I got approached this morning and asked a goofy question.  I just thought I'd share, since we all get asked retarded questions.

So there I was minding my own business and a firefighter comes up to me and asks 'Is it illegal for the rear passenger on a motorcycle to listen to an IPOD?'

It was hard to not answer with a cynical answer but some how I managed.

When I get questions like that in situations like you described (have to show restraint in the situations likely to get you a complaint), I like to respond with something like: 
 
“Is it speed metal? ‘Cause, if it’s speed metal, then studies have shown the timing of the bass drum downbeat can actually interfere with the solid-state ignition of a sport bike. Now, if it’s an older Harley, say 1988 or older, but definitely no newer than 1992, you really won’t have that issue. Of course all of this is moot if the passenger is holding on with handrails. The law presently requires when a motorcycle passenger is listening to a personal music device, at least one hand must be holding onto the motorcycle operator.”
 
About this time, whoever is with me will start in with:
 
“Wait, is it a trike? ‘Cause a trike, even if built on a standard motorcycle chassis, can be equipped with approved passenger handrails. In that situation, as long as they’re wearing an open-face helmet, they can wear over-the-ear headphones and use a personal music player of less than 20db.”
 
My co-conspirator and I then proceed to debate the issue in excruciatingly technical detail. At this time, the knucklehead who asked the question, smiles politely, nods like he’s taken it all in, and wanders away bewildered. Ah, good times. Good times.

"...... only when the bike is in reverse...."

The only thing that i have to say is read the top bottom line lol...

Georgia_Cop says ...

I'm afraid I'm too cynical and sarcastic to behave in moments like that.   FIrefighters ask me a stupid question, I give them the answer they deserve.   I entertain myself immensely when screwing with firefighters.

 

And on a related note......  It's also funny to say something totally wrong to a citizen and watch them agree with you.   We were doing a road block the other day checking licenses and insurance.   Of course here in Georgia, anyone over 18 doesn't have to wear a seatbelt in a pickup truck.  So we stop a pickup and the driver is wearing his seatbelt.   My partner walks up to the window and gets the guy's license.  He then proceeds to tell him, "Um, Sir?  Were you not aware that it's illegal to wear a seatbelt in a pickup?"  The driver gets this bewildered/thoughtful/sheepish look on his face and says, "Yeah!  I had heard that.  I'm sorry."    I cracked up right there.   Who says you can't have fun baking in the sun standing on asphalt making sure people have valid licenses? 

I like that, just like Super Troopers, however real life !