How should Garda stop you?

dillo2k10 · 19-09-2011 01:18PM #1

Is there any specific way that a Garda should pull you over or try to overtake?

I ask because I was driving today and I noticed a car behind me trying to overtake in dangerous ways. There wasnt enough room for me to pull in. So I continued driving a few moments later he was still trying. When he finally got around me I noticed that it was an unmarked Garda car with lights on (no siren)

Could I have been charged for failing to stop for the Garda?

Also if a Garda trys to pull you over on a motorway could you drive to the next exit? Since the hard shoulder isnt safe and is only for an emergency?

If a unmarked car trys to pull you, do you have to stop or can you go to a garda station? Anyone could easily buy blue lights and a siren on ebay?

heate · 19-09-2011 01:26PM

1. He wasn't stopping you - and you are under no real legal obligation to let the Gardai or indeed any emergency vehicle pass. It is simply good manners and you are assisting important duties as time is normally crucial. Should a crash result as people all move in liability is there.

2. He should have had at least his lights if not his siren on. Guards are actually expected to drive legally and set an example for other road users. If in pursuit they can drive as fast as safely possible!

3. Unmarked car - the Guard should identify himself pull your window down slightly and ask him for ID. Might get pissy with you though!

4. Generally have to pull in to the hard shoulder - very dangerous for all involved.

Saab Ed · 19-09-2011 01:32PM

"Police officers operating Garda vehicles must

provide a positive example for other road users
and management should develop policies to ensure
such is the case. In non-emergency situations,

police officers should fully comply with the rules
of the road in the operation of vehicles, observing
speed limits, traffic signals and refraining from the

use of mobile phones while driving"

taken from ......

http://www.gsinsp.ie/index2.php?opti...d=55&Itemid=53

Dont dare question guards in here. I had the audacity to do so in here about a week ago and got shouted down in a torrid of abuse and a hail of angry and threatening comments from guards. It ended in the thread being closed and most guards disputing the findings of the attached report.

Guy:Incognito · 19-09-2011 01:34PM

They should ALWAYS use spike strips imo.

spiggotpaddy · 19-09-2011 01:34PM

you may as well get the padlock out now. we can't talk about ags without the padlock.

heate · 19-09-2011 01:39PM

I think that the topic can be covered in a logical legal methodical manner without any offense being caused

challengemaster · 19-09-2011 01:53PM

heate wrote: »

I think that the topic can be covered in a logical legal methodical manner without any offense being caused

It probably could, until some members of AGS come on and despite what you say, will claim that you're garda bashing. Criticism, pff, forget about it. :rolleyes:

Guy:Incognito · 19-09-2011 01:55PM

spiggotpaddy wrote: »

you may as well get the padlock out now. we can't talk about ags without the padlock.

<snip>

I've never seen a reasoned debate locked up.

heate · 19-09-2011 02:02PM

it isn't really a debate when you point out the recommended protocol

-Chris- · 19-09-2011 02:42PM

Saab Ed wrote: »

"Police officers operating Garda vehicles must

provide a positive example for other road users
and management should develop policies to ensure
such is the case. In non-emergency situations,

police officers should fully comply with the rules
of the road in the operation of vehicles, observing
speed limits, traffic signals and refraining from the
use of mobile phones while driving"

taken from ......

http://www.gsinsp.ie/index2.php?opti...d=55&Itemid=53

But do the above apply in emergency situations, which you'd have to assume this was, because the blue lights were on and they were trying to get someone quickly.

spiggotpaddy wrote: »

you may as well get the padlock out now. we can't talk about ags without the padlock.

challengemaster wrote: »

It probably could, until some members of AGS come on and despite what you say, will claim that you're garda bashing. Criticism, pff, forget about it. :rolleyes:

Saab Ed wrote: »

Dont dare question guards in here. I had the audacity to do so in here about a week ago and got shouted down in a torrid of abuse and a hail of angry and threatening comments from guards. It ended in the thread being closed and most guards disputing the findings of the attached report.

Lads, if you don't want to contribute, don't contribute.

Threads will be locked if they start tarring people with the same brush or moving into vague, accusatory generalities rather than discussing points that can be refuted with information or experience.

Any Garda who disputes the findings of a report should be requested to show the same level of rigour in their dispute, as any other poster is when making accusations of the Gardai. Unfortunately, it rarely stays that civil.

-Chris- · 19-09-2011 02:43PM

dillo2k10 wrote: »

I ask because I was driving today and I noticed a car behind me trying to overtake in dangerous ways. There wasnt enough room for me to pull in. So I continued driving a few moments later he was still trying. When he finally got around me I noticed that it was an unmarked Garda car with lights on (no siren)

Can I ask - did they turn the lights on as they were passing you, or did they have the blue lights on while they were behind you trying to overtake and you didn't notice them?

Saab Ed · 19-09-2011 02:52PM

-Chris- wrote: »

Threads will be locked if they start tarring people with the same brush or moving into vague, accusatory generalities rather than discussing points that can be refuted with information or experience.

Any Garda who disputes the findings of a report should be requested to show the same level of rigour in their dispute, as any other poster is when making accusations of the Gardai. Unfortunately, it rarely stays that civil.

The only method left open to me to back up my accusations is to bring up a previuosly closed thread. This I'm not going to do as in my opinion it will only end up de-railing this very thread. That said (and I dont want the contents of my previous thread to be discussed here, more the tone of the posters) if anybody wants to search for a thread title " Gardai should lead by example " I think they'll see my accusations are well founded

-Chris- · 19-09-2011 02:56PM

Saab Ed wrote: »

The only method left open to me to back up my accusations is to bring up a previuosly closed thread. This I'm not going to do as in my opinion it will only end up de-railing this very thread. That said (and I dont want the contents of my previous thread to be discussed here, more the tone of the posters) if anybody wants to search for a thread title " Gardai should lead by example " I think they'll see my accusations are well founded

Noted, now let's all get back on-topic for this thread please.

bijapos · 19-09-2011 03:25PM

dillo2k10 wrote: »

Could I have been charged for failing to stop for the Garda?

I doubt they would go that far, a bit of a warning would be better.

Also if a Garda trys to pull you over on a motorway could you drive to the next exit? Since the hard shoulder isnt safe and is only for an emergency?

No, you should stop on the hard shoulder, then request that you go to the next exit/layby as you feel nervous or uncomfortable on the hard shoulder.

If a unmarked car trys to pull you, do you have to stop or can you go to a garda station? Anyone could easily buy blue lights and a siren on ebay

You should stop, if you are suspicious then tell them so and request to go to the next station.

Slightly OT but I've always felt that the blue lights in unmarked cars are very hard to see. No idea where they are sourced but the ones on unmarked German cars are much easier to spot.

challengemaster · 19-09-2011 03:31PM

bijapos wrote: »

I doubt they would go that far, a bit of a warning would be better.

No, you should stop on the hard shoulder, then request that you go to the next exit/layby as you feel nervous or uncomfortable on the hard shoulder.

You should stop, if you are suspicious then tell them so and request to go to the next station.

Slightly OT but I've always felt that the blue lights in unmarked cars are very hard to see. No idea where they are sourced but the ones on unmarked German cars are much easier to spot.

Who told you this or did you make it up yourself?

If anything the Gardaí will probably prompt you to continue to the next exit before pulling over if they have any cop on (not a dig) Motorways are extremely dangerous to be stopped on, and you shouldn't stop on the hard shoulder. Continue to the next exit and then explain (if necessary) to the garda.

And if you stop for a fake unmarked that's trying to steal your car, and tell them you're suspicious and want to go to the next station, what exactly do you think will happen? They'll agree? or they'll drag you from the car and kick the crap out of you before taking your car? Never heard anything like it in my life :rolleyes:

heate · 19-09-2011 03:32PM

I've been done for failing to stop! One Guard waved me thru the other didn't agree and nearly reefed me out of the car!
Failing for stop normally though I think is if you blatantly don't stop - i.e. joy riding or flying through a check point etc.

dillo2k10 · 19-09-2011 05:01PM

-Chris- wrote: »

Can I ask - did they turn the lights on as they were passing you, or did they have the blue lights on while they were behind you trying to overtake and you didn't notice them?

I'm pretty sure that they were on while they were behind me and I didn't notice them because they weren't behind me a few moments before hand so would have had to overtake other cars.

I did look at the car briefly in the mirror but the lights weren't that obvious.

bijapos · 19-09-2011 05:47PM

challengemaster wrote: »

Who told you this or did you make it up yourself?

No I didn't make it up myself, its standard procedure in countries such as Germany, Italy and France amongst others and in light of there be no strong guidelines here its what I would recommend.

If anything the Gardaí will probably prompt you to continue to the next exit before pulling over if they have any cop on (not a dig) Motorways are extremely dangerous to be stopped on, and you shouldn't stop on the hard shoulder. Continue to the next exit and then explain (if necessary) to the garda.

Yes, they probably will, but thats not what the OP asked, they asked:

Also if a Garda trys to pull you over on a motorway could you drive to the next exit?

If they try to pull you over you have to stop, you have to comply with instructions of a Garda, failing to stop is an offence. OK?

For all you know there could be something wrong with your car that they are warning you about, but to answer the OP: Yes you must stop if requested.

And if you stop for a fake unmarked that's trying to steal your car, and tell them you're suspicious and want to go to the next station, what exactly do you think will happen? They'll agree? or they'll drag you from the car and kick the crap out of you before taking your car? Never heard anything like it in my life :rolleyes:

Again you failed to read the OP, it says:

If a unmarked car trys to pull you, do you have to stop or can you go to a garda station?

The answer is yes, you have to stop for an unmarked car. If you realise its dodgy then drive on and ring 999, but if you are aware its a proper unmarked car you have to stop. This is what the OP asked.

BTW theres no need for the roll eyes and sarcasm either, its a discussion here, not a fight.

CharlieCroker · 19-09-2011 06:04PM

Op, the question as to whether to stop for an unmarked car has been asked and answered a number of times. If you're in a city/town, if it's legit and you fail to stop it won't be long before a marked patrol car shows up to stop you. In a rural area, it's not that easy but the gardai will make themselves known in other ways (I.d through the window etc), just don't be going through red lights, junctions etc

Anan1 · 19-09-2011 07:45PM

In my experience the Gardaí are pretty reasonable about these things, as long as they don't feel you're taking the piss. If in doubt, pull in, keep the engine running and doors locked and only open the window a crack until you're happy they're genuine. Let's face it, in or out of uniform a real Garda is not that hard to recognize.:)

spiggotpaddy · 19-09-2011 07:50PM

Anan1 wrote: »

In my experience the Gardaí are pretty reasonable about these things, as long as they don't feel you're taking the piss. If in doubt, pull in, keep the engine running and doors locked and only open the window a crack until you're happy they're genuine. Let's face it, in or out of uniform a real Garda is not that hard to recognize.:)

lose the ha ha chewed

Anan1 · 19-09-2011 08:06PM

spiggotpaddy wrote: »

lose the ha ha chewed

What's that?

MugMugs · 19-09-2011 09:05PM

I was complimented on my pulling in technique recently. he even asked if I was a member because I did it so well. Not slamming on the brakes nearly causing them to rear end you is a good start

And no, I'm not a member.

CharlieCroker · 19-09-2011 09:12PM

MugMugs wrote: »

I was complimented on my pulling in technique recently. he even asked if I was a member because I did it so well. Not slamming on the brakes nearly causing them to rear end you is a good start

And no, I'm not a member.

Yes, if you see blue lights behind you pull in when it's safe to do so (nobody is expecting you to drive into the ditch), if on a dual carriageway pull into left most lane. DO NOT brake because the emergency vehicle then has to brake harder as they're going faster. if you're doing 70 or 80 mph, keep doing it until it's safe to move into another lane (if they're after you, you're already caught) and don't slow down to pull in behind a car on your left, the nearest gap may be ahead of you so aim for that instead.

99% of the time they just want to get past and as they're already on a call, they're not gonna stop you to give you a bollocking because you went 5mph over the limit to get out of the way.

And I am a member.

Anan1 · 19-09-2011 09:13PM

MugMugs wrote: »

I was complimented on my pulling in technique recently. he even asked if I was a member because I did it so well. Not slamming on the brakes nearly causing them to rear end you is a good start

And no, I'm not a member.

You also get brownie points for indicating left at the exact instant they put on the blues.

challengemaster · 19-09-2011 09:15PM

bijapos wrote: »

If they try to pull you over you have to stop, you have to comply with instructions of a Garda, failing to stop is an offence. OK?

For all you know there could be something wrong with your car that they are warning you about, but to answer the OP: Yes you must stop if requested.

I'm aware of that, but there's a difference between stopping and stopping safely in an appropriate place.

You wouldn't stop on a blind bend in the road with no hard shoulders either side if requested, would you?

People have been stupid enough to Jam on the brakes in the overtaking lane of a motorway when being pulled over by AGS. The motorway is not a safe place to pull in and stop, neither for you or especially for the garda who's pulling you over who has to get out of their car.

Again you failed to read the OP, it says:

The answer is yes, you have to stop for an unmarked car. If you realise its dodgy then drive on and ring 999, but if you are aware its a proper unmarked car you have to stop. This is what the OP asked.

By the time you realise its dodgy once you've pulled over you're screwed. Especially at night, when you won't be able to see much of the car except the blues in the mirrors.

No offense but I'll take CharlieCroker's word on this before I take yours.

MugMugs · 19-09-2011 09:17PM

Anan1 wrote: »

MugMugs wrote: »

I was complimented on my pulling in technique recently. he even asked if I was a member because I did it so well. Not slamming on the brakes nearly causing them to rear end you is a good start

And no, I'm not a member.

You also get brownie points for indicating left at the exact instant they put on the blues.

They're lucky if you make to the hard shoulder before your "oh my god I am going to replicate the performance of ceramic brakes" maneuver.

challengemaster · 19-09-2011 09:21PM

MugMugs wrote: »

They're lucky if you make to the hard shoulder before your "oh my god I am going to replicate the performance of ceramic brakes" maneuver.

Would be slightly more impressive if the brakes caught fire too though

sean1141 · 19-09-2011 09:30PM

challengemaster wrote: »

Who told you this or did you make it up yourself?

If anything the Gardaí will probably prompt you to continue to the next exit before pulling over if they have any cop on (not a dig) Motorways are extremely dangerous to be stopped on, and you shouldn't stop on the hard shoulder. Continue to the next exit and then explain (if necessary) to the garda.

i seen a marked garda car with a bmw pulled just under the crossover bridge at junction 14 of the m7 about a month ago. i thought it was a dangerous place as the guard was leaning in the drivers window of the bmw.. maybe he was giving the driver a bolliking for not going up the off ramp!!

Bosco boy · 20-09-2011 10:17AM

Saab Ed wrote: »

"Police officers operating Garda vehicles must

provide a positive example for other road users
and management should develop policies to ensure
such is the case. In non-emergency situations,

police officers should fully comply with the rules
of the road in the operation of vehicles, observing
speed limits, traffic signals and refraining from the
use of mobile phones while driving"

taken from ......

http://www.gsinsp.ie/index2.php?opti...d=55&Itemid=53

Dont dare question guards in here. I had the audacity to do so in here about a week ago and got shouted down in a torrid of abuse and a hail of angry and threatening comments from guards. It ended in the thread being closed and most guards disputing the findings of the attached report.

does anyone have the right to question you? You didn't get the reaction you wanted and got the hump. You weren't abused by anyone you just couldn't cope with the other side of the debate!!!!

Our man in Havana · 20-09-2011 10:31AM

They should learn to stop cars properly!

How should Garda stop you?

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