Unfair CIFs: The Most BS Reasons for Traffic Stops and Dealing with It

Every now and then, one encounters a frustrating traffic stop so absurd that it feels like a justification for inciting a minor revolution. Here are some egregious yet true stories of how certain traffic violations turned into cliffhangers and the reactions they triggered.

For Honking My Horn!!!!

One incident that stands out like a sore thumb involved a series of assumptions that are as questionable as they are subconscious. You see, it was perfectly legal to be a little aggressive on occasion. I was honking my horn out of pure irritation when the car in front of me decided to linger at the exit of a restaurant with no traffic. The automobile officer just couldn't take it anymore, and that's when I got my ticket.

Feeling unjustly aggrieved, I returned to the spot a few minutes later to ensure the police were still there. I wished them a very bad morning, packed up and chauffeured off. When I received the citation a few weeks later, it was subsequently nulled out as a mistake on their part. Lesson learned: don't provoke the officer too much!

Driving While Black

One elementary school episode couldn't have been more fraught; especially within the context of 1980s American society. My dad, in an attempt to move the phone to the other ear, was flagged down by a white police officer on a motorcycle. The car was occupied by parents, yet my dad misunderstood his dad's actions as seatbelt adjustment, not realizing he was being followed and pulled over. It was a scenario that encapsulated the driving while black experience.

Gas Station Surveillance

An episode that made my friend and I quiver but didn't pan out into anything alarming. We were at a gas station one day, and my friend requested I pump the gas while he stood nearby to smoke a cigarette, avoiding the gas pumps. As he finished his smoke, we were pursued by a cop who had been surveilling the gas station from a distance. He asked for the license and registration, then grilled us on what we were doing there. The conversation was laced with tension, but thankfully, he eventually decided to let us go.

The ER Cop Incident

Another memorable incident occurred while returning from an ER shift. Two cop cars were idling in the travel lane. Instead of addressing any emergency, they were simply shooting the shit. I pulled over with caution, and one of them chased me down to issue me a stern warning about crossing the double line. The experience was nerve-wracking, but it was the hospital scrubs that saved me from a fisticuff. The surge of adrenalin ran deep, and I understood the power and unpredictability of being perceived as an "other."

Dealing with Police

From my encounters, a few pieces of advice can be gleaned. Remain calm, stay polite, and avoid any forms of provocation that could escalate the situation. If you feel victimized by these encounters, it's important to follow up, bring up the issue to the relevant departments or report the incident to an online forum or legal aid organization. Remember, you have the legal right to contest unfair charges and to document these interactions through videos if possible.

In conclusion, in the face of such incidents, one learns that the justice system and fair treatment sometimes fall short. Awareness and advocacy can help improve these situations, ensuring that traffic stops and police interactions are conducted with fairness and respect for all involved.