You’re driving to your destination and paying attention to the road when you hear the sirens. Either way, you know what to expect: the general nervousness and tense questions. But drivers and passengers have general citizen rights that police can’t violate. Knowing your rights can save you time, money and potential legal trouble.
We can research the law, helping you interpret what it means. But we’re not lawyers and this article is not intended to be taken as legal advice. If you’re looking for legal assistance, contact a lawyer or other legal expert.
Although it’s fairly rare to be pulled over by the police, there are certain things you need to know when you are stopped, including what police can legally do and what they can’t. An important thing to keep in mind is that the police have the authority to stop a vehicle for any reason and if they ask you to stop, you must. Failure to do so can lead to you being charged for breaking the law.
Among the things police are allowed to do during a stop include:
A police officer can stop and search a vehicle, for example if he or she suspects that it contains stolen property or drugs. In some circumstances they can also search a vehicle if they have reasonable grounds to suspect there is at least £1,000 in cash or listed assets.
While nothing can guarantee a smooth interaction with law enforcement during a traffic stop, you can protect yourself legally and increase the chances of a favourable outcome by knowing your rights and allowable actions as a citizen. If you’re in doubt about the law or a specific situation involving the police, talk with a lawyer or your car insurance agent who can direct you towards the best course of action.
Finder data suggests that men aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.
| Response | Male (%) | Female (%) |
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| 65+ | 5.66% | 3.85% |
| 55-64 | 11.09% | 3.39% |
| 45-54 | 9.28% | 4.98% |
| 35-44 | 13.35% | 9.28% |
| 25-34 | 13.80% | 6.56% |
| 18-24 | 11.09% | 7.69% |
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