Michigan Cops Pulling Teenagers Over for Being Good Drivers

Getting pulled over is something that typically only takes place when a driver commits a violation to the rules of the road and forces an officer to intervene. However, in some parts of Michigan, cops are now pulling over teenagers on the basis that they are being “good drivers.”

According to reports, Macomb County police have launched a gift-card reward program for teenaged motorists they witness driving responsibly.

"The sheriff's office is pleased to partner with State Farm in this initiative," said Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. "Programs like this help to develop positive relationships between our deputies and the young adult community. We look forward to the positive interaction with our new drivers."

Unfortunately, while the concept of police handing out $5 gift cards to restaurants like Subway and Taco Bell to kids serious about their driving privileges sounds harmless and nice, there is plenty about this program that should be of some concern.

For example: If an officer spots a car load of teens wearing their seatbelts and obeying the speed limit, these kids can be pulled over for a reward. However, once the officer approaches the vehicle, the situation could change drastically. The cop could smell marijuana or witness any number of things that could bring the kids trouble with the law.

It is for that reason that a program where officers are pulling people over for both disobeying and obeying the law, should strike a nerve with everyone.

Supporting law enforcement sponsored reward programs of this kind violates law-biding citizens' constitutional right to being left alone. If the state wants to reward safe teenage drivers, let them evaluate their driving records at the end of the year and send them a gift card based on their overall performance. I don't think we don’t need the police sniffing around in our business anymore than they already do.