Sean Shapiro

🚔 Former Police Officer🚦Traffic Safety Advocate 📲 Grew @TrafficServices TikTok to 673K 🎤Public Speaker on Social Media Innovation🎙️

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

🚨 Police Officers Caught Running Stop Signs? Here’s The Truth.

A video is circulating showing two police officers on bicycles slowly rolling through stop signs in Toronto, and a lot of people are asking the same question:

“Is that legal?”

The answer is no.

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, there is no exemption that allows police officers to ignore stop signs. Just like everyone else, they are required to stop.

Earlier this week, another video circulated involving a man who was arrested after allegedly fleeing police following a stop sign violation. Some people are trying to compare the two situations.

Here’s the reality:

Both actions are technically illegal.

The difference is that when police directed the driver to stop, he was legally required to pull over. Instead, he allegedly fled, which escalated the situation and led to criminal charges and arrest.

Now, some cycling advocates support what’s known as the “Idaho Stop,” where cyclists treat stop signs more like yield signs when safe to do so. Whether people agree with that concept or not, it is not legal in Ontario.

And personally, in a busy city like Toronto, I don’t believe it’s a good idea.

An Idaho Stop is best left in Idaho.

So were the officers justified?

Technically, no. Police officers should be setting the best example possible, especially when it comes to traffic laws and public trust.

Could there be situations where an officer rolls a stop sign during an emergency response or high stress incident? Sure. That can happen. But even then, officers can still face consequences if their actions are found to be unsafe or unjustified. I know many officers who have.

Bottom line:

If you see a stop sign, stop.

A stop means the vehicle is no longer moving. Not rolling. Not creeping. Not “almost stopped.”

Be safe out there.

My name is Sean Shapiro. I’m a former police officer who talks about traffic safety, traffic law, and police stuff.

Follow for more.

Thank you to our sponsors:
@diamond_lawyers @AccountantTI @barretttaxlaw

[Toronto Police @TorontoPolice]

Everyone has a role to play to keep our roadways safe.

Please watch Chief @TPSMyronDemkiw’s message.

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Tuesday #ASKaTrafficCOP for June 2, 2026 at 10:00am https://t.co/rEjnlFgyq6

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Sometimes the responsible decision means missing out. #ASKaTrafficCOP #Montreal #MontrealTimepieceShow

Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is slow down for a minute.

I was supposed to be heading to the Montreal Timepiece Show this weekend, and honestly, I was really looking forward to it. If you love watches, craftsmanship, and all the cool stuff and things that come along with the watch community, it’s an amazing event. They also host a Toronto edition for anyone closer to home.

But reality check, I’m sick. Feeling completely under the weather, low energy, and in desperate need of a nap. So instead of driving to Montreal, I’m out for a walk hoping a little fresh air helps reset the system.

Truth is, driving long distance when you don’t feel well is a safety concern. Fatigue, brain fog, slower reaction times, none of that belongs behind the wheel. And beyond that, I also didn’t want to bring whatever this is into a room full of people. Sometimes courtesy means missing out so nobody else has to.

So this weekend becomes a recovery weekend. Recharge, reset, and get ready for next week’s show and everything else ahead. These days it’s all about being ready, actually ready, not pretending you are.

My name is Sean Shapiro, a former police officer who talks about traffic safety, traffic law, police stuff, watches, maps, and occasionally all the random things in between.

Follow along and join me live Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Eastern, and hopefully Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Eastern… although that schedule has definitely taken a few hits lately thanks to whatever season this weather thinks we’re in right now.

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

I’ll never forget when I got my badge… one of the proudest moments in my life.

Congratulations to all the newly minted officers!

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Tuesday #ASKaTrafficCOP for May 26, 2026 at 10:00am https://t.co/eA0qIRHyQS

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

🚨 Tuesday, May 26th at 10 a.m. Eastern, we’re going live for another episode of #ASKaTrafficCOP.

Today’s conversation includes an important and sobering topic. The @TorontoPolice Service has announced the city’s 20th fatal collision of 2026, in addition to one fatal collision that occurred on private property. That means 21 lives have been lost in traffic-related incidents in Toronto so far this year.

We’ll talk about what’s happening on our roads, the choices that lead to collisions, and why traffic safety matters so much. Because behind every number is a person, a family, and a story that changed forever.

Of course, we’ll also be answering your #traffic and #police questions live, discussing traffic law, driving safety, policing topics, and whatever else comes up once the conversation gets rolling.

I’m Sean Shapiro, a former police officer focused on traffic safety education and helping people better understand the rules of the road and the logic behind them.

🎥 Watch live on @YouTube, @TikTokCanada, @Instagram, @LinkedIn, @Facebook, @X, @Twitch, @Kick, and @rumblevideo.

🌐 Send your questions ahead of time at https://t.co/y0dgSntuCC using text, audio, or video.

👉 Join us live at 10 a.m. and let’s talk traffic.

Thanks to our magical sponsors:
@diamond_lawyers
@AccountantTI

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Thursday #ASKaTrafficCOP for May 21, 2026 at 10:00am https://t.co/NyWY3cbmDG

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

🚨 It’s Thursday, May 21, 2026, and we’re going live at 10 a.m. Eastern for another episode of #ASKaTrafficCOP.

As always, we’ll be answering your traffic and police questions, talking traffic safety, traffic law, and whatever else comes up once the chat gets rolling.

At 10:35 a.m., we’ll be joined by @JerryAgar1010 from @Newstalk1010 as we connect the livestream with his radio audience. Because honestly, what’s more fun than bringing the radio to the livestream and the livestream to the radio? Not much. This is awesome.

Bring your questions, your hot takes, and your weird traffic scenarios. We’ll be live for at least an hour and probably laughing through at least part of it.

🌐 Ask questions ahead of time at https://t.co/y0dgSntuCC using text, audio, or video.

🎥 Watch live on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Twitch, Kick, and Rumble.

👉 Join us at 10 a.m. and let’s talk traffic.

[NEWSTALK 1010 @NEWSTALK1010]

"If you are a corrupt police officer, I’d like you to quit. I'd like you to not wear this uniform, because you don't deserve to wear this uniform.” Chief @TPSMyronDemkiw has strong words on @MooreintheAM for members of the service after several incidents have stained the badge.

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

@TPSOperations @tpsashley Aloha! 👋

[arrive alive DRIVE SOBER @DriveSober]

It can take up to 12 hours for the effects of a night of drinking to wear off ⏰ Give yourself plenty of time to sober up before getting behind the wheel of a car. Help keep our roads safe by planning ahead for your night and the next morning, and thanks for always driving sober

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Tuesday #ASKaTrafficCOP for May 19, 2026 at 10:00am https://t.co/d19t4ymhnu

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

🚨 It’s Tuesday, May 19th, and we’re going live at 10 a.m. Eastern for another episode of #ASKaTrafficCOP.

We’ll be talking traffic safety, traffic law, police stuff, and whatever else comes up once the questions start rolling in. If you’ve got a question about the rules of the road, a weird driving situation, or something you saw online that made you say “that can’t possibly be legal,” bring it.

You can join the conversation live on all the usual platforms, or send your questions ahead of time through https://t.co/y0dgSntuCC using text, audio, or video.

I’m Sean Shapiro, a former police officer focused on helping people understand how traffic law and policing actually work.
🎥 Join live at 10 a.m. and let’s talk traffic.

[Shomrim Toronto @Shomrimtoronto]

Congratulations to Shomrim Toronto Executive Director Avi Grinberg on being named Vaughan’s 2026 Ward 5 Civic Hero.

This recognition reflects Avi’s ongoing dedication to public safety, community service, and helping others across the GTA. Through his leadership at Shomrim Toronto and his continued commitment to the community, Avi has played a major role in strengthening safety initiatives and supporting countless individuals and families.

We are incredibly proud to see his hard work and dedication recognized in this way.

Thank you to City of Vaughan Ward 5 Councillor Gila Martow and Mayor Steven Del Duca for recognizing Avi with this meaningful award.

Mazel tov Avi on this well-deserved honour!

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Amazing message from my @TrafficServices family!

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

Adam asked me what I think about people fighting every traffic ticket in court, even when they know they’re guilty.

Simple answer? I think it’s a massive waste of time and taxpayer money.

If you’re legitimately innocent, absolutely fight the charge. That’s what the court system is for. Everyone deserves the opportunity to defend themselves and seek exoneration when they’ve been wrongly accused.

But let’s be honest. Most Highway Traffic Act charges are not cases of mistaken identity or false accusations. Most people know exactly what they did.

For years, some drivers treated court like a lottery ticket. Show up, hope the officer doesn’t appear, ask for delays, reschedule hearings, drag things out, and roll the dice hoping the whole thing disappears.

That game is changing.

In many jurisdictions now, courts can proceed using the filed evidence and documentation, meaning the officer physically appearing isn’t always required the way people think it is. The old “maybe the cop won’t show” strategy is becoming less effective.

And frankly, I’m glad.

Every unnecessary court appearance costs money. Officers get paid to attend. Court staff get paid. Time gets consumed. Resources get tied up that could be focused on legitimate disputes and more serious matters.

Again, if you’re innocent, fight it.

But if you know you’re guilty, maybe stop wasting everyone’s time and money hoping for a technical escape hatch. #ASKaTrafficCOP

Thank you to @diamond_lawyers and @AccountantTI for their support.

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

@Kiotiman2 I believe in the discretion to write tickets rather than give warnings. 👍 of course there are places for warnings… When the driver forgets their licence at home is a perfect opportunity for a warning.

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

The lucky ones get caught.

Yesterday, I witnessed a traffic stop that happened right in front of my parked vehicle. As the driver pulled into the parking lot, I could hear her through the open window telling a friend on speakerphone that she was about to get pulled over and had to go.

That immediately made me think she’d likely been on that call the entire time.

The officer explained that she had been stopped for running a red light and nearly causing a collision. After checking her documents, the officer decided to issue a warning instead of a ticket.

I spoke up and said, “You’re nicer than I am. I would’ve written the ticket.”

The driver immediately responded with, “But I have a clean driving record.”

And that’s exactly the problem.

A clean driving record doesn’t always mean someone is a safe driver. Sometimes it just means the behaviour has never been documented.

People often think distracted driving only means holding a phone in your hand. It doesn’t. You can absolutely be cognitively distracted while using hands-free or speakerphone features. Your eyes can be on the road while your brain is somewhere else entirely.

If we don’t measure behaviour, we can’t improve behaviour.

Tickets are not just about punishment. They create accountability. They create a documented history. They influence insurance rates. They identify patterns. They force people to reflect before that behaviour escalates into a serious collision that changes lives forever.

Warnings have their place, but when someone runs a red light while distracted and nearly causes a collision, is a warning enough?

What do you think?

Follow for more traffic safety discussions, police insight, and real-world driving talk from a former police officer.

Join me live on #ASKaTrafficCOP
Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Eastern
Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern

Visit https://t.co/y0dgSntuCC

Thank you to our sponsors @diamond_lawyers and @AccountantTI

[Sean Shapiro @VoiceoverCop]

@Coldlakerz It may not have taught the driver anything but I believe it had the potential of leaving a more lasting memory of the event.