Is it legal for cops to run license plates on private property such as a grocery store parking lot ?

Answer 1

Yes it is. They can even run them when the vehicle is parked in a private driveway.

Answer 2

Yes. In Florida, they even run out-of-State plates in factory parking lots and give the factory a list to get employees to obtain Florida plates. The company I worked for tried to stop them from doing this. That night (at the end of shift) the police stopped every car leaving and checked license and registration. Caused a huge back-up. I have always thought it was wrong that they can ticket cars in a private lot but are not "allowed" to do traffic accident reports on the same lot.

Answer 3

Since grocery stores have public access, they are technically not private property and as such police can run license plates.This also includes your own driveway. Private property has a locked access to it.

Answer 4

Yes. Generally though they have a reason for running plates at a certain area. They are usually looking for someone or investigating something.

Answer 5

it is legal for for a cop to run your plate in a parking lot. they have special equipment that runs lots of plates in a short amount of time. they use this tactic to find cars that have been stolen, have drivers with suspended licenses or warrants for their arrest.

Answer 6

it sure is, in the uk cop cars have computers and cameras that automatically scan and check license plates, within a few seconds. mainly to cut down on stolen, no insurance or tax and drivers who have been banned.

Answer 7

a grocery store is not private property...if your in public, you're fair game.

Answer 8

Yes. But it is not legal for them to run your plate arbitrarily. You have to have done something or be in a vehicle that is suspected in a crime.

Answer 9

yup

they're in public view

Answer 10

yes those laws all changed when dear Ike was president