Is it Illegal to Give a Cop the Finger in ID, WA, and UT?

Everyone has had that moment at least once in life when an officer has upset them. You want to yell, you want to be angry, but you hold back afraid of what happens if you get stern with an officer. Some will not hold back and it ends up with them in handcuffs and in the back of a police car. While officers can be a great part of a community and society, they also have moments that frustrate others. Some officers are great cops, and others have a big ego and think they are above the law. As citizens it can be tempting at times to show a certain finger to an officer, but by doing so are you setting yourself up to be arrested, or can you get away with it?

Can You Legally Flip Off a Cop in Idaho, Washington, or Utah?

While flipping someone the middle finger is never a nice gesture, there are times it feels tempting to do. Many flip people the bird out of frustration, as a joke, or to send a clear message. Officers are typically individuals who do not take kindly to seeing this gesture, but if you were to flash the middle finger to one, would they be able to arrest you? Legally, no, they can not arrest you as it is not against the law to flip off a cop. Knowing you can, does not mean you should though. Not only can an officer not arrest you over a simple middle finger, but it also does not give them the right to pull you over either. 

Give A Cop the Middle Finger in Idaho, Washington, and Utah

If an officer does decide to arrest you for this simple gesture, it is wise to hire a Civil Rights lawyer and fight it, as it is your First Amendment right to flash that finger. By taking the chance of doing this act, do not expect officers to be there to help you if you need it, and know that you will likely be on their radar moving forward. Knowing an officer and flipping him or her off as a joke is different than driving by and lifting a finger to a random cop.

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While you may not end up in jail, with a ticket, or in handcuffs for flipping off a cop, it is strongly advised to not test out this new knowledge. Officers talk and keep tabs on these situations and it won't end well if you decide to test out this theory and begin showing local officials your finger. If you can't resist the urge though, legally you have the right to release your frustration.