Do you have to step out of a car if a cop asks you to?

Question

If you were just speeding.

Answer 1

Yes.

Answer 2

I am not an attorney, so my answer is subject to a better intepretation by a pracitioner of the law.

I believe you do have the right to tell the officer politely that you would rather not, in which case you can probably expect to continue to be detained in your car while the officer requests assistance and requests a warrant be issued.

At that time you would have to step out of the car.

As a practical reality, any time an armed law officer asks me to do something I will do it, even if I have a legal right to decline his or her request.

Most officers will be courteous and will simply conduct whatever they wanted to do and be done with it. If it is a field sobriety test and you turn out to be sober you have nothing to fear. If it is a check of your car for illegal drugs or other materials and you have no such items in your car then you also have nothing to fear.

My policy is to fully cooperate and I find usually the officer takes care of business quickly and lets me go on my way, since I have nothing to hide.

Answer 3

For all those people saying no your wrong.

The law states an Officer has the right to order anyone out or back in a vehicle at anytime during a traffic stop. Refusal will subject the person to arrest for obstructing a police officer: Each state has its variation in definition


(720 ILCS 5/31‑1) (from Ch. 38, par. 31‑1)
Sec. 31‑1. Resisting or obstructing a peace officer or correctional institution employee.
(a) A person who knowingly resists or obstructs the performance by one known to the person to be a peace officer or correctional institution employee of any authorized act within his official capacity commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(a‑5) In addition to any other sentence that may be imposed, a court shall order any person convicted of resisting or obstructing a peace officer to be sentenced to a minimum of 48 consecutive hours of imprisonment or ordered to perform community service for not less than 100 hours as may be determined by the court. The person shall not be eligible for probation in order to reduce the sentence of imprisonment or community service.

Answer 4

Yes

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

Yep. The supreme court has sided with the police on this one. The police have the right to dictate the movement of motor vehicle occupants to ensure the safety of the officer and the occupants. That movement can be simple directions such as keeping hands on the steering wheel or dashboard, or more involved movements such as exiting the vehicle.

Answer 7

Its always a good idea to do what you're told when you get stopped.. if you are asked to step out its for a reason, one that the officer should and probably will make clear to you... also you never have to give your consent to have your vehicle searched, most officers will respect that... however in some states the officer can impound your vehicle until a warrant is issued for a search . but the officer will win in the end.. its better to just get out of the car

Answer 8

Well that all depends if you want to go to jail or not. If you don't then yes you have to step out of the car

Answer 9

Yes, you have to step out of the car. However, you do not have to let him search your car. No matter what the cop says, you never have to consent to a search of your vehicle. There are times when he won't need your permission. But if he is asking, you can say no and it can't be held against you. They'll even try Jedi mind tricks on you, "Well sir, if you don't have anything to hide, then its okay if take a look, right?" NEVER give permission for your car to be searched.

Answer 10

Either you cooperate, or they will foceably remove you from the car and put you under arrest on some charge.