Can a Cop make you Pop.... Options

[Random_Stranger]

Your hood for no reason (Or even in California)? I was hearing about things like this happening. Today I got pulled over because my license plate was falling off due to a screw missing, so I put it on my dashboard. I got pulled over for a fix it ticket (not a problem) and the cop asked me if I had any engine modifications. I told him "No", and he took my word for it (and believe me, I have no modifications other than that aluminum hood, not even an exhaust). I was curious why he didn't make me pop it anyways. Was it because had I said yes, he would be allowed to then check it?


I wear hearing that in Santa Barbara, because of illegal displays of "exhibition of speed" (Hah! I didn't say the R word), that any car for whatever reason, they just pull over and say "Pop your hood" and then cars get impounded. I am not saying it is okay to do the "exhibition of speed thing", but some of us cannot afford a Mercedes McLaren, and just want that luxury, ya know?


Anyways, what are your thoughts or facts?


Thanks

[D-Man]

You can say no, but believe me, you'll regret it.

You don't "have" to let a cop do crap, but when it comes down to it, you "could" be drunk, and it's your word against his. So you'd get a dui and he'd have "reasonable cause" to search your car.

But on the bright side, alot of police don't know the first thing about engine performance. They have to take a driving course, but otherwise, their cars are already built for them, and they don't have to do a thing to it. They're trained to look for nitrogen oxide bottles; but provided you have a heat shield over your turbo, i'm sure 2/3 they wouldn't recognize it. The ones that would, will do some B.S.ing with you for a bit, then send you on your way. Those are the law-men that enjoy the auto-racing sport, and as long as your not an idiot, (racing on the street ) they usualy dont care. In texas, you cannot get a ticket for havening a car that dosent meet emissions unless your sticker is out. And that's a ticket for the sticker, not for the car. (unless it's EXCESSIVE!!)

find your local laws at http://www.usa.gov/

This post has been edited by D-Man: Jul 22, 2008 - 11:02 AM