My friend and I have been debating something and was hoping someone on here could provide information to end the debate. A police officer stated he was putting someone's license plate into their database and that anytime that car was seen on the street it would be pulled over. What does the law say about this? Is a police officer allowed to just pull someone over or does the person have to actual do something wrong in or to get pulled over? We were not sure if this officer was just messing around making this statement or if he was for real. So say someone was very careful to follow all the laws. Would it be legal for the officer to pull that person over? What rights does a driver have? And what are the requirements for pulling someone over?
2006-11-08 02:50:42 · 7 answers · asked by autumn 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
They can run your plate and certain information can come up. It is possible to "tag" a plate. The question is, is this "tag" probable cause for a traffic stop. A "tag" in and of itself does not constitute grounds for a traffic stop unless that vehicle is wanted in connection with something. However, most vehicles are always committing some act that would allow for a traffic stop. Yes it is true, ANYTHIGN hanging from your rear view mirror is illegal. At least it is in California. There are so may other vehicle codes that most people are always breaking that it is never difficult to justify stopping any car!!
2006-11-08 03:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by crawschecker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First there is no such data base. There are tag checks to see if the plate is valid and that there are no warrants against the owner. But they can not put a harrass the owner note on it, not even possible if they wanted to.
Now they can tell all of thier friends to be sure and make you a speical interest.
No they have to have some reason to pull you over, but about 2 in every 3 calls that pass have a reason they can be pulled over.
Depending on state laws, if you have a license plate frame that partly blocks reading the entire plate, ifyou have a sticker in the back window ( blocking view???) are the windows tinted, ( stop and check to see if tinting is in legal limits) is there a air freshenor hanging fromt he rear view mirror, that is illegal inmany states) There are so many silly laws that most people never get stoped for except if they want to use it to stop you for some other reason.
2006-11-08 03:03:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If for some reason a license plate is entered in a local police data base or NCIC then yes an Officer can pull that vehicle displaying that plate without any violation having occurred. However, a license plate on a vehicle is only entered if it is associated with a crime, suspicious vehicle/person, or reported as stolen, etc. Not just because an Officer wants to "mess" with someone.
2006-11-08 06:51:44 · answer #3 · answered by Liam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not familiar with, nor do I believe there is a "database" that allows police officers to subject a person to stops simply at the officer's whim. However, driving is a privilege and not a "right". Therefore, a police officer can and will pull driver's over at his/her discretion. As long as the officer is able to articulate that there was a valid reason to make the investigative stop, then the stop is lawful. Oftentimes, officers will articulate that the person crossed over the yellow line, forgot a turn signal, had a blown headlight, failed to dim headlights, cracked windshield or whatever it takes to articulate that the person should have been stopped.
2006-11-08 11:52:09 · answer #4 · answered by Ruby's mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the police officer arrests someone, it is on the basis of his belief that some crime has been committed and that under the law he can arrest the offender. The driver has the right of being produced before a Magistrate within prescribed period, normally 24 hours. He also has the right to consult his lawyer while in custody.
2006-11-08 03:03:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would doubt that the police have the right to pull someone over just for a license plate-however they can pretty easily make something else up("suspect" swerved, was driving too slowly, too fast etc.) I suspect he was just intimidating you but would maybe call the police department and ask. Or maybe your local media. When you feel an officer is overstepping, get their name!
Good luck!
2006-11-08 03:09:59 · answer #6 · answered by Middleclassandnotquiet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they call it tagging your car, yes it is legal, they can pull you over anytime they see the car on the road. in our state they put a sticker on your car with black stripes. they can pull you over for any reason that they may suspect something illegal, no insurance, no legal driver, tape on your tail lights...
2006-11-08 03:03:20 · answer #7 · answered by nwnativeprincess 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋