|
Last weekend our lake had 3 Sheriff Boat’s on the lake. That’s a total of 6 Sheriffs (2 in each boat) from 2 County’s patrolling what I would say is a small lake.(lake Tulloch) We usually don’t even have that many Sheriff’s on a 3 day weekend. Now keep in mind the lake with school being back in session the lake is VERY slow. The result was what seemed like more cops on the lake then boaters.
2 people I know said they were pulled over for a “Safety Inspection” They said they were doing nothing wrong driving slow in the 5mph zone. These are older people in a pontoon boat. They said when they asked “Why they were being pulled over” the Sheriff said Safety Inspection. They complied with the sheriff & the inspection and both went on their way. But It left a bad taste and some questions.
The question of the day is.Are random “Safety Inspections” Legal?
I was under the impression that if you were doing something wrong I.E No Reg or speeding, they had every right to pull you over and THEN start a “Safety Inspection”
I’m all for safe boating but I’m also for probable cause. I don’t think any law enforcement agency should have the right to stop you and give you a “Safety Inspection” if you’re doing nothing wrong.
I was hoping some people knew the laws in California that could spread some light on this subject.
|
Threaded Mode