Why is it OK for cops to violate all traffic laws when they are driving around?

With all the respect to cops, I have never seen in my life a cop who would not violate a traffic law. Even if not using signal lights is not a big deal and most drivers don't get a ticket for this, cops should be our examples, they represent the law and they should not be allowed to violate the law without a reason. I mean I respect cops and most of them do a good job, but regarding to their behavior in traffic many of them are arrogant towards others (at least from my experience). What picture should then the public make about cops? What kind of relationship and opinion is then created about cops among general public? For example, recently I crossed yellow double lines, because I passed a car going very slow (going 20mph on 50mph speed limit). I got a ticket (sec. 21460) and I admit I violated the law so I have to pay, but the guy who was going too slowly did not get a ticket for obstructing the traffic. When the cop finished with me, he just made U-turn and crossed those double lines as well, not using emergency lights or sirens. I wonder if I would get another ticket if I did the same. Another example, couple of times I saw that cops ran red lights or didn't stop on stop signs at all without using emergency lights or sirens. So they can violate the law, but general public can't? I believe that there should be an opportunity for public to report those cop traffic violators, but it is hard to prove it. When cars will be equipped with cameras continuously recording while driving, it might be easier to prove it. Until then, ... we have to live with it.

Poeticjustice23, yes, I have his badge no. and I know his email. But since he is a cop on a university where I am the student there it would not do a good thing for me. Also, his dad is a chief police officer.

Bankykun, I agree with you that most of cops do good jobs, but regarding the traffic behavior I have a bad personal experience. When cops do not cause accidents it does not mean they can violate the law without a reason. At least that is my feeling and opinion.

Because they have lights on top and a star on the hood. No cop is going to pull over another cop. They're safe.
And reporting a cop will just get all the other cops to retaliate. Ticket central my friends. Sure, they say they wont, and it wont be legal, but it will happen.

Do you have his name and badge #? Call the dept and report him to his supervisor. Cops hate being reprimanded.

Because they're cops & can get away with it. No cop is going to arrest another cop.

Unfortunately, a lot of emergency vehicles abuse their power. Not all of them, but a good amount of them. And they will most often get away with it. Many times I've seen police officers turn their lights and sirens on just to get ahead in traffic, and I've heard some officers admit that they do this. Oh well though, right?

The reason they don't often get a ticket for breaking traffic laws is because, why would a fellow officer write one of his co workers a ticket? When you're working in that field, you get to be pretty close with your co workers, and surely you wouldn't write your brother, or your best friend a ticket, would you?

Very rarely, if ever, does an officer, medic, or firefighter get a ticket for breaking a minor traffic law. Now, a more serious offense, like a D.U.I. is not something that they can usually get away with.

Oh, boo hoo. You got nailed and it's so unfair. He didn't get nailed. Now ask yourself... how MANY times have you broken the traffic laws and DIDN'T get nailed?

You didn't say where you're at, but in Texas, it's illegal to pass another vehicle if it involves you crossing the double-yellow line. Just like you experienced. But it's NOT illegal to cross the double-yellow line to make a left turn, or in the case of the cop, a U-turn. So, if you're in Texas, the cop did nothing illegal. You might want to brush up on the law before pitching a fit how you're being unfairly targetted.

And forget the little speech about respecting cops and the law when you're pitching such a huge fit over something so minor.

Simply because their lights are running doesn't mean they aren't chasing someone. Sometimes you have to be descreet.

Traffic laws are in place to prevent accidents and save lives. When was the last time you saw a cop get into an accident? They receive more driving training than normal people do, and they're job requires that they bend the rules a little.

Personally I think bending a few traffic laws is a fair price to say for criminals being put behind bars.

I agree and have asked the exact question on this site. It's rediculous, frustrating, and not fair. And some of them wonder why we come on here and bash them. But the fact is they've never done anything to gain my respect. In fact, they've done quite a bit to lose it. I absolutely would not trust a cop anymore than a thug on the streets. But you cops that constantly speed and break all traffic laws know who you are, and you should be embarrassed and ashamed. You're right, we just have to live with it.

cops do have to follow all others laws jsut like us... however there are some that feel they are above everyone else... they are jsut trying to keep the roadways safe and it is a very tough job...they do what they think is best when they are on duty....you can report cops and there is such a thing as a citizens arrest... if so many citizens have so many reports against said cop, then he gets in trouble (maybe arrested, tickets, fines, i dont really know)
just remember that being a cop is demanding, stressful, and very tireing..... try to understand taht most cops work 12 hours shifts and are on call 24/7.