2007-11-25 03:24:20 · 11 answers · asked by dizwar 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Unless it is a roadblock where every driver is stopped, the police need probable cause (some reason) to stop you. The fact of the matter is that no matter how good a driver a person is, they will make a mistake! All it takes for probable cause is light bulb out, a failure to signal, or for one tire to touch the center line, or edge of the road!
If the officer wants to stop you, he will find a reason!
2007-11-25 03:50:41 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This depends on the state you live in and the circumstance. Most states need some reason or just cause. In most states when they set up a roadblock , however, they need no reason. In my state police on patrol do need a reason; swerving, no seat belt, etc, except for the Transport Police. They need no reason or just cause but they are primarily there to police heavy trucks and tractor trailers.
2007-11-25 11:30:13 · answer #2 · answered by Paul T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only time they don't have to have "probable cause" is when they set up something like a "sobriety check point" in which case they have a roadblock stopping every vehicle on a particular road. They have statistics of many drunk drivers being out at that time (holidays, weekends, etc.) which covers the probable cause for them. This is basically only in the US because of the Bill of Rights covering "search and seizure". But basically all the cop has to say is you were weaving between the lines or something stupid like that and then you'll have to shell out big bucks in court because it'd be your word against his if you fight it. If you get pulled over, ask why and if the officer has a camera in his car to prove it. If he has one but no proof of the infraction on camera, you should have him by the short and curley's. Also if stopped for speeding, ask to see his certification in radar training. In Arkansas, acop running radar must have that certification on him at the time.
2007-11-25 11:43:18 · answer #3 · answered by bryan w 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. But there are quite a number of things that can be a valid reason. So, they can stop you whenever they choose.
Safety check, seat belt check, DUI check, etc.
2007-11-25 11:27:24 · answer #4 · answered by E. F. Hutton 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically, yes. But they can always come up with some reason to pull you over. Non-working taillight, weaving, seatbelt, etc.
Dont trust the cops :P
2007-11-25 11:32:30 · answer #5 · answered by Grandslamtribe 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
archbishop desmond tutu was stopped by police because he was black and driving a mercedes over tower bridge in london. When he got out and they saw his collar they let him go...says a lot doesnt it
2007-11-25 11:28:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
...yes they do . If the see a person without their seat belt on they can wait for you to make a taffic violation and then stop you or if your in an dangerous neighborhood.
2007-11-25 11:28:55 · answer #7 · answered by ispy somthin blue 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, they can stop you just doing a random check. Especially during a holiday.
2007-11-25 11:27:32 · answer #8 · answered by jstchel 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
not usally... it may seen like they are but there are a lot of rules and it is easy to not notice it and brake one. So they pull u over and it may seem like nothing
2007-11-25 11:55:30 · answer #9 · answered by fastd183 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
not around here...they can stop you at any time and say they are doing a routine check.....am in Ontario Canada
2007-11-25 11:27:32 · answer #10 · answered by pissy_old_lady 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋