Physics will enjoy this

[Angel Eyes]

Physicist beats traffic ticket by writing a scientific paper proving he could not have run a stop sign:

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/physicist-claims-victory-over-traffic-ticket-physics-paper-151808710.html

[Physics]

That is good!    Actually very similar to an idea that I've got if I ever get pulled over "California Stopping" in my scooter (I sometimes come to a full stop for a short enough time that I don't have to put my feet down).  The paper itself is pretty awesome. 

I've always found these types of arguments very interesting, because it highlights the weirdness you get into with relativity and various frames of reference.  A good introductory video on the topic.

Thanks for posting, I'm going to have to spread this one around the physics department tomorrow. 

[MillCreek]

I did something similar years ago when I was cited for failing to come to a complete stop on my motorcycle at an intersection where there was no other traffic.  The officer said that he did not see me put my foot down.  I argued that you can come to a complete stop on a two-wheel vehicle momentarily, maintain your balance and then continue on without putting a foot down.  To illustrate the principle that a moving object can come to a complete stop, even for the briefest instant and appear to still be in motion, at the hearing, I inflated a balloon, tossed it up in the air, and pointed out how it became motionless and hanged at the apex, even for a fraction of a second, before beginning the descent.  I cited the traffic RCWs in that they did not provide for any minimum time period for the vehicle to be motionless to count as a complete stop.  The case was dismissed. 

[Nightfall]

Make me think of proof by intimidation. :D

[Physics]

I did something similar years ago when I was cited for failing to come to a complete stop on my motorcycle at an intersection where there was no other traffic.  The officer said that he did not see me put my foot down.  I argued that you can come to a complete stop on a two-wheel vehicle momentarily, maintain your balance and then continue on without putting a foot down.  To illustrate the principle that a moving object can come to a complete stop, even for the briefest instant and appear to still be in motion, at the hearing, I inflated a balloon, tossed it up in the air, and pointed out how it became motionless and hanged at the apex, even for a fraction of a second, before beginning the descent.  I cited the traffic RCWs in that they did not provide for any minimum time period for the vehicle to be motionless to count as a complete stop.  The case was dismissed. 

Exactly. Is there a minimum amount of time that I need to remain stopped? 

I don't consider this proof by intimidation because what he is saying is correct, from a scientific point of view.  Although the OP could be considered as such, because it appears that he used some values for acceleration that were a little bit out of the range of his car.  In other words, just because it is over the judges head, doesn't mean that it isn't a perfectly good proof in and of itself.