Proper Signage & Responsible SSP Usage

[mac88chp]

Originally Posted by ImEvil1

Not really. Is it illegal in your state to have the word "POLICE" on your vehicle?

I can only speak for FL law, where it isn't illegal, but I'm sure that the same common sense approach reigns supreme in other states:

Use of the signage "NOT A POLICE VEHICLE" would be akin to use of the lettering "FASHION POLICE" for a vehicle belonging to a fashion design firm. A reasonable person would not believe it was an authorized LE vehicle.

In CA it's covered under the same provisions pertaining to paint/markings that resemble a law enforcement vehicle. And the bar is set pretty low as apparently there are very few reasonable persons out there.

I personally know of two local instances where it was applied and it's a safe bet that in a state this big there have been a ton of other cases too:

* an "artist" and his wife each had all white retired police Diplomats. On the front doors of both he had painted the cartoon characters of Porky Pig on one and Elmer Fudd on the other bursting out of an oval and a body length two tone stripe on the side with "Sheriff Porky" and "Sheriff Fudd" lettered inside it on the rear quarters. After much negative contact with LE and a trip to the see the judge, he removed all the markings. (Wish I had gotten a photo of those two.)

* a business called "NYPD Pizza" was running four-door full size Fords painted and lettered to very closely resemble old blue and white NYPD units to deliver their goods. They looked quite convincing, you really had to look close to see the word "pizza" on them and the real cops did not appreciate that as they were soon abandoned and replaced with unmarked delivery trucks. (It must have been lousy pizza too as they were out of business within a year.)

Out here, the authorities just don't like to see any LE words, symbols or paint combinations on anything that rolls down the road.

[ImEvil1]

Originally Posted by mac88chp

In CA it's covered under the same provisions pertaining to paint/markings that resemble a law enforcement vehicle.

Not really.

V C Section 27605 Vehicle Resembling Law Enforcement Vehicle.....
27605. No person shall own or operate a motor vehicle painted in the manner described in Section 40800 to resemble a motor vehicle used by a peace officer or traffic officer on duty for the primary purpose of enforcing the provisions of Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000) or Division 11 (commencing with Section 21000) pursuant to Section 40800.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to vehicles which are painted one solid color or to vehicles first registered on or before January 1, 1979. These provisions shall not apply to vehicles which are any of the following:

(a) Owned by vehicle manufacturers or dealers.
(b) Used by law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of the provisions of Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000) or Division 11 (commencing with Section 21000).
(c) Owned by persons or companies who use the vehicles exclusively for movie or television production and display signs stating "movie car" prominently on the doors.
(d) Owned by persons or companies who use the vehicles exclusively for funeral escort purposes.
(e) Motorcycles, as defined in Section 400, without insignia.

Amended Ch. 340, Stats. 1981. Effective January 1, 1982

Just an FYI for those of you in CA.

I still think that putting them on or in a trailer is the best way to go (IN is ideal). Then, there's no worries about paint scratching magnets, painters tape gone wild, misinterpretation of signage, or running into the wrong LE on a bad day and getting into trouble.

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by ImEvil1

I still think that putting them on or in a trailer is the best way to go (IN is ideal). Then, there's no worries about paint scratching magnets, painters tape gone wild, misinterpretation of signage, or running into the wrong LE on a bad day and getting into trouble.

Although an enclosed trailer is the ideal way to transport a marked SSP, I know that it's not practical for everyone. Speaking from my own experience, CHP #8395 was purposely not repainted black & white with markings for the sole purpose of being able to drive it on the street. The lights are all covered and inoperable, and the CHP logos/lettering are on magnets for display purposes only. Even unmarked, my sense of respect has grown for antique police vehicles, and I have become quite aware of the responsibilities associated with owning and operating an antique police car.

In terms of my original reason for creating this thread, I recently ordered a printed license plate frame that will say "NOT IN SERVICE" between the top two mounting holes. I plan to cut it out so only the top of the frame is used (to allow the inspection sticker at the bottom to remain visible). Delaware only requires a single DMV plate be placed on the rear of the car, but if the frame comes out good I will make another one for the front. I'll post a picture once it's done.

[Andy]

It's all about you and where you live
Let's start with YOU.
Common sense is not as common as you may think
visual perception is 90% of reality (i made that up)
but it's true. walks like a duck talks like a duck
you get the idea
saying not in service or out of service indicates to most
that...... at any moment it COULD be in service.
I distort the markings with magnetic strips that i carry
in a plastic coffee can that says this to the viewer
(again visual perception)
this WAS a police car.
Not.... COULD be a police car at any time.
additionally i have NEVER connected anything
on the car
Why would i have to...... it's a Display vehicle.
Now where you live
The peoples republic of California laws regarding
display / car show / restored / emergency vehicles
use no common sense at all. maybe if these guys would
not insist on connecting and playing with the lights n siren
at car shows?
Black n White VW Bugs that say geek squad can't be used
in California? come on GEEK SQUAD! vw Bugs?
California (and other states) should be more concerned
about the the guy in the full size crown Vic X police car
the guy that is trying to act the part. (and who knows what else)

[NoDrama43]

SHOW CAR FOR DISPLAY ONLY

[Andy]

Originally Posted by NoDrama43

SHOW CAR FOR DISPLAY ONLY

WHAT HE SAID

[ImEvil1]

Originally Posted by Andy

WHAT HE SAID

I'll write that on the side of my TRAILER.

[CNTLOSE]

When I had the FHP I just used painters tape and covered the fender "STATE TROOPER" decals and I used several pieces to cover the door shield. On the trunk I had a magnet that read, "NOT IN SERVICE". All lights were covered so nothing stuck out at all.

On the TX car it is a little easier. I just put a piece of tape across the "PUBLIC SAFETY" part and cover the lights. If I am taking it on the highway out of state I will also put the NIS magnet on the trunk.

[copper]

Originally Posted by NoDrama43

SHOW CAR FOR DISPLAY ONLY

I like that wording. I have a sign stating SHOW CAR IN TRANSIT-NOT IN SERVICE. They are on both doors and in the rear window. The other signage is covered with painters tape. I've had police pull along side and give me the thumbs up. This doesn't mean it is the best but I want to let the Police know I'm not impersonating.

[mac88chp]

Another signage variation used here: