Artcars and the LawI have no patience with cartists who seem to want to enrage law enforcement officers. These people, the officers are hard working individuals not being paid nearly enough who are confronted with an infinite number of laws that no one person can hope to master.
When confronted by a law enforcement officer one needs to relax, defend your art and cooperate.
The best starting point is knowing that your art is legal. If you want to be on the road you have to comply or get your reps in government to change the laws - FIRST!
These days most law code is on line and accessible. These codes are designed mainly for safety so it is generally in your best interest.
Generally I have found that the law asks you to make sure nothing is on the windshield below a certain mark placed into the glass at the factory. This is different for each vehicle. There is an allowance around the mirror. Additionally art should not be sharp as to cut the passer by. Rear window obstruction however is generally ok as long as there are side mirrors. Lights can also not be obscured. Wheel wells have to be present but generally can extend as far out as you wish. Glue has to be considered "perminant repair" read the label if it says permanent it is ok. Lights can not be those of traffic signals- red yellow or green.
Don't take my word on it each state may be different.
Once you are legal you will be surprised what you can do- know your rights and be free.
Remember-the officer pulling you over has other things to do. They wonder like everyone else. Sometimes they just want a photo.
Ask them what is not right and try to fix it right then and there.
Hint- never obscure the license plate and keep insurance and all inspections up to date.
You may be an artist but that does not make you above the law.
Let the police officer take a photo.
Find policemen in daily life and talk to them about the legality of your car- better in advance than in traffic!
Remember the attitude you leave with the officer will be the attitude that greets the next cartist!
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Conrad Bladey ©1999