It did sound like it, based on the OPs version of the story.

I agree with others there is a chance it would get thrown out if he can prove the cop had no basis for pulling him over, assuming the laws in CA that allow the police to look under your hood doesn't also allow them to do random spot checks of same. The level of tint on the back window could possibly be enough to pull you over, even if the cop didn't say that.

I don't believe (but could be wrong) they are required to tell you why they pulled you over, at least not initially. The policeman could pull you over, ask for license and registration, write you a ticket, hand it to you, and explain what you are being ticketed for. The cop could just say/justify his comment about the car was meant to be a compliment but was taken wrongly by the driver.

(FULL DISCLOSURE: I have a father-in-law who was an MP, and a brother-in-law who is a retired cop, as well as a son interested in law enforcement. None of them are "jerks" just like not all people that drive sports cars are racers)

you really can't tell if its catted or not unless you go under the car. I'm wondering how the catless status was verified?

Doesnt matter if its catted or not. We dont have any CARB legal headers for our car that I know of so any kind of aftermarket header would have been written up.

You keep saying "no means looks or sounds like a race car" yet you have a body kit, wheels, lowered, and exhaust. I'm not judging you as I most of these modifications myself, but my car definitely doesn't look or sound like a stock BRZ. I'm sure it comes off to many as exactly what they consider a race car. Just because you're not covered in stickers and a carbon fiber hood doesn't make you exempt from that general opinion.

Good luck with the ticket. Be happy the officer didn't give you a referee ticket and just pay the small fix-it fines. If you try and fight it you'll probably lose and they'll be pulling you over and giving you a referee ticket for now on.

I was written up for my header, which means he did get me for a referee ticket. If I would have only gotten fix it tickets, I would never have made this thread as those are nothing to waste time over.

Bigger question is, what is an Airport cop doing mod inspections on cars passing by?

I'm still not sure why you made the thread. You got busted for your mods because your car looks modded. It's something we'd all like to avoid but if your car looks modded you're taking a risk.

It's a violation of the constitution to detain someone because they look like they race.

It's not a violation of the constitution to detain somebody for having an illegally modified vehicle. Whether they heard your exhaust, thought the car was too low, or saw your tint, they can pull you over and examine your vehicle for illegal modifications. You all know your mods are illegal and then get mad at the cops for enforcing the law. Take responsibility for your actions instead of bitching about them.

If you read carefully, I just wanted to share my experience of being pulled over because my car looks modded. I wasn't breaking any laws that the guy could see and yet he still found the time to pull me over.

I didn't force anyone to read this thread.

Post whatever you like. That's the point of this place. I just think its childish to say your car doesn't look or sound like a race car when that's exactly what it does look and sound like. Then complain that you want to fight the ticket because you got busted for the choices you made. I love the modding community but take responsibility for your choices and not blame the police for doing their job.

Thank you for your input. Anyway, I'm not going to fight it. Header swap is easy enough. I hope you never have to deal with getting stopped & inspected.

I have been busted. It sucks. You're fortunate that its a quick fix. Best of luck

It is NOT a violation of the constitution to detain (pullover/question) a person if that person is suspected of committing a crime. Period. End of discussion on that point.

Now WHAT is considered probable cause to "suspect one of commission of a crime" is definitely open for debate.

[quote=Pneub;2110846]It's not a violation of the constitution to detain somebody for having an illegally modified vehicle.[quote]

That's right.


If he sees a violation or had reasonable suspicion a violation exists, yes he can pull you over. If he just thinks you probably have a violation because "you look like a racer" that's not probable cause. Unless you have some case law that I'm unaware of.

Pulling people over for looking like racers is a violation of the highest law in the land, the constitution. Seems like you want to excuse cops when they break the law.