TexasCHLforum.com

txinvestigator wrote:

DFWCHLer wrote:

KBCraig wrote:TXI, Steve, you'll probably both enjoy this one:

http://thelawdogfiles.blogspot.com/2007 ... yself.html

LOL... that's a new one on me. I know a few people that will appreciate that tip.

Other interesting tickets I've seen:
Dude hanging out the window - improper cargo loading
Vehicle with modified Lamborghini-style flip-up doors driving with doors open - Obscured driver-side mirror

I imagine that those are urban myths. The Transportation Code has no law that would fit hanging out of the window with anything about cargo, and there is no requirement to even HAVE a drivers side mirror on a passenger vehicle. The only requirement is that it have a mirror located to reflect to the operator a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet from the rear of the vehicle.

Well, TXI, I have to split the opinion on this one with you. I agree about the mirror (only one required somewhere, not driver's side or anything like that) but I disagree with the cargo interpretation.

I have actually written this one once (way back when it was the traffic code and specified 4 inches as the limit), but it is illegal to carry something extending beyond the sides of a vehicle without red flags. Check Transportation Code 547.382(b) which says:

At all other times, a vehicle transporting a load that extends beyond the vehicle's sides or more than four feet beyond the vehicle's rear shall display red flags that:
(1) are at least 12 inches square;
(2) mark the extremities of the load; and
(3) are placed where a lamp is required by this section.

Thanks TXI. I have heard for years that cops cannot be the complainant on disorderly conducted because we are not supposed to be able to be offended (most of the clauses require that). Even after I show Court of Criminal Appeals cases that say we can, I still get old otherwise.

I am glad to find someone who agrees with me that a peace officer can be the complainant in Texas for disorderly conduct.