Question from a reader:
Recently, I’ve been seeing short videos of police cars committing traffic violations. In the comments section, there are many opinions like “They should pay their fines properly” and “They should be penalized,” but if someone actually spots a police car violating the law and reports it to the police, will the police end up penalizing themselves?

Traffic
Violations by Police Cars: A Legal Perspective

Lately, it’s become more common to see police cars committing traffic violations on social media and short video platforms. It’s honestly surprising to see police cars ignoring red lights or speeding, and it feels a bit like a scandal. The comments like “They should pay their fines properly” or “They should be penalized” are sentiments that many of you might find relatable. But if someone really spots such a violation and reports it to the police, will they actually penalize themselves? In this article, I would like to delve into this topic from a legal perspective.

Traffic Violations by Police Cars: Legal Background

First of all, it’s not actually rare for police cars to commit traffic violations. In situations where police officers are responding to emergencies, they may be permitted to temporarily disregard traffic regulations. For example, during emergency responses, ignoring red lights may be allowed. However, this is not unconditional. In non-emergency situations, they are obligated to follow traffic rules just like any other vehicle. In other words, when a police car commits a regular traffic violation, it is likely to be treated similarly to any “ordinary violation.” It is important to emphasize that police officers are human too and can make mistakes. No matter how busy their job may be, they have a duty to obey the law.

Process After Reporting

Now, if someone spots a violation and reports it, how will the police respond? The police receiving the report have an obligation to investigate the matter. However, since the reporter is a regular citizen, there may be issues regarding the credibility of the investigation within the police department. If the report is found to be true, the police will conduct an internal investigation. The outcome of this investigation can vary from case to case. If the investigation confirms the violation, the driver of the police car or the involved officers may face some form of disciplinary action. However, this is also an internal matter and can be difficult for outsiders to see.

Actual Case Study

Let me share a story about an experience from an acquaintance of mine. While driving with friends on a holiday, he witnessed a police car ignoring a red light and passing through an intersection. Initially, he was surprised and thought, “Wait, is it okay for a police car to do that?” However, after discussing it with his friends, they concluded that “Maybe we should report it.” Despite his hesitation, my acquaintance did report it to the police. A few days later, he received a call from the police informing him that an investigation would be conducted. Subsequently, he learned that the driver of the police car received a warning as a result of the investigation. He felt a bit proud that his report had been helpful, but at the same time, he harbored doubts about whether any real punishment had been enforced.

Police Transparency and the Role of Citizens

In this way, it is crucial for us citizens to monitor police actions and report any misconduct we find, as it plays a very important role in a democratic society. The police are public servants, and by checking their actions, we demand greater transparency in their operations. However, we need to act cautiously, as reporting can lead to internal issues within the police that may affect our lives.

Conclusion

We have considered what to do when a police car commits a traffic violation and the potential outcomes of reporting it. Since police officers are human and can make mistakes, it is important for us citizens to monitor their actions, but the results after reporting can vary. That said, voicing what we have seen and taking action is also a responsibility as members of society. To create a transparent society, the awareness of each citizen is crucial. Ultimately, while it may be rare for the police to penalize themselves, we hope for justice to be upheld, even if just a little. And the next time we see a traffic violation, let’s take it as an opportunity to think about how we should act. Reflecting on such themes may be the first step toward improving our society.