New Law Would Make It Illegal to 'Peer' Into Someone Else's Car

The law would probably be too vague to enforce (as written).
www.lehtoslaw.com

[@calebbearup4282]

As long as they charge police officers who try to look into drivers vehicles then I could be ok with this

[@ianbattles7290]

As if cops would EVER bind themselves to the same laws as the rest of society...

[@lostin.psychosis7080]

see my comment above the real reason

[@kevinbrooks6147]

And allow citizens to make citizens arrests against them for doing so.

[@bigjoer6887]

I agree

[@lawrencebraun7616]

Everyone should have there car windows tinted, then people can't look in

[@geowa3724]

Even for the police? Police use the plan view doctrine to look into your car, same thing a citizen can use.

[@oldriver1827]

Police break the law all the time, so it works out fine.

[@donnavandezande3905]

At least if they are wearing a body cam, the "contraband" should be recorded prior to the search!

[@davidh9638]

Doesn't apply; police are privileged.

[@phobos258]

@@davidh9638 You're close, police are sovereign.

[@cmorris9494]

I'm sure that's just fine because the town probably gets fine money.

[@dadougler]

Cops: I can look into your vehicle. Plain view doctrine. Also Cops: It is illegal for you to look into a car.

[@ianbattles7290]

I once had an abusive relationship like that - everything I did was wrong, everything she did was right.

[@dangeary2134]

Police: Rules for thee but not for me.

[@EyeKnowRaff]

🎶Qualified immunity, it's not for you just for me. I shot your kid. I shot your wife. I get to go on with my life. 🎶

[@tightwad]

@@ianbattles7290 pretty sure that's only relationship that exists, try using facts on my girlfriend and I just piss her off. Like 1+1=2 facts. But her 10 body overly compensates for my vicissitudes

[@thecursed01]

"I could save that baby from dying of heatstroke, but that would mean admitting to looking into a car and get punished"

[@whirledpeaz5758]

When walking through a public parking lot, I regularly look into the windows of vehicles near me to determine if the driver seat is occupied and then may begin moving, thus becoming a potential threat to my safety. It's a matter of self preservation.

[@loribluestone5672]

There's lots that can happen. I agree with being alert. Safety first!!

[@TianarTruegard]

This is also a good point, and something I also check for when walking in a parking lot. knowing if a vehicle is occupied or not is an important safety check when walking in a parking lot.

[@randomblogger2835]

witnessing at a glance is not "peering", a line must be drawn

[@frankyflowers]

@@randomblogger2835 its impossible to prove peering.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Whirled Peaz: Or trying to see if a car that looks like yours is actually yours at night, which can be far easier based on what is in it. I actually got in the wrong car one night at my apartment complex, by failing to do this.

[@thadrepairsitall1278]

A while ago I was walking around my block when some guy pulls up next to me and accuses me of casing his car to prepare to steal it. All I had been doing was getting exercise and looking around to be aware of my surroundings. I could see a law like this being used to put someone just getting exercise in jail.

[@Cheepchipsable]

It's human nature to look at your environment, and into windows and yards as you walk past.

[@spikespa5208]

If I haven't touched the car, tough ____ . Up to the owner to hide items and secure his/her/its vehicle.

[@Rajamak]

I’ve fixed my hair in car windows plenty of times.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Comrades, all peering must be Party approved Allowed Looking.

[@jbrosupra]

Ive seen a video of this happenung already

[@tartarus12]

Seems like it would be a lot easier to outlaw car theft.

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

OMG, What a novel idea😉🤐

[@travelnc2g]

And actually prosecute it.

[@greenhorn6582]

Far too simple!

[@oldladyfarmer7211]

And it would make it alot harder for people to check on children & animals in cars or to identify suspects. WAY WAY WAY too much Gov in our lives already. SMH

[@gmamagillmore4812]

Good idea.

[@calebfielding6352]

I would rather they make a law requiring police to have warrants to search and seize things. Maybe they could call it the fourth amendment of the constitution, but that will never happen since it would limit government.

[@MrTrailerman2]

I hear ya.. some guys 246 years ago had the same idea. I guess it never caught on.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

"Unreasonable" ... so if a guy goes running from a bank after a robbery was reported, he can likely be stopped and searched.

[@mgancarzjr]

The Bill of Rights doesn't apply in New Jersey.

[@CD-vb9fi]

@@UncleKennysPlace You clearly can't read. 4th literally "defines" what is reasonable. And what is reasonable is "having a warrant". But you are not intelligent enough to understand that because you are okay with changing what words mean over time so your liberties can be taken away. Did you know that the Constitution did not originally apply to the states? I bet you didn't know that.

[@reflect.]

The best comment on the video.

[@thehuguenot5615]

"cannot pull the handle or take an action in an attempt to open or unlock the vehicle" I'm glad when I got in a wreck, was passed out and my car on fire that someone opened the door and got me out.

[@rsmith3062]

Being unconscious you didn't notice them peering in the window before opening the door to offer aid, to save your life. With this new law you may be able to help them too by adding some money to their jail commissary account.

[@maxsdad538]

He was probably trying to rob your cassettes!

[@micahhawcroft1994]

Do the laws regarding attractive nuisance apply?

[@jimmy_kirk]

This is gonna make traffic lights awkward... "Everyone just look forwards! Don't look out the windows! Dang it Bobby, you're going to get us all arrested!"

[@loribluestone5672]

Lol

[@arizwebfoot]

(Honorary typing before Steve finishes the video) Officer: "Why didn't you call 911 about a child in a hot car?" Me: "Uh? That would be ILLEGAL wouldn't it? To peer into a parked vehicle at the grocery store lot?" Officer: "But you have a duty . . ." Me: "But that would be ILLEGAL."

[@paulreider8321]

“The closer the collapse of the Empire, the crazier its laws are.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

[@ragsixracing]

Awesome...

[@akaroth7542]

That's not a Cicero quote.

[@paulreider8321]

@@akaroth7542 ok, then whom???

[@paulreider8321]

@@imperialsilver3936 🤣🤣🤣

[@rhyoliteaquacade]

@@paulreider8321 There might be a Roman law about misquoting Romans. Heavens...

[@AFloridaSon]

A lot of kids and animals are saved from hot cars after someone peers into a car.

[@rogerguinn4619]

Yeah. And you get 90 days and $2000 for saving them...

[@Nirrrina]

True

[@rsmith3062]

@@rogerguinn4619 They could deliver your "Good Citizen Award", "Certificate of Appreciation", "Key to City" to your jail cell.

[@cheshyr1]

I would get arrested for saving a pet or kid.

[@Rems61]

Oops didn't see this b4 I posted my comment.

[@DanGoodchild]

My biggest concern is that I have occasionally tried to open the wrong car door. It's always the same colour and model (or at least the same model under the hood, think matrix/vibe) but if I'm not paying attention, and it's parked near my car I might not notice until I can't open it. And with my ADHD paying attention is not my strongest suit. Then I make the problem even worse when, upon not being able to open the door, I peer inside the vehicle to see if my stuff is there or not. That seems to be the fastest and easiest way to tell them apart once I'm already right up against the driver's door and window; faster and easier than backing off and walking around to check the plate anyway. Yikes.

[@TianarTruegard]

How many people have their license plate memorized? Let alone the plates of family members' vehicles.

[@EXROBOWIDOW]

@@TianarTruegard My dad woke up one morning to find the plates had been stolen off his car. He reported it, and eventually the DMV sent him new plates. On the 7 character plate, the letters were TUJ. How do I remember this? Dad said they stood for Totally Unacceptable Joke. His last car's plate was 7PHExxx. How do I know? The first four characters were exactly the same as my car. The final three were the number of the highway nearest my in-laws' house. Our son's car has the letters HNA, which stands for Hackers, Nerds, Accountants. I also have the digits memorized. It used to be our car. Knowing his license plate helps us park near him when we go out to eat, as his model of car is very popular. Let's just say that memorizing your own license plate is a good idea, and it's not hard to do. Probably it's more important to memorize your driver license number, SSN, and the phone number of your significant other, though.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

My brother accidently got into someone else's identical car, his key even fit their ignition.[1960s Chevrolet]

[@sblijheid]

You don't need ADHD for that. When I was in college, there were six students in my class with the same or similar car. I used to get a ride with one girl a lot if we had to go from one end of campus to the next and I always got confused. Sometimes, they got confused.

[@DellikkilleD]

i have accidentally got into the wrong car before. realized my mistake when my key didnt turn the ignition lol.

[@tracycraft]

My sister told me a story of her passenger getting into the wrong car after grocery shopping. I always have to read my license plate to make sure it is my car. Who hasn't peered into a vehicle? A nice looking antique car or a sporty car (Corvette, Camaro, ...) Will get me to look at it and possibly peer in it.

[@lauraaustin5378]

So if a kid is dying in a hot car. Noone can save the kid.

[@dawnhoughton4533]

Or a dog

[@elinope4745]

Nobody can look for the kid and it's potentially illegal to notice that kid in the first place.

[@jeremeyswillis]

Good point. I could also see it being problematic when someone walks down the street and gets accused of this and have to prove it against the “eyewitness” testimony of the officer

[@hksp]

mind ur own business !

[@cmorris9494]

You can't help because you are not allowed to look.

[@MrKingArthurhk]

The real reason is 1A auditors are recording police vehicles.

[@frankyflowers]

they can still peer at the government.

[@seanmaury7844]

It's a legal act. Cops hate it. That's good enough to create this law? 😂😂

[@frankyflowers]

they record they don't peer. you can peer at a camera peering in a cop car.

[@Aaryq]

Ding ding ding. Tacoma PD sent a half dozen cops after me for peering into the window of an unoccupied, running cop car when I was out taking photos of flowers.

[@brandyroseann]

Agree

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Now THIS is a law that finally will curb all those car thefts. Thief 1#: Hey, the keys are in this thing, let's take it. Thief 2#: No, we can't get within 20ft of it or we might get arrested. Thief 1#: Oh, darn it, they got us. Let's get out of here then.

[@scotcoon1186]

As good as "when the criminal sees the gun free zone sign, they'll lay the weapon down, its human nature"

[@GeorgeSu15]

Sounds like an easy way for cops to go around arresting people sitting outside a cafe, eating outside from the cafe they ordered food from. Imagine being arrested for simply "eating outside". Love Steve explaining the concept of a license, it makes a lot more sense, thank you.

[@valentinius62]

Wow. Good thinking. You must be a cop! 😳 LOL

[@bryans1043]

Tossing aside that the courts have already ruled that this is unconstitutional.... I wonder how they will be able to determine whether one is peering, gazing, or glaring?

[@tacticallemon7518]

i imagine “your honor, my client was simply using the reflection provided by the window to make sure they didn’t have dirt on their nose” being used in some way

[@edwardrhoads7283]

In a parking lot I know I peer into cars as I walk by if they have taillights on to make sure they are not going to back up while I am behind them. You need to know they see you. I just realized that if you are stopped at a stop light and you look through the car in front of you to see what color the light is because I am in a car and there is a van in front of me that I would be breaking the law in that township if they passed this law. Hope they put some additional constraints on this.

[@tacticallemon7518]

and, because of how the law was written, everyone else in your car would also be in trouble you could argue you were peering through it, not into it

[@mtpocketswoodenickle2637]

Walks down sidewalk looking at the vehicles for sale at the car dealership. Sees vehicle of interest and approaches for closer look. After initial sticker shock, peers inwards into cabin area. Proceeds to get arrested unless they agree to purchase said vehicle. Perfect sales model...

[@daviaoliphant9686]

Wouldn't you have the licence to look into that car at the dealership if licence means permission to do something as apposed to ownership of.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@daviaoliphant9686 Not if this dumb law doesn't explicitly carve out that exception.

[@patrickday4206]

Yeah the definition of an arbitrary and capricious law!

[@tacticallemon7518]

⁠@@daviaoliphant9686 unless the dealership expresses permission to loiter (good fucking luck) you technically don’t have license to be there

[@dholm904]

My very first thought when I saw the title was "babies/dogs in hot cars." When I walk through a parking lot, I always "peer" into every car that I notice has a car seat, or a bouncing dog, to see if a child was forgotten, or the windows were not cracked for air for the dog, or if the dog looks overheated.

[@legionofanon]

Cracked windows aren't enough tho, they would need to be opened far enough for someone to fit their arm in for there to be any meaningful airflow to keep the interior from overheating

[@darkfur18]

I had my dog overheat with the windows open and the AC on full blast :(

[@larrymotuz6600]

That was my first thought also. Babies, toddlers and various pets at risk of dying. I then thought of kidnap and potential rape victims, et cetera. Heavens, I do look with 'intent': Not to do wrong!

[@k9thundra]

Man or woman being attacked in their car. I'm sorry but I can't help you it's illegal.

[@Derzull2468]

@@darkfur18 "windows open and the AC on full blast" That's your problem right here...

[@waynec917]

This law would set a very bad precedent in my opinion. I'm sure as hell not nosy or looking to break into anyone's car but if I see or hear a distressed child or animal left in a hot car I'm definitely going to investigate and get help for them. It's much like many of these gun laws in the fact that criminals are going to do what they want anyway. All this law ultimately does is discourage good and law abiding citizens from doing the right thing and possibly saving a life in the process.

[@dixietenbroeck8717]

*EXCELLENT points!*

[@barryfrench2534]

Like spotting a stationary car with the engine running and someone appears slumped over the steering wheel but you need to get closer to confirm.

[@heymakerphd1982]

Not only vague, but bad! I look at almost every car I walk by, especially in the summer. It's like second nature checking to see if any little persons, or pets may have been forgotten. Luckily, not often, but it did happen once. I tried the door - locked. Looked for any possibility of the owner - nope. Went after store security in a hurry. He ;had one of those door unlocker things, got the kid out of baby seat before serious damage. Not sure what all happened after that. But it was a hot sunny day! And I continue to do 'suspicious' glances, hardly ever do I 'peer'! And if I'd been afraid to look, or a cop had stopped or arrested me, it would have been tragic.

[@wordforger]

Exactly. And I'll add to that concern that I'm a woman and always careful around vehicles with strange men sitting in them.

[@DrBlueRX]

This sounds like it would give police an easy way to temporarily detain almost anybody for suspicion of peeking in the windows

[@mgmustang0510]

Our legislators need to get real jobs. They spend way too much time thinking of ways to control our every single movement and criminalize it when we do move.

[@briangarrow448]

At least at small city or town level, those elected officials have real jobs outside of their council office.

[@orppranator5230]

Yes. Term limits should be forced on every elected office in the country.

[@thecursed01]

@@orppranator5230 just means they wil lsell out even more to make it count and won't have to bother about reelections. ppl can't keep being lazy and greedy and just blame others. vote responsibly. in the past, ppl where willing to fight and die to get rid of oppressive governments. today, they are too lazy to read about candidates every couple of years and not just follow campaign marketing

[@furturisticfrontierfilms]

Wait until they pass that "Breathing without a permit" legislation. And the police roll up on you without it. But you and I know who this legislation is targeting. The perceived Dredges of society. Years ago, Texas had "N" laws. It was also referred to as "Canadian law" They are much more sophisticated and slicker now, than to call it that these days.

[@jeffreymontgomery7516]

I've said it many times before... The job of legislators is to take away your rights in such a way as to make someone's life better at your cost. Oh, you came out ahead this time? Good for you... how about next time? Every time they take away a right, whether it's to just use your eyes or to earn money or to sell something you own... every time... that's exactly what they're there for. Getting people into office who restrain from passing anything that doesn't better the lives of the VAST MAJORITY is highly difficult. People hear them say things along the lines of "We'll not tax you if you make less than $X a year." Well great... what about those who make more? Or "Everyone deserves X, so we're going to pay for it for those who can't afford it." Well that's just another tax... On those who can afford it AND those who can't! You think you're getting out of your taxes going up to pay for it even though you're in the group that can't afford it to begin with? Like I said... You came out ahead this time? Good for you... how about next time? Their job is to take away what you have... your material goods, your rights, ... your freedom. We want the BEST people in these positions... they're the WORST at passing laws and ordinances.

[@machintelligence]

This might well severely limit "window shopping" at car dealers' lots. Especially true if they are not open for business.

[@hughbrackett343]

Imagine how thrilled the car dealers will be when the cops start dragging their customers out of the showroom in handcuffs for peering into the cars; or, God forbid, opening the door and sitting in a car.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

"The more corrupt a state, the more numerous the laws." -Tacitus

[@underduress5761]

And "For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged." -Solomon, King of Israel, Son of David

[@atticstattic]

Yeah, Tacitus was known to be a kind of a prick

[@osborncox7989]

Evidence of Catholicism taking hold is codes ,edicts ,proclamations, mandates,etc

[@Slowpoke3x]

The is almost no limit to the human capacity to objectionable behavior and they shouldn't get away with it because of an arbitrary number.

[@billyjoejimbob75]

Guess that explains over a million pages of law.

[@Rick__B__]

Steve, many years ago, I drove a Honda Civic. As you can imagine, there are a lot of Civics on the road and in the parking lots. Well, one time I went to a large grocery store, got what I needed and came back to the car, only to realize that I had gotten into the wrong Honda Civic. Crazy thing about it was parked next to my car! It was the identical, year, body color, same tires, same everything on the outside... except the inside was a bit more trashy than mine. It was an honest mistake because I was sort of in a daydream. Now, if I was living in New Jersey in that town, the police would have thrown the book at me for making an honest mistake. Like you stated your video, too vague and I think it will not pass unless that bill is fixed... by a lot!

[@ostlandr]

Was an Accord the same year and color as mine that used to park near me at work. Tried to unlock it more than once.

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

I had the same thing happen to me when I drove a black f150. I was tugging on the door handle and mashing the key fob in my pocket. It wasn't until I actually tried the key in the door that I realized it wasn't my truck.

[@ostlandr]

@@KevinSmith-gh5ze My old boss told me a story about a guy whose wife would always leave the keys in an unlocked car. One day he was in town, and saw her car with the keys in it. So he thought "I'll teach her!" took the keys and locked the car. All well and good, until his wife came home. In her car. Yep, wrong car.

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

@@ostlandr well that's awkward...

[@jefftank3300]

I often peer into Lamborghinis, Ferraris, or classic cars to admire the luxuries or old look. A few times the owner has approached me asking what I am doing. Every time I state that I am admiring the car. No owner that I have met had an issue with it. However, years ago there was a case of an owner who tazed a person peering into their fancy car. According to the surveillance footage, two guys were looking in his expensive car, and he came running up. The two guys raised their hands and backed up. The owner then pulls a tazer. The two guys turn and run. The owner fires the tazer and one goes down. The car owner is charged with assault.

[@eiland369]

Steve, I’m a car lover and when I see a really nice car I sometimes take a picture of it and will look inside to check out the technology. Nothing harmful and no bad intentions.

[@Nirrrina]

That's what I'm wondering about.

[@Cohen.the.Worrier]

Well, you're about to become a criminal. Even worse if you _fit the description._

[@dcast777]

Nothing illegal either. Cities pass ordinances all the time that are unconstitutional. The city of Daytona Beach police are still arresting people for panhandling and it was ruled years ago to be perfectly legal.

[@tawanawatson3052]

Or what if someone forgot their child? No one can look into the car to check on the safety of the child?

[@HighLordBaron]

@@tawanawatson3052 You call the police because someone left their child or pet in the car and the police arrests you for looking into the car....

[@Dragonstalon1001]

I can see parts of this Law being overturned, since we already have Federal Court Opinions that state "The Eyes can not be Trespassed" as long as they are standing on Public Property or on Property they are allowed to be on. Something tells me, they crafted this "Law" specifically because there is a First Amendment Auditor that has shown up to the Police Department and 'Peered' into Cop Cars that were not in a 'Restricted Area'/Gated parking Area and got Butt Hurt.

[@valentinius62]

Maybe... But the courts have also ruled that cops can detain people just because they think you're _about to_ commit a crime. The police forces must be full of folks with remarkable ESP powers.

[@TianarTruegard]

This law does seem fairly unenforceable. Its like trying to outlaw the reception of certain radio frequencies or filming from public property. Quite unreasonable.

[@bergmanoswell879]

Unintended consequences would bite the cops - this would abolish the Plain View doctrine, which is something police rely heavily on during traffic stops. If this passes, they’d need a warrant to look in the window of a car during a traffic stop.

[@valentinius62]

@@bergmanoswell879 No, because they'll just say it's illegal except for law enforcement. You know, like they do in many states where open carry is illegal...except for law enforcement.

[@michaelhanson5773]

@@valentinius62 the courts also uphold civil asset forfeiture even when no charges are ever filed... So i could see them going along with this too...

[@JonBroun]

I have several times accidentally tried to enter a car to realize it's not my car, now we can go to jail for that; that is insane.

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

In my city a few years back, a lady drove away in someone else's car which was identical to hers -- key and all. They were parked next to each other at the grocery store. Cops figured it out when they were called to investigate a stolen vehicle and noticed an identical vehicle parked in the next stall. They put two and two together and sent an officer to the registered address of the car that was still there and found the missing one at that address. The manager of the dealership was unable to explain how identically-keyed vehicles were sold to different customers in the same market. (And as you may have realized by now, this happened well-before every car had a remote.) No charges were filed and the dealership promised to change the locks for one of the customers at no charge.

[@patrickday4206]

@@TheRealScooterGuy happened to a friend of mine red Honda civic he was driving away and was wondering how a garder belt ended up on his rear view mirror and he started looking around and then realized it wasn't his he drove it back and parked it and got into his car! Lol my friend John jennings

[@diablominero]

If you believed you were allowed to stand where you were standing, you weren't breaking that law, as it's currently written. Not that cops wouldn't abuse their power and throw you in jail anyway, but if you aren't on a paved surface you know you're not allowed to be on, that law doesn't ban you testing a car door.

[@peggyh8937]

I entered and put the key in the ignition. Fortunately, as I was about to start it, I happened to realized the belongings in the car were not mine and my car was parked next to the one I was in. Mortified, I quickly got out of the car, locked it, and got in my own car. I then went out and bought a Club for my steering wheel.

[@BruceS42]

@@patrickday4206 If that had been me, I would have parked the car in a very different spot. But I'm kind of an as...um...troll.

[@ltjon1924]

The real question is, will this void officers in that Township's ability to utilize Plainview Doctrine!?!

[@rickpatricio3116]

Did not the Supreme court decide you could not trespass a persons eyes in public.

[@dfdigger3820]

One would almost think this was made up by the police to stop auditors looking into their cruisers :)

[@John-tx1wk]

Nailed it.

[@kevinhoard4252]

Went and googled it and this was in fact proposed by the police.

[@franklyle2798]

It will definitely be used for that purpose. But then again...a normal person isn't going to linger and film the interior of the cop car for fear of getting a more close up view of the back seat 😂

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@franklyle2798 Or more likely, a steel-clad paddy wagon where they can be slammed into the wall in a braking event and get paralyzed... and it only results in misdemeanor charges for the cops.

[@brucereichert6509]

It makes it illegal for cops to look into your car, but it also gets you into trouble when you hear a baby crying in an unattended vehicle. Also when I was young, my grandfather would turn off people's headlights if they happen to forget while shopping, because nobody wants a dead car battery. That was a long time ago, when people could trust others.

[@ARockRaider]

Police don't ever get charged for breaking laws like this.

[@matta3888]

I one day rolled someones windows up, that was left down. It was a rainy day.

[@robertsmith2956]

@@ARockRaider You don't need them charged since they will be shot resisting arrest when you attempt to put them in custody for it.

[@celticlord88]

"911, there's a kid locked in a car in the heat." "You're under arrest for looking in someone's car."

[@boldCactuslad]

heh, they got you with the ol' undercover child in distress act?

[@codemiesterbeats]

This is a problem I have always had with law... Particularly in my state many of the statutes are worded so vaguely. It's truly ironic since the word law is supposed to be concise and the "end all be all" I think the goal of the law may be to stop cars being robbed / stolen but in reality it will only serve to increase the number of police interactions with the public.

[@darkwing3713]

And the number of hot car deaths.

[@experimentaldream4101]

Walking by a car in Holmdel on a 98 degree day in July you suddenly hear a whine or cry coming from the car, so to be sure there isn't a child or pet closed in the car you peer into it and are now guilty of auto-theft with intent. This ordinance creates way more problems than it solves. This is par for NJ.

[@tacticallemon7518]

no, i *stared* into the car, your honor, which, according to the law, *isn’t* illegal

[@Acoustic_Theory]

When this reaches the point where you're not allowed to look at other people who are in public, we'll know the system is functioning as intended to achieve its end goal - total madness.

[@AsapRockyOG]

Not madness..just the ability to arrest regular people minding their business for absolutely nothing…

[@no-cv4dx]

@@AsapRockyOG Gotta keep feeding the prison labor industry somehow.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Day by day we are becoming a little more like North Korea

[@PLAtime365]

Isn't this unconstitutional? Can't trespass eyesight and all?

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

Interesting question. I'm no expert on peeping, but it seems like "peeping tom" is illegal?

[@platterjockey]

Thought crime is next. "You're being arrested because we think you were thinking about looking in that car.".

[@grahamo22]

@@Metroid-rg9pnplain sight doctrine - not the same as peeping in someone’s window on their property.

[@dcast777]

@@Metroid-rg9pn From private property. If I can see into your living room from a public sidewalk it's up to you to create privacy.

[@wlonsdale1]

@@Metroid-rg9pn IT's the plain view theory. You create your own privacy and peeping in someone's window requires you most of the time to be on private property

[@the_omg3242]

An interesting side effect of this is that if someone steals a car and later gets caught and ends up in court, only the vehicles owner to testify that they saw him driving the stolen car. If anyone else says they saw the thief driving the stolen car, the defense lawyer could object to the testimony on that grounds that they broke the law when they did so. (stupid laws bring stupid arguments)

[@jerrylroberts7260]

This would only apply to *stationary* motor vehicles.

[@SoloRenegade]

@@jerrylroberts7260 so what about babies left in a car in the heat?

[@jerrylroberts7260]

@@SoloRenegade This comment thread isn't about babies. Old Man Gamer proposed that a witness could get into trouble for testifying that he saw someone driving a car. I'm just pointing out that the proposed ordinance only applies to stationary vehicles, so in fact the witness would not get in trouble if the vehicle he peered into was moving.

[@SoloRenegade]

@@jerrylroberts7260 the stolen vehicle could be stopped in a parking space when observed, so you're wrong. and regardless, my comment applies to the issue at hand, so you're wrong again.

[@no-cv4dx]

@QueerdoLoc Peeing in the bottle is the issue with this comment.

[@MichaelClark-uw7ex]

How could that ever fly when the supremes have said that you have no expectation of privacy when in public? You can't trespass someone's eyes.

[@fredorman2429]

A law against snooping in someone’s car is a good idea. Circa 2010 I had bought a Bocar liner lock pocket knife, which when opened the liner lock came all the way over making it very difficult to close. I was in my car in a McDonald’s parking lot in Ellenville NY, prior to going to lunch, working with a jeweler’s pliers to fix this problem. I fixed it and went in to eat. I was seated, reading a book, with my coffee, burgers and fries when three cops, a female sergeant and two patrol persons came to my table. Someone had seen me fixing my pocket knife in my car and had called the cops. I happened that I was also legally carrying my S&W J frame .38, so that became a federal case. They searched my car, and not being able to find anything to charge me with, the female sergeant gave me a half hour lecture about cleaning all the snack wrappers and fast food containers out of my car. Then the cops left and I finished my cold lunch.

[@jamessimms415]

It’s not the damn Police Department’s concern how the inside of my vehicle looks. Not only would I told her that w/all due respect but I would have reminded them they are not my Mother.

[@Tarkov.]

These types of laws are generally used by law enforcement as a reason to stop and talk to someone. "He was looking shady" isn't as good of an excuse as "He was breaking a petty law that we usually don't enforce, so we caught him with a bag full of stereos."

[@frankyflowers]

i think the day it passes someone will peer in a car then when a cop starts talking to them they will yell insults at the cop while ignoring all requests for id and information. peering in the car the whole time until the cops do the walk of shame or arrest him

[@TheRealScooterGuy]

I suspect such laws will disproportionately target POC and those of little means.

[@PromptCriticalJello]

I wonder if there is a way to use this against cops walking up to cars and peering in to see what's in them. I've seen several videos of this happening when the cop has no probable cause and want to fish for something.

[@TheLukemcdaniel]

@@TheRealScooterGuy so like ... most laws?

[@BruceS42]

@@TheLukemcdaniel As someone who is neither "of color" nor "of little means", I hereby complain that you essentially stole my comment before I could make it. IMO, that's by design, that laws are mostly meant to be enforced against POC and/or those of little means. I guess that means I have no dog in the fight, but I still want to see far fewer such laws. I would love to see law enforcement in this country be unbiased, but not by having them treat everyone the way they treat the poor and minorities. I want them to treat everyone the way they treat rich white people. But first I want legislatures at all levels clean up the law books.

[@KnittingmommyArts]

After the number of kids I saw reported in the news that got left in hot cars this past summer, all I can think about is what would have happened to the ones who survived if no on had looked into that car. A law like this sounds very dangerous.

[@refraggedbean]

its also going to be used to harness people with the excuse of looking at cars being illegal

[@mikis4863]

This was the first thing I thought of as he read the law!

[@dickalmighty9656]

Government's so stupid! The mayor will want to give you a key to the city for saving twin children, only for it to find out that you're currently in jail for a felony and couldn't afford bail.

[@nunyabiznez6381]

agreed.

[@windmillacres679]

It reminds me of something that happened to me. Right after my son was born, my wife and I went to the mall. The baby was sleeping, so we didn't want to wake him up. I decided to wait with the baby in the car. My wife opened the back seat car door and checked on the baby. She then closed the door and ran into the store. About 3 minutes later, an older woman opened the door to check on the baby my wife left in the car. She was quite shocked to see me sitting on the other side of the cars eat. She actually thought my wife had left the baby unattended in a running car. Talk about embarrassed. I've never seen anyone turn so red.

[@bobbyrayvictory6905]

The only person to peer in my vehicle keenly, to try to open a locked door handle has been cops in traffic stops.

[@Razmoudah]

That is the best explanation of a license that I've ever heard. Great job! There is another problem I can see with that proposed ordinance, car lots. After all, how often does someone have permission to be in or use a vehicle on a car lot before they 'peer' into it to check out the interior, or even talk to a salesman at the car lot.

[@missyjay3679]

WTH are they ignorant of SCOTUS ruling of " NO expectation of privacy in PUBLIC" ..There are countless public and city security cameras.

[@connecticutaggie]

Another issue is that, if this gets passed, the people that they are going to charged with this will not be able to afford and attorney and certainly not have the money to pursue an appeal.

[@californian1459]

That is a problem how?

[@MrHealingartist]

I drive a car that is a fairly common color of a fairly common model. I know my plate, but I don't always have a good view of my plate when attempting to pick out my car from many, many in a lot. My secondary way of identifying my car is to see the interior is decorated exactly as I would recognize. I started to check my interior while approaching after there was a time I walked up to the wrong car and had my hand on the handle. That mini-trauma made me more mindful.

[@AC-yj8cx]

I've gotten into the wrong car before. Same color, make, model ... Just not mine. Happened to be unlocked and I used my key fob. So I expected it to be unlocked.

[@GeorgeMonet]

@@AC-yj8cx I've done this several times myself.

[@alanschwamberger7398]

Lol I had a red Thunderbird parked in the mall parking lot. I left with some stuff. Went back to the car and unlocked the first red Thunderbird that I came to get in put my package on the passenger seat, went to start it and the key did not work in the ignition, but did work in the door. Finally I looked around the car and noticed things were not there that should have been. Looked over and noticed my car parked 2 or 3 spots over..... I quickly got my stuff and locked the car back up. Then I got into mine. I sat there for a few minutes to tell the owner what happened since there were surveillance cameras all over the parking lot. After a while I left since I did not see the owner come out.

[@alienkittens]

The reason I didn't get a silver vehicle even though I think that's the best color for a car is that I was tired of trying to get into other people's cars. 😆

[@DeAndreEllison]

Many cars look alike.. I have on occasion, walked up to the wrong car in a parking lot, pulled the door handle and upon realizing the door didnt open, realized i'm at the wrong car (espcially if i happen to be in a rental). Even if I didnt pull the door handle, I may have "peered" into the window of the car and realized...oops this isn't my car... Yeah, I feel kind of embarrased, but now on top of that, it could could have cost me time with the police and/or money in that particular place ..... eeeef

[@briansmaller7443]

I have done that. Wondered why my key wasn't working. Same make, model and colour parked next to my car.

[@dixietenbroeck8717]

Just two weeks ago I started to get into the wrong car in a parking lot. The shape & exterior were very similar to MY car's, but after I opened to door, the dash sure wasn't - *_OOPS!_*

[@uolamer]

I have one of the most common cars in the most common color. In a larger parking lot it is not uncommon to see 3-4 of these exact cars. Everyone of those drivers could mistake any of the others for their car. I would hope they have better sense than to pass such a dumb law.

[@mikeconley9590]

They probably want this as a back door way to arrest a 1a auditor when they film cops .

[@phred196]

You just blew my mind there. So my driver's license does not exist. That is to say my driver's license is not made out of matter. It is intangible. Steve I think you need to do a video about all of the intangible things that we have that we think are physical things. Because I really thought my driver's license was that little piece of paper. And now I realize my whole life is a lie. Thank you Steve. Excellent video.

[@colliswilliams8992]

I'd be in trouble. I had to rent a car recently, and tried twice in the same week to get into the wrong car. You never realize how many little gray sedans there are until you rent one.

[@EXROBOWIDOW]

A local dealer gave me two different loaner cars the two times recently my car was in the shop. I actually took a picture of the paper license plate of each one, because they were white, and unfamiliar to me, and I wanted to make sure I went to the correct car after leaving a store. I did not need to use my photos, because I actually remembered exactly where I parked!

[@underduress5761]

I can see this kind of law costing that municipality a lot of money in legal expenses and lawsuit awards. I'm amazed that their city attorney would let this get this far, but you know what they call the guy that finishes last in law school Esquire

[@karlrovey]

Sometimes the city or county will persist against legal advice.

[@albertaaardvark966]

Why do towns/cities pass, or try to pass, unconstitutional ordinances like this? No chance it stands up to a constitutional challenge. No chance. See plain view doctrine court cases at every level of court as to why.

[@briangarrow448]

Town councils are famous for passing laws that cannot pass Constitutional muster. They are usually trying to placate angry voters in the cheapest way possible. I have talked with council members who have stated they don’t care about constitutional rights, their brother in law is chewing them out at Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas. LOL

[@Vamooso]

Because there's no penalty for them doing this

[@albertaaardvark966]

Does it say anything about the vehicle having to be empty in that proposed ordinance? Because looking at a handsome individual sitting in a vehicle be they male, female, or alphabet, may get you arrested. 👀 And lets be honest. We all do this.

[@albertaaardvark966]

@@Vamooso Well there could be if someone files a 1983 suit, but even then it isn't their money being paid out which makes you 100% correct.

[@wapicke]

@@albertaaardvark966 This brings up an interesting point. If you walk by a car, and at first glance, see what looks to be a child strapped in (Think hot summer day). Would you become an instacriminal because you took a closer look?

[@electriclott]

You cannot trespass the eyes. That would NEVER hold up in court.

[@AtomicBuffalo]

When I read the headline my first thought was "yes please, but only if it ALSO applies to law enforcement." Then you said it was about stopping auto theft and I thought "that is the weakest of sauces." Outlawing the pulling of door handles makes some sense. Outlawing mere proximity to a strange vehicle is absurd.

[@Lego5114]

So I’m only 5 minutes into the video and I just realized that this ordinance makes it completely illegal to window shop at dealerships… think about it. While they want to sell the vehicle to you UNTIL they come out and greet you or until you go inside and ask them about it YOU COULD NOT LOOK at the vehicle until the dealer offers to let you look at it. Huh, interesting.

[@mikemojc]

My first thought is "they'll never be able to make a seat belt or cell phone car stop ever again. "

[@DarkPesco]

I used to wonder how any country could ever go the way Hitler took Germany. About 20 years ago I realized I was watching it in slow motion right here in the States. Hitler didn't start with the gas chambers. He started with little crap like this that led to incarceration. Then mass-incarceration. Then mass deportations. THEN gas chambers.

[@j.l.m.6862]

In the ovens bodies burning, as the war machines keep turning...

[@groermaik]

Hundo, unfolded, leaning against the front of the Tucker '48, on the top left side of the main cabinet. 2.4k+.

[@bearcountrypublishing5303]

Aren't they asking for a lawsuit? This law sounds unconstitutional to me. You can't trespass the eyes.

[@ddlar56]

I once went to the wrong car in a parking lot. It was the same model as my car and parked near me. I pulled on the door handle a couple of times before I looked into the car and realized it was the wrong car. I guess if I were in this town I would be subject to a $1000 fine for this mistake.

[@darkwing3713]

In Holmdel you're a big time criminal :).

[@jesse957]

At my age, I do that all the time.

[@alexandersimpson3638]

No way this would stand up in court, especially if you’re crafty and wear dark sunglasses! Lol 😂

[@seank2894]

If you think courts follow laws, you are sadly mistaken.

[@alexandersimpson3638]

@@seank2894 governments make the laws and courts follow them..👍

[@rad4579]

@@alexandersimpson3638 sometimes

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

Steve thinks he can hide Ben in front of the Tucker more than once, Steve's RHS

[@donnavandezande3905]

He is being stepped on by the boot from down under!

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

@@donnavandezande3905 You picked a sore point with respect to those boots, I'm an Aussie and the company that Sells these boots Is Australian registered, However the boots are manufactured in China and shipped to US for distribution, so technically they are not From Down Under(end of rant, sorry, carry on...)

[@Bobs-Wrigles5555]

@@Greg_Gatsby What a difference a slight angle makes👍

[@munsters2]

Has anyone else besides me walked out of a store into the parking lot, walked up to a vehicle you thought was yours, and pulled the door handle or inserted your key into the lock, before realizing you had the wrong vehicle? Glad I don't live in New Jersey.

[@ravenoftheredsky]

Louisville guy here, glad to hear that you too are a My Morning Jacket fan

[@Platinum1812]

My teenage sons are obsessed with high end cars. I have of course taught them not to touch, but they will definitely peer in to see the interior. They mean no harm but it sometimes makes me uncomfortable as it isn't our car and the way I was raised it is too much for me personally, but they say admiring is a compliment if the owner was to see them doing it. Now they may get arrested, lol.

[@volvagia6860]

Exactly this! There have been some new models of cars that I have seen in the wild, so I walked up to them and checked them out (without touching of course.) Making this illegal is rediculous.

[@spikespa5208]

I have "peered" into a car on occasion to see if the owner of the older sports car had a stinkin' auto trans.

[@boredtrucker]

Sounds like they need to make sure they keep auto thieves in jail instead of giving early release

[@valentinius62]

🤔

[@2missteri]

Can you imagine the conversation to 911 if you notice a baby overheating alone in a car ….

[@stupidburp]

“There may or may not be an issue with a particular vehicle at X location that may be life threatening but I cannot comment on how I might have come across such information nor can I research to provide further details. Have a good day.” probably still get interrogated seeking self incrimination though

[@johnclements6614]

Or the calls from people who do not want to check if it is actually a child. What will the police do then. Turn up for a pile of clothes or not for a dead child.

[@Ryarios]

Makes you wonder what politician has what in their car that they don’t want someone to be able to call them out in…

[@FrostyThundertrod]

I do asphalt maintenance it is common for cars to be parked in areas I have to repair and have to get them moved the most common way is to find out who owns the car and ask them to move it, First step is to ask anyone around if they know whos car it is. then next thing is to find some thing with the owners name on it in the car so I am "peering" into the car.

[@michaelstagar525]

We love your legal interpretation of the political comedy show in NJ. -Always good for a laugh while on break!! However, one of the lawyers in the office suggested that the authors of the ordinance forgot to add the additional penalty: "Thou shall be burned to the stake, if one had also brought with thee a black cat, while screaming: ""Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble", while petting a black cat, as thou-st peered into an enchant tinted glass of the forsaken township windows of political correctness.

[@sunbeam8866]

If thine eyes offend me, pluck them out!

[@vas4739]

The apartment complex in which I live there’s many parking spaces. I come home one day and while parking (no assigned spots except handicapped) a woman standing on the asphalt watched me very close to my car and AFTER I parked she got so close she cupped her hand -touching the front passenger window to peer inside… while I was just walking away. THAT should be illegal! Several tenants complained and she was told to stop that action. Eventually we never saw her again. We were told by neighbors that she was living with her married kids and “was in a recovery program” but had a habit of looking into cars to steal electronics to support her habit.

[@wlonsdale1]

She can't TOUCH the car but it's legal to look into the car

[@vas4739]

@@wlonsdale1 the sad thing is it was very obvious why she was doing that action. She was looking for something to sell.

[@vas4739]

@@wlonsdale1 I know… but her habit in the parking lot- which she looked inside the cars- told of her potential intent. Didn’t make ANYONE happy.

[@123smartcontent]

Someone needs to write out several silly, strange or damning scenarios that could happen because of this law and then record an interview with the people in charge that could make this go into effect. If they're not willing to do an interview then you can post that the law is written so badly, the people who are pushing for it won't even discuss it.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Go to a used car lot, and look at a vehicle, and go to jail.

[@chaplainleggitt7472]

Yesterday I watched a delivery driver walk up to different garages in my condo complex, open the garage doors remotely, and place the package inside. He had a device that he pointed at the keypad. This is one of the big delivery companies.

[@EXROBOWIDOW]

And since the customers gave Amazon whatever code opens their garage doors, there is no way the driver should be running afoul of this ordinance. These customers trust Amazon drivers more than they trust people walking or driving down the street. Maybe this town should also cook up an ordinance banning people from "peering" at front porches. I'm sure it would work really well to stop porch pirates. 😉

[@beardedbronco]

Sounds like something to stop 1A auditors from filming inside police cars

[@billdelavan1177]

I think all new laws should be approved by the State or Federal Supreme Court before it is instituted.

[@HH-ru4bj]

I think I heard an argument against that once, explaining how badly it would clog up the court system. I somewhat agree, but I've seen so many laws that blatantly violate either the constitution or contradict existing laws.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

Apparently they've never heard of a baby or dog left in a hot car on a summer day. That occasionally triggers people to do outrageous things like peering into the car.

[@isaachassel]

Maybe they could modify it to make the statue work if they structured it similar to harassment. Harassment laws are written in a way that understands that there is a difference between accidentally bumping shoulders when you pass someone, or using a pick up line at a bar as opposed to the crazy stories you hear about where some calls someone 50+ times in a day. Same thing here with cars where it's only illegal if you're peering into and trying every car door in the parking lot for example.

[@cdhdroid]

Does this mean, if you report a dog or child in a locked car, you WILL be charged and fined $1000 dollars plus jail time. Because you can see an animal or child in a car without "peering into" the windows.

[@billbusby3180]

The police could stake out a car with a "for sale" sign in the window and bust people all day.

[@TheQuickSilver101]

That is interesting. I have a disability and use a cane. Most of the time when I use my cane I'm looking at the area around me so I don't trip and or fall. I can easily see how doing that would result in me looking like I'm peering into a vehicle. I think this law is problematic at best

[@mommatreez4118]

No more checking your hair, make-up or teeth , lip stick in someones mirror like windows 🤣 Or what about? I thought that was my car? It looks just like mine

[@mitchkahle314]

Why does the government believe its highest priority should be the protection of private property?

[@davidh9638]

Nobody said highest. It's one important function of government.

[@BlackJesus8463]

@@davidh9638 At the time it was the highest.

[@davidzarodnansky4720]

Especially since they treat the Fourth Amendment with such a cavalier attitude here in NJ...

[@autobotjazz1972]

This sounds like a member of the township council had their car stolen or broken into, got mad and is now trying to get this passed. The proposed ordinance seems way too broad and potentially criminalizes a number of harmless things. Likely this law / ordinance is going to end being challenged at court at some point if it get voted into place.

[@lordr0808]

Lol! Steve name dropped the Lock Picking Lawyer who I also have subscribed to and actively watch. 😂😂🤣 👏👏👏

[@edw2241]

Officer - "Sir please look over there". Citizen - (Looks in the direction the officer is pointing) Officer - "Place your hands behind your back. You are under arrest".

[@billyjoejimbob75]

I just saw a video like that a few weeks ago. Cop in the street told a guy to "come here" then wrote him a ticket for jaywalking.

[@blest5132]

😂

[@werefrogofassyria6609]

@@billyjoejimbob75 That's like the time the officers told the guy he couldn't stay on the sidewalk, so he had to go onto the private property. They then knocked on the door of the private property and asked the property owner if it was okay that the guy they just said had to go on that property had permission to be there. When the owner said now, they arrested the guy for trespassing.

[@stephenl2811]

Fun fact: you can be a lawyer and act as one and not be a member of the bar

[@workingfolk]

In what state can you practice law, or profess yourself as a lawyer or attorney without having passed a bar exam?

[@Eniral441]

I also see a problem with multi-family homes. I live with my in-laws and adult children (they are college aged). We all own our own cars, but often ride with others leaving our cars behind. If an officer stopped me when entering one of the many cars around our house when they are not home, I could see the occassional misuse/abuse of such a law. In our town car thefts happen in the neighborhoods.

[@BarryH1701]

Sounds like one of those "laws" that try to predict if you are about to commit a crime simply because you may be looking at a car.

[@stephenbenner4353]

When the state of WV enacted a law making it a primary offense to talk on a cell phone while driving, I got pulled over a little before 7 AM on the day it went into effect because I was leaning my chin on my hand, which looked a little bit like I might’ve been holding a cell phone up to my face. I’ve never been let go from a traffic stop so quickly. He asked for my license and registration like an officer typically would, and then he told me why he pulled me over. I immediately showed him the call log on my cell phone that showed the last call about 10 PM the previous night. He looked embarrassed and told me to drive safe and have a nice day and never even checked my license and registration. I think he got a little trigger happy with a new law, and very quickly found out that it wouldn’t be as easily enforceable as he thought.

[@Blitterbug]

Casual opportunistic thieves often tug the door handle of cars they walk past for an easy "win." I'm guessing that's why the statute is phrased that way. Where I live it's common practice and parents actually teach their kids to do this. Edit: watched out the kitchen window while kids of all ages have tried this on my car on the road outside.

[@Dan-cw8rq]

As soon as you said Jersey I knew it was theft. I grew up there, and even 20 years ago this was a big thing. Back then though it was car radios. I knew people who would always look in the windows to see what radio was in there. I also had friends that tinted the cap out of their cars lol

[@brianmasters9600]

As soon as he said New Jersey I knew it was BS. lol

[@frankyflowers]

they should make theft illegal

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Well, every jurisdiction is attacking window tinting, so it's financially perilous to try and protect your property that way anymore.

[@mikeymaiku]

@@MonkeyJedi99 its funny here in bc canada it seems like the cops stopped caring about tinted windows. see more cars with full on front tinted windows that are darker than the rear than you should be

[@songsthatarecatchy]

I love in jersey currently and the minute he said Holmdel I was like oh of COURSE. The police in Holmdel are horrible. They do whatever the fck they want. The PNC is in Holmdel and it's a very upscale richy neighborhood. Remember police are there to protect the rich.

[@sittingindetroit9204]

A lot of first amendment auditors will film the inside of police cars to see if there are unsecured weapons and record the screen of open laptops for information related to the call. This would become illegal under this statute.

[@Nirrrina]

I'm kind of wondering if that's where this came from & they're just trying to spin it as preventing thefts.

[@sittingindetroit9204]

@@Nirrrina Could be but totally unconstitutional either way. Wonder how the cops would use their "discretion" related to this.....

[@ianbattles7290]

Nope, courts have repeatedly upheld the "plain view" doctrine - it aint private if it's visible to the public.

[@sittingindetroit9204]

@@ianbattles7290 but if they pass it, you still have to "take the ride" as they said

[@maxsdad538]

First amendment auditors... you mean like ANTIFA and whiny liberals?

[@JustinWoodTV]

I got a ticket years and years ago in Lake City, Mi for "no ops on person" the judge laughed when he found out I told the cop I DID NOT have a license. The cop was just being a nice person by giving me a minor no ops ticket. Granted it was a July 3rd so he knew he was gonna get some drunks lol .

[@madmaximilian5783]

Hey Steve I just really enjoy your legal breakdown of some of these most insane proposals by city councils and townships before they can get way outta hand.