Ignorance of the situation is no excuse. That's like saying "I didn't know I had to stop at an uncontrolled intersection (meaning no signs/signals)" and causing a car accident that injured or killed someone. It doesn't make it ok...does it? [I teach driving classes on weekends and you wouldn't believe the stuff I hear. This is just one expamle.] That cop was really nice. He could have impounded the driver's car but he didn't. And having your car impounded is so expensive!
The. Guy. Had. No. Idea. There would have been no way for him to know that the license plate had just fallen off. The cop sounded like a prick the way he handled it.
I understand what you are saying. But no matter the reason that it was missing, whether they were aware or not, the cop could have just had the car impounded. That's what a prick cop would have done. He was being nice. You have to be aware of your vehicle at all times. Like if a brake light is out, you can receive a ticket for that and how would you honestly know unless you are checking that everyday before you drive. In Virginia code (where I teach) ignorance of the law does not excuse you from it's consequences. Most states are like that as well.
I'm gonna go ahead and say the cop was a dick when he told the guy to "not let it happen again". As if it's something you can see/hear happening from inside the car on the road.
He's a prick who didn't go full prick mode probably because he realized how poorly the situation would've gone over in a courtroom.
I don't really see how this is a lesson. I'm not gonna stop and check for my license plate every 10 miles. It fell off and if I don't see it happen there's not a whole lot I can do.
He's a prick who didn't go full prick mode probably because he realized how poorly the situation would've gone over in a courtroom.