Hi-Vis or Not

So, my Hi-Vis jacket arrived yesterday and I decided to wear it today.

I have to agree with the whole parting the traffic like the red sea, so many more fools move aside I even took the opportunity to scare some BMW drivers on the way in, flashing lights at them. Man did they look scared they were about to get a ticket

Unfortunately, it's a little too much police-like. Since one "cheery" orificer decided to pull me over this morning with the words "You know that impersonating an officer is an offence?" Blah bull whatsit, it's a safety measure meaning I can be seen easier on the road fool! So I had a bit of a rant at him, and he couldn't do anything really since it's not a police jacket, and there's nothing "wrong" with my bike (thankfully).

Anyway, cheers stu, much-o appreciated Even if it does attrat the wrong attention

[Stu]

I think it must be a London thing that traffic just ignores you anyway.
I'm sure we've all seen cage drivers not notice real police cars/ambulance/fire engines with Blues & twos on and still not get out the way - or worse they just stop where they are even in the outside lane - WTF?

Anyway, you can't really complain that one minute you're flashing BMWs the next you're getting pulled

Still, really surprised you got pulled just for the jacket? Must of been your actions

Originally Posted by Stu

Still, really surprised you got pulled just for the jacket? Must of been your actions

The blue flashing light may not have helped. :P

Originally Posted by Well Oiled

The blue flashing light may not have helped. :P

Don't joke about that, I was only saying to a mate the other day about the possability of getting some ultra-bright LEDs to replace the park lights, and a flash unit... *whistles softly*

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Baph

Don't joke about that, I was only saying to a mate the other day about the possability of getting some ultra-bright LEDs to replace the park lights, and a flash unit... *whistles softly*

I'm definetly thinking of white strobe lights inside the headlight space
I don't see how it's illeagl as any Tom **** or Harry can put flashing amber lights on their van and pretend to be recovery or something. I guess it could be OK if you don't act like Police. But obviously if you use it to speed you'll just draw more attention to yourself

Originally Posted by Stu

I'm definetly thinking of white strobe lights inside the headlight space *whistles softly*

Your real name isn't Dan by any chance? Cos I'm having serious deja-vu now...

Originally Posted by Stu

I'm definetly thinking of white strobe lights inside the headlight space
I don't see how it's illeagl as any Tom d*ck or Harry can put flashing amber lights on their van and pretend to be recovery or something. I guess it could be OK if you don't act like Police. But obviously if you use it to speed you'll just draw more attention to yourself

My understanding is anyone can have an orange light, but blue lights are restricted to the appropriate authorities. Ill source that in a sec if i can.

[Stu]

Yeah i'm sure Blue or Red are out but White strobes are available - what about legaliities?

Not 100% sure, but i can find a few places that sell strobes and lights for "day running lights" for cars, that are marked as legal. I guess as long as you're not causing a hazard, or using them instead of other lights that comply, they cant really do anything about it.
[edit]Not sure if "impersonating a police officer" is a points-based system and the lights and the jacket would push you over the limit though :P)

[northwind]

Originally Posted by Baph

Unfortunately, it's a little too much police-like. Since one "cheery" orificer decided to pull me over this morning with the words "You know that impersonating an officer is an offence?" Blah bull whatsit, it's a safety measure meaning I can be seen easier on the road fool! So I had a bit of a rant at him, and he couldn't do anything really since it's not a police jacket, and there's nothing "wrong" with my bike (thankfully).

Wow, that was fast... Tell them that the forces make the old ones available for sale, so it's obviously officially condoned.