excessive exhaust noise" tickets are the most common violation. California law does not require police to measure sound levels objectively. Instead, according to the California Highway Patrol, the "citation is based on officer's judgment."

    Drivers of stock vehicles that come from the factory with some of the characteristics of modified cars have experienced harassment under this provision. One such motorist complained on an enthusiast website that the California Highway Patrol was using these programs to make "driving while Asian" a crime, pointing out that the department's own website has several pages dedicated to Asian involvement in street racing and "vehicle modification."

    Those receiving a vehicle modification "fix-it" ticket must visit a California Bureau of Automobile Repair office and pay a $35 fee to have their car inspected. If the car fails, a judge can impose another fine of up to $2000 for failing to meet California emissions requirements.
    =====

    I was just wondering how window tinting, large spoilers, extra gauges or racing stickers can be considered signs of illegal modification. Those are exterior appearance items that have no relation to illegal modification. It sounds a lot like racial profiling, except it's directed towards vehicles.

    While it may be true that there may be a large degree of Asians who may change the exterior appearance of their vehicle, it seems wrong to arrest (stop) an individual solely on the "looks" of their vehicle and justify that their "look" gives officers probable cause to search.

    I just don't see how a judge could honestly believe that such exterior appearance items could justify probable cause.

    Take this statement from the article:

    "... what they believe to be tell-tale signs of illegal modification such as window tinting, large spoilers, extra gauges or racing stickers. Police say this gives them probable cause to stop and inspect a vehicle and its engine compartment."

    and it's not much different from this

    "...what they believe to be tell-tale signs of illegal firearms such as baggy pants, large bandana, extra gold chains or hip hop brand name clothing. Police say this gives them probable cause to stop and inspect a person."

    I just replaced a few words, but wouldn't an officer get in trouble for conducting the latter, yet why are they allowed to conduct the former?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    5,437

    Default Re: CA - Probable Cause to Search based on looks?

    Search and seizure laws generate lots of work for judges and lawyers.

    Sounds like more is in the works.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: CA - Probable Cause to Search based on looks?

    I think the program has problematic elements. But most drivers probably find it easier to fix the problem and pass an inspection, than to spend as much or more money hiring a lawyer to fight the search. If they win? They beat the "fix it" ticket, but still have a car which can be pulled over for its "defective equipment".

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    5,437

    Default Re: CA - Probable Cause to Search based on looks?

    Quote Quoting aaron
    View Post
    I think the program has problematic elements. But most drivers probably find it easier to fix the problem and pass an inspection, than to spend as much or more money hiring a lawyer to fight the search. If they win? They beat the "fix it" ticket, but still have a car which can be pulled over for its "defective equipment".
    I think laws like this are passed by term-limited lawyers in the legislature to make sure they will be able to make a living when they get out in the real world.

    Of course, some folks may call me a cynic!


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    CALIFORNIA
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    83

    Default Re: CA - Probable Cause to Search based on looks?

    Quote Quoting aaron
    View Post
    I think the program has problematic elements. But most drivers probably find it easier to fix the problem and pass an inspection, than to spend as much or more money hiring a lawyer to fight the search. If they win? They beat the "fix it" ticket, but still have a car which can be pulled over for its "defective equipment".
    Well, I know it has caused a big stir among the automotive groups. As a subculture group, most feel the asian community are the ones being targeted simply because they are the majority who own such vehicles and they are being targeted solely based on appearance.

    That's the issue that is causing much of the controversy is the "appearance" is the justification for the search.

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