Pulled over for loud music!!

[BananaLanderS]

Ok so im on my way home from class, and im about 30 seconds from pulling into my driveway when this cop car comes up behind me and flashes the blues. I was like wtf, why is he pulling me over. I wasnt even going over 25 in the neighborhood. So he comes up and asks for the usual and says he pulled me over because my music was too loud! (Has anyone else ever heard of this law? ) Which is complete bullshit I barely had my music up at all and I live out in the country, but I was polite and didnt argue. So he runs my tags does whatever cops do and comes back and ask's "Do you have anything in your car?" So I said no, because I actually didnt have anything... I dont think. Then he says, "well you wouldnt mind me searching your car then would you?" So I think about it for a second and remember what I learned on here that they cannot search without my consent. So I tell him "I would rather you not search my car" then he asks why and i just repeated myself. He said have a nice day and that was it. My question is was that a smart move, saying "I would rather you not" rather than "I do not consent to any search." Im not going to lie I was nervous as hell and he could tell. He couldnt go get a warrant or watch my house could he? I didnt think he could cause i thought i read somewhere that he cant get a warrant based just on suspicion. I know im probably just being extremely paranoid but it would be great if i could get some input to calm my nerves. This was also my first time being pulled over.

Thanks you all are great!

BananaLanderS Reviewed by BananaLanderS on 10-11-2006. Pulled over for loud music!! Ok so im on my way home from class, and im about 30 seconds from pulling into my driveway when this cop car comes up behind me and flashes the blues. I was like wtf, why is he pulling me over. I wasnt even going over 25 in the neighborhood. So he comes up and asks for the usual and says he pulled me over because my music was too loud! (Has anyone else ever heard of this law?:confused: ) Which is complete bullshit I barely had my music up at all and I live out in the country, but I was polite Rating: 5

[birdgirl73]

Yes, that was a very good response and a friendly way to say you didn't want to be searched. The most hostile and defensive people are, the more suspicious cops become. And they're already suspicious to begin with.

He couldn't do a warrantless search if he didn't have probable cause, and that generally consists of his seeing some evidence of weed or drugs, although cannabis odor alone will often stand up in court as sufficient probable cause.

Officers can cite (ticket) you for overly loud music because of city and county noise ordinances, which are basically local laws. They can also cite you if someone else complains about the noise. Generally if the noise seems excessive to the officer--or if it's bothering another citizen--that's enough for you to get a ticket. That's why it's wise to keep it down to a low roar--so you don't arouse suspicion or cause a cop to have to use his own judgement. Having the music at a reasonable level is also a safety issue, too, in many cases. You need to be able to hear other cars screeching their tires or honking at you--or to be able to hear oncoming trains.

Sounds like you had a very lucky afternoon! Good job.

[Myth1184]

I guess the law varies, Here in Georgia, the law states if the car next to you can hear the music, your music is too loud, and you can be fined, but, its hardly, if ever, enforced....

[gmoney5ss]

well next door to GA in bama thats how i ended up in jail and on probation..
of course i have a loud ass system, which you know is my fault so i take my punishment but it is the law, sound ordinance laws are dumb, but here in south alabama if its heard more than 50ft then its a $230-$400 ticket depending on how far they can hear you.. friend of mine was cited for 500ft..
reason is if an emergency vehicle is comming towards you, you wont be able to hear it. My arguement is i have eyes, mirrors, and a neck to turn my head in many directions, i can see them comming.. usually looking in mirrors for police anyway.. I know i sound stupid but i enjoy my music very much, very loud..

most cops arent bad about it and dont really enforce it, but hey 40 new rookies to the police department.

Anyway the reason my car was searched, and i advise you to be careful about too is because it was after 10pm (probable cause? i think not, they think differently) good luck with it