I have an LED message display device similar to that in a police car. I want to use it for the following reasons, warning drivers behind me to back off when too close, warning of standing traffic ahead on motorways, child on board etc. I bought this legally. It will not allow profanity or the word police as it states in the instructions.
Any British Bobbies out there who can advise and maybe provide a link so I can see for myself as I have been unable to find anything. Thanks in advance.
It does have a remote but I can wire it accordingly to various buttons in the car. So it would be usable just like pressing the rear demister.
It has 50 pre progammable messages of your own choice. Programmed whilst stationary. Activated when required by the required memory button on remote.
If they are not illegal, then surely I could refuse to take it out if an officer asks?
I wouldn’t refuse but the law is the law?
not been in the UK for the past 3 years BUT YES they are allowed the only thing you can not do is have the red / blue lights flashing……
I think that you would be OK to go and check at the local station and IF they say yes then get the sub section of the law and make a note of it and keep it in the car………….you know what some of the police are like so it would be helpful to have the actual law at hand for them lol lol lol
does it have the ability to say GET OFF THE PHONE YOU idiot…………….
regards
Its a really good idea ,I’m unsure of the law on this ,get some advice locally before you start,I hope that your idea gets took up by others to,good luck
I’m not a bobby but I bet this is not legal – it’s probably contrary to the Construction and Use Regulations.
No matter how well intentioned, it is obviously a distraction to other drivers. Also, how can you activate the appropriate message whilst driving – you’d obviously have to take your eye off the road and perhaps cause the accident you were trying to prevent!
My brother is a cop and says it isnt illegal but you would be stopped and proberly asked to take it out, As the are alot of people pretending to be the police now.
Also just for curiosity how would you change it when your driving, they need a remote to be programmed?
It could be viewed as a provocation to other drivers, these days it is not sensible to do anything that might result in road rage against you.People change when they get in their cars.
Not illegal, but would have no effect other than to wind other drivers up….if there is standing traffic ahead is seeing your little sign going to be the only thing that stops them running into the back of you…they would probably be so surprised to see it they wouldn’t see the road ahead and run into you anyway…..If some one is tailgating you and you put the words ‘Back off’ up, do you really thing they would…I don’t…Sorry but I think you want to pretend to be a cop, whether you admit it or not….don’t agree with them at all.
I am not with the Police force ,
As far as common sence goes , I whould say that putting the item in question , into your car , should not break the law
My friend works for a recovery firm and has one of these on the back of his truck. The only thing that he uses it for is when he is recovering vehicles at accidents, breakdowns etc etc. The usual things it says are :-
ACCIDENT, INCIDENT, CAUTION and SLOW MOVING VEHICLE AHEAD
As he is working for a recognised highways industry, I would assume he can legally use it, but not sure about private vehicles.