Truck driver turns tables on trooper who pulled him over

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Monday, June 30, 2014
Illinois state trooper
An Illinois state trooper decided not to write a trucker for honking his horn at him after he realized the trucker had been recording a video the entire time
KTRK-KTRK

A truck driver who spotted a trooper allegedly speeding while talking on his cell phone took matters into his own hands.

When Brian Miner saw the Illinois state trooper go speeding past him, he honked his horn, then started recording a video on his cell phone. The trucker then posted the entire incident on YouTube.

The video shows the trooper walking up to Miner's door. The trooper says he pulled the trucker over for honking his horn.

Miner admits he honked the horn to alert the trooper that he was speeding and talking with a cell phone in his hand, something drivers are not allowed to do in the state of Illinois.

The trooper then defends himself, saying, "police officers can actually use technology when they're driving."

Technically, the trooper is correct. The state's ban on electronic communication devices states the law does not apply to "a law enforcement officer or operator of an emergency vehicle while performing his or her official duties."

The trooper then asks Miner for his license and proceeds to question him on how fast he was driving.

"You passed me! Are you above the speed limit as well?" Miner responded.

The trooper then tells the trucker he's going to issue him a ticker for using his horn unlawfully. That's when Miner informed the trooper he was recording the entire conversation.

The trooper goes back to his cruiser, and then a few minutes later comes back to tell the trucker he isn't getting a ticket after all. The trooper claims that he was traveling at 70 mph, which is the speed limit, and then tells Miner he's decided not to write him a ticket.

"I didn't want to hurt your record," the trooper said. "Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to my speed... I don't remember having my phone on me."

"We're all out here sharing the same road," Miner responded. "You should be held accountable to the same standards I am."

When the trooper leaves, Miner then turns the camera on himself.

"That's what happens when they know you're recording," Miner said.