Stopped By a Traffic Police Officer: Know Your Rights

Even great drivers can mess up sometimes or get stuck in a situation where they get stopped by the police. However, sometimes it’s hard to know how to behave in a situation like that. Most people don’t know what our rights on the road are!

However, it’s never too late to learn. The first thing you should know is that in the US drivers may be stopped by traffic cops sometimes, but a lot of the time it’s the local police departments handling traffic violations as well. Speeding, broken mirrors, lack of or a damaged license plate or any other traffic violations will cause officers to stop you.

The Rights You Have

Right To Remain Silent

If a traffic cop stops you, they may ask you questions to get you to admit that you were purposefully breaking the law. This is why it is your right to remain silent. Answer only in yes or no replies.

If you're asked to elaborate further, you can invoke your right to remain silent by the Fifth Amendment. Make sure you say that you're taking your right to refuse to answer questions.  

Right To Ask For Probable Cause

When a traffic officer stops you, they'll probably run your license and registration against their database if they detain you on the road for an extended period after that you have the right to ask for a cause.

They may also want to search your car. However, you may refuse consent, and they may do it anyway. Your right in a situation like this is that they provide you with their probable cause for searching the vehicle.  

Right To Record

You are allowed to record the police or yourself during your interactions with the police. However, this should not interfere with other laws. For example, if during a search, police officers find drugs or other incriminating evidence they may arrest you, and you'll have to stop recording.

What You Must Comply With

Probable Cause Car Searches

As mentioned above, the police may have probable cause to search your car, which you will have to comply with. Car searches may also occur if they spot visible illegal items lying in your car.

Many cities have police stops for added security. If you’re asked to pull over at one of these stops, you must comply and co-operate with them. However, your other rights are still guaranteed during a stop like this.

Ensure that you never get on the wrong side of the law by getting a complete driver’s education that includes learning about the law. Driving schools such as Champions Driving School in Houston, Conroe, Cypress and The Woodlands in Texas offer adult and teen driving classes that provide a complete education. You can enlist for their advanced defensive driving classes online!