Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Fake "Speed Enforced By Drones" Signs On California Freeways

Posted by Unknown on from the we-only-track-all-your-movements dept.

NF6X writes "CBS station KPIX reports that somebody has been installing counterfeit traffic signs on California bay area freeways, warning motorists of drone-based speed enforcement. They are professionally-made reflective metal signs of comparable style and quality to official traffic signs, and in some cases are even mounted with tamper-resistant hardware. The signs show the familiar silhouette of an MQ-1 Predator drone launching a weapon. According to KPIX, California Highway Patrol denies that they operate any drones, and states that the signs are fake."

4 of 218 comments (clear)

  1. Sign artist has now been ID'd by JDG1980 · · Score: 5, Informative

    According to NBC News, the fake drone signs were a bit of performance art by a local guy named Stephen Whisler. He described his motivation as " partially political and partially a prank".

  2. Re:If you're going to troll, troll in style. by JDG1980 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here's his website: http://stephenwhisler.net/Stephen_Whisler.html. And a direct link to the page on this prank / performance art: http://stephenwhisler.net/Sculpture/Pages/Speed_Enforced_by_Drones.html.

  3. Re:If you can't trust the authenticity of the sign by whoever57 · · Score: 4, Informative

    They don't even need aircraft, I have seen officers noting license plates and the time they pass on a stretch of highway. They relay it to another officer much further down (in this case about 40 miles) and if you get there under a certain time they pull you over for speeding.

    I don't think so (from California Vehicle Code Section 40802 -- Speed Traps)

    Speed Traps

    40802. (a) A "speed trap" is either of the following:

    (1) A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance.

    Speed traps are illegal in California.

    --
    The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
  4. Re:Spread Awareness by jittles · · Score: 4, Informative

    You do realize that YOU are breaking the law by not moving over when you are driving in the left lane? Yes, even if you are speeding. YOU should learn to read the damn traffic laws, forfeit your license, or both.

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that only apply in two situations:

    1) You are travelling less than the speed limit AND slower than the flow of traffic. (Vehicle Code Section 21654.) 2) You are on a two-lane road, and there are more than five vehicles lined up behind you. (Vehicle Code Section 21656.)

    You may consider yourself corrected (emphasis mine):

    21654. (a) Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.