Pulled over today: weird experience

[Anonymous]

Today I was pulled over on the beltway in the express lanes. I have twins that are in infant carriers in the back seat with the window shades on each window. These aren’t super dark, just the typical shades sold at Target. I got pulled over because the cop thought I was cheating the HOV lanes by not paying. So I’m pulled over (which is always disconcerting) and the cop walks over and tells me I had my Express pass switched to HOV and I would be ticketed since I was the only person in the car. I pointed out that I have two 6 month olds in the back. He got flustered and said I wasn’t following the “spirit of HOV” laws that are meant to encourage adults sharing the car to reduce traffic. He said he would just give me a warning, but never gave me any official paper work so I didn’t get his name/ badge number. I wish I would have asked for it, but I hate being stopped on the side of the road with cars flying by.

This is weird right? I’ve been stewing on it all morning and have gone from bewildered to just mad.

[Anonymous]

Don't stew. He was probably too proud to admit his mistake so he came up with BS about the spirit of the law.

[Anonymous]

He couldn't see your two 6 month olds. I think it is great he pulled you over since it means they are actually checking.

Relax.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like he was embarrassed that he didn't notice the kids and got defensive and tried to cover with the bs about the spirit of the HOV rule. i wouldn't worry about if if I were you. Annoying, but so what.

[Anonymous]

Oh well, sounds like you'll live. At least you weren't shot & killed.

[Anonymous]

Yes, the HOV cops are complete assholes. Must be mighty demoralizing for them spending their entire days trying to ticket people for money instead was of actually protecting the community.

[Anonymous]

Weird. Not weird that he pulled you over not seeing the kids. Obviously he just can't be wrong. It was a save face comment in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He couldn't see your two 6 month olds. I think it is great he pulled you over since it means they are actually checking.

Relax.

Exactly. Damned if they do; Damned if they don't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh well, sounds like you'll live. At least you weren't shot & killed.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He couldn't see your two 6 month olds. I think it is great he pulled you over since it means they are actually checking.

Relax.

+1

There is nothing wrong with this stop. He should've given his name right off the bat. Did he?

[Anonymous]

As a black male I love to hear white peoples weird experiences with the police! Ahhh to be white in America! Sounds amazing! Let me tell you about the time I was detained in a club for "suspicious activity". I ended up with a broken nose.

[Anonymous]

Gotta tell you, OP - I think the true spirit of the HOV lane is for multiple potential DRIVERS to be in one vehicle to cut down on congestion ... plus, he didn't make a "mistake," he couldn't see your infants. I can guarantee he wasn't embarrassed - he was probably biting his tongue so he wouldn't say what I just wrote.

You are owed nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a black male I love to hear white peoples weird experiences with the police! Ahhh to be white in America! Sounds amazing! Let me tell you about the time I was detained in a club for "suspicious activity". I ended up with a broken nose.

Ps: and the general sentiment in my house was relief/got off easy.

[Anonymous]

Perfectly reasonable, imho. I've always thought the other parties should be licensed drivers, but that's not the way the law was written. I think it's a good thing they check.

[Anonymous]

OP: ok I got it. My privilege is showing. FWIW I am not white, I am south Asian. Guess I’ll stick to the regular lanes from now on