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]

Yeah, back when i ran Cougars i used to get pulled over all the time (in my '85) because it was a Rip-Roaring beast of a car. (looked like a total sleeper) but i'd get pulled over and asked to see what it had, and never once got a ticket in it. Even when i deserved one (had a sticker out once, nothing crazy ) but it's classic look, and obvious "power over beauty" build got alot of attention.

Well, that and the fact that it looked like this:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j301/jta...85/DCAM0052.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j301/jta...85/DCAM0064.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j301/jta...85/DCAM0065.jpg

But after seeing those pics, you can imagine the police wanted to know why on earth anyone would drive it. (they usualy understood when seeing the Super'd v8 5.0L)

But On topic, you need to check your local laws. Texas (luckily for me ) has THE MOST lax and lenient laws in the country (driving wise). Mostly because every 4th car on the road is a dually-diesel, 2/3rds of the rest of the population are trucks or SUV's; half of witch are heavily modified and jacked up 4-6 ft high. now; this changes state to state, so i reccomend that you check your own states (and citys) driving laws, before making any kind of mod.

EDIT: at the same time i also had a 2003 cougar; but i loved to run the 85! Such a sweet ride!!

This post has been edited by D-Man: Jul 22, 2008 - 12:11 PM