Can a cop arrest me for driving on a freeway 'closed' due to snow/ice?

I needed to use a freeway, but it was closed due to snow, ice, and dangerous wind conditions. But I'm a good driver, I have a 4WD truck, and I chained up all four tires, so, I was set to go.

I drove up to the freeway on-ramp, but it had a gate across it. So I just drove around onto the snowy median, when a police cruiser pulled up behind me. I stopped, and the officer yelled through a bullhorn that I couldn't use the freeway.

I started to turn around like I was going to comply with him, but then I swung around, crossed the median, and entered the freeway. I feared for the moment that the officer would pursue me, but, he didn't.

But I think he got my license plate, unless it was covered with snow. Am I going to get a ticket, or get arrested or anything?

As you can see, I made the drive successfully. It wasn't that dangerous; I just had to go slowly and manage the ice carefully, by not freaking out and slamming the brakes when I began to slide.

Precious B

you can be arrested only if there is a legislation or a law banning that.

An0nym0us mAn1Ac

4 WD does not canel out stupidity.

ignoring orders from a cop is illegal. so yes you can, and they close the freeway for your safety. if that was ok to do what you did, everyone would be doing it. don't think you are above the law, you aren't. i hope you get a ridiculous ticket.

philo_bedo

Yes, it's called an unauthorized access ticket. Cops also use them to plead down higher tickets
!

California Street Cop

You could get a pretty hefty fine if can ID the truck and you.

wilderwriter

You probably PO's the officer, but he might NOT have gotten your license plate number. If he DID, he will probably try very hard to get a ticket sent to you.

El Scott

Yes. It is against the law to drive on a section of the roadway that is closed by the State........why wouldn't it be?

Not to mention the fact you disobeyed the lawful commands of a Police Officer.

That is two violations you committed..

tallerfella

What part of "CLOSED" are you confused about?

Johnny Wane

You broke the law. You are not going to be arrested, but will get a not so nice letter soon, I expect.

Beep

Worse case scenario you get a ticket, best case scenario you get a nice talking to. The police's job is to keep you safe, if something would have happened to you, do you realize how much money and time they would have to spend on saving you? When all that could of been invested in helping other individuals who needed help as well. You have to look at it from their perspective.

pantysnatcher05

i believe your good or you already would have heard from him but be careful in the Future you could get a slew of charges staring with driving recklessly

Mike

Just because you managed to make it this time does not mean that you will make it the next time.

If you had got stuck on that road, the Police would have to rescue you.

You put the lives of your rescuers unnecessarily at risk.

Just because you have a 4 wheel drive and chains does not mean that you cannot get stuck.

When they close a road it is because the conditions are so bad OR ARE EXPECTED TO BE SO BAD THAT EVEN A 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE IS AT RISK FOR GETTING STUCK.

The reason the police officer did not follow you is probably because that section of road was so dangerous that it was not safe for the Police Officer to follow you.

It is my understanding that you can be arrested and jailed for what you did.

In my opinion you should be arrested for what you did.

tincoatr

If he has your license plate number, you can be sure you will get a ticket. You could also be jailed for "fleeing and alluding" the police if they want to push it.

There are reasons that roads are closed during bad weather. One of the main ones is that the road conditions make it likely that accidents will occur. The fact that you disobeyed not only put your life in danger but also endangered the police and rescue workers that would have had to come help you if you had gone off the road. Next time, hopefully, you won't be such an idiot.

GrimJack

Yes, it's illegal. I don't know about your state, but driving around a closed barricade is illegal in Minnesota:
https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=160.2715 subdivision (a)(14)
(The fine for that is $118 here.)

I don't know the statute for disobeying a police officer, but that's likely to get you a court appearance here, and not just a fine.

By the way, if you're such an excellent driver, how come you can't obey signs or the commands of a police officer?

smokey

You should have gave him one of those beers you where drinking

Amanda F

You may have put you and others in danger, that is why you need to abide by the rules put in front of you.

hooyutoo2

Sure. Police can prohibit all kinds of acts that are deemed hazardous. They can order you out of your own home if they assess a danger (toxic fumes in the area etc). In a pragmatic way - they can do whatever a judge would support them doing in court (legal or illegal) and you'd have to live with that until an appeals court or the Supreme court overturned the ruling. Want to fight the system that badly ? Go ahead - it's your butt.

Herb & Edna

No, but you probably would of gotten a ticket.

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