DevBlog

It was Monday night after the conference. I was driving north from Tempe to Flagstaff and was getting late. I think it was around 10:30. The speed limit on I-17 in that area is 75 and I was doing about 81 when I passed a car with all its lights off, parked just off the freeway, that I recognized as Arizona Highway Patrol. I then watched him turn on his headlights and get underway.

I couldn't believe he was after me for going six miles over the speed limit. He pulled up behind me and turned on his reds and blues. Of course, I pulled over.

The officer identified himself and said that he stopped me because I didn't have a light on the rear license plate. He asked me to step out of the car and stand near his. He did the normal business stuff...called in my name and license number...and began writing up paperwork. Two more patrol cars arrived.

He then gave me a "fix order", meaning I had five days to repair the light, then mail in the paperwork. However, he told me he wouldn't come up to Utah to get me if I didn't send it in. He handed me back my license, registration, etc, then said, "We get lots of drug traffic through here. Do you mind if we search your car."

Now, it's quite cold and I'm standing there in a short sleeve shirt...and freezing. It's within my rights to say, "No", but in this case I was cold and tired...it was getting late...and I had nothing to hide. Two of the officers began the search with the other stood near me. They opened the trunk, checked my coat and handed it to me so I could stay warm. After the search, I was on my way.

As I was standing there during the search, I thought about news stories we frequently hear on the news here in Utah. Someone is stopped for a minor traffic violation (for example, a burned out license plate light) and a stash of drugs is found in the car. I guess I fit the profile. No harm done...and about an hour later, I was in bed in my hotel in Flagstaff.