Memorizing Vehicle Codes

[jstru402]

Why is memorizing vehicle codes part of the coursework at the academy when one can simply look up the infraction code while on the road after pulling someone over for said infraction? does it take a long time to look up a code or something?

[CTC III-05]

Why is memorizing vehicle codes part of the coursework at the academy when one can simply look up the infraction code while on the road after pulling someone over for said infraction? does it take a long time to look up a code or something?

Is that really part of the coursework? Have you been through the Academy?

If/when you finally make it to the road, you will realize this question never needed to be asked. Concentrate on making it through the process and being physically/mentally ready.

[jstru402]

To answer your questions...I think so, and no.

I assumed memorizing vehicle codes was part of the coursework because in the CHP blogs on the official site I've read the cadets being quoted about working on memorizing vehicle codes. Sorry for the genuine curiosity as to why something is done, not necessarily saying it shouldn't be. I appreciate your words of wisdom regarding my preparation, however.

[dw]

Must one memorize the entire vehicle code? Of course not. Are you expected to have a working knowledge of the code and know all commonly used sections? Of course.

If you've spent much time with the Vehicle Code, you will know that it is long, complicated, and not necessarily intuitive. Looking up a section can take some time. If you have to look up every section, you're going to spend a long time exposed to traffic and violators. We also owe it to the public to send them on their way in a timely manner. As an example, possession of marijuana in a vehicle, under one ounce -- a somewhat common cite. Look it up and time yourself. I'd wager it takes a minute or two at the least. That's a significant amount of time spent standing on the side of the road, distracted with your head down, looking like you don't know what you're doing.

Now, simply working with the most common codes every day, one can't help but to memorize them.

[jstru402]

Thank you dw. I suspected it to be able to expedite the process for safety and courtesy, but it's good to hear the answer from a chip.

[uoplax13]

Must one memorize the entire vehicle code?

:neutral: Back when I went through the academy they made us memorize the entire thing. If we missed more than two codes it cost us our meals for the day......

[Chippysgt]

Having a very thorough knowledge of the California Vehicle Code is what sets us apart from other law enforcement agencies. Most police officers learn the basics of a wide variety of California codes as do CHP officers but we learn the California Vehicle Code like it is the bible. The public expects us to be experts on the the Vehicle Code as do the courts. We have a great reputation because we are the experts and we have written the book in many cases.

[Yzeman]

Why is memorizing vehicle codes part of the coursework at the academy when one can simply look up the infraction code while on the road after pulling someone over for said infraction?

Kinda the same reason you memorize words for a spelling test even though it is very easy to look them up in a dictionary. To be successful throughout your 12, 14, or 16 years of education and English classes, you need to memorize the spelling of the most commonly used words. This knowledge allows you to function in society, complete writing assignments in a reasonable period of time, and even write responses to questions posted on internet Forums. :biggrin: No, you don’t have to memorize the whole dictionary…just the words you will use the most. Memorizing code sections is very similar; it allows a person to do their job more efficiently, and do it as expeditiously as possible. And just like the dictionary, you don’t have to memorize the whole Vehicle Code, just the sections you will use the most.

[bcjack]

Another important point about the vehicle code, you need to be familiar enough with it to be able to know where to go to look up something that you don't have memorized. Kind of like the old saying "How can I look it up in the dictionary if I can't spell it?"