Can a cop legally do this.?

Question

Ok so a friend of mine called me last night saying about how his dad got pulled over because his Windshield is spiderwebbed from the middle over to the right side. When he got pulled over the cop called Satellite auto glass in our area and made a appointment for the car to have the windshield replaced. The cop then told my buddies dad that he is to be at the shop tomorrow at 8'o clock to have it replaced. When his dad explained he only had enough for his rent that is now due today, the cop responded saying that it isn't a choice and that he would be there to make sure it was done or he would come to his house to cite him. My question is basically can a cop force him to get his windshield replaced. I know they are not physically forcing him, but its his only car for work. The cop also would not give him a extension on it when he explained when he gets paied (on the 1st of December). Is there anything he can do till his lay to avoid the citation. This is in Pennsylvania if that matters.

Rosalie · Answer

It sucks not to have enough money, but the bottom line is that the cop is helping your friend's Dad stay legal. If he doesn't have enough money to pay for the windshield, he needs to take the bus like the other people who cannot afford to support a car, and save up to get a new windshield.

If he drives with a bad windshield because he "needs to", he WILL get pulled over again, he WILL goto court, and he WILL get a fine- which is clearly money he won't have. So if he is smart, he will take the bus, save up and get it fixed. Before he gets pulled over- or worse, gets into an accident where his insurance isn't any good. If he has insurance, it isn't any good if the car isn't legal, and it's not until the windshield is fixed. He'll also have his registration invalidated.

Mutt · Answer

Let me rephrase your question - Is it legal for a cop to give a person a break on a ticket? That is what the actual question is. The cop is being nice, arranged for the driver to get the windshield fixed so the car can be driven legally again, and not giving him a ticket for it.

So does he have to show up? No, he doesn't. If he does, all he has to pay for is the repair of the windshield. If he doesn't, then he has to pay for the repair of the windshield, plus the cost of the ticket for driving with the windshield in that condition.

Bill · Answer

It's against the law to drive with a broken windshield. The cop gave your friend's dad a chance to avoid going to court. A payday loan might be cheaper than a fine.

WRG · Answer

I really doubt that happened and the officer can't force him to get it fixed but he can cite him for the safety violation and continue to do so until it is fixed.

Anonymous · Answer

The cop was doing his duty as the car was unfit for the road.

k w · Answer

never ever heard of that one...I'm flabbergasted !!!  I'd file a complaint with police dept !

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Can a cop legally do this.?

6 Answers