Getting pulled over can be incredibly stressful and nerve-racking! Especially if you don't know your rights and what you are allowed to do or not do in this situation. I get it! So this post is here to tell you EXACTLY what your rights are if you get pulled over. Let's jump in!
Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a Pre-Law college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you! Today I will answer the questions "What Are My Rights If I Get Pulled Over?"
*The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. I am not a licensed attorney. If you need legal advice, please consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.*
Your rights are...
1. The right to remain silent
You have the right to remain silent. This means that you do not have to answer any questions that could potentially incriminate you.
If you do not want to answer a question, you can politely say, "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
However, you DO have to show the following when prompted to do so by a police officer...
- Drivers license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
2. The right to refuse a vehicle search
If the officer asks to search your vehicle, you can politely decline by saying, "I do not consent to any searches."
However, if the officer sees something illegal in plain view or has probable cause, they may still proceed to search your vehicle. In this scenario, you do not have the right to refuse a vehicle search.
This is due to the Plain View Doctrine.
3. Am I required to exit my vehicle?
If the police officer asks you to exit your vehicle, the short answer is yes, you need to exit it.
This is something that, when done by the officer, is often to stay safe by ensuring you do not have weapons readily accessible and get a better grasp of the situation.
A court will most likely rule that this is a necessary act for the officer's safety in some scenarios. Therefore, it can also be deemed as resisting to a police officer if you refuse to get out of your car.
other info
what do I say when asked, "Do you know why I pulled you over?"
Just say no. You do not have to try to come up with an answer; in fact, you shouldn't. You do not want to say anything that could potentially incriminate you.
Especially because you truly don't know what they are going to say!
It may vary from state to state on whether an officer will ask you this or if they're allowed to ask it.
What if I believe I was unfairly treated?
If you believe you were unfairly treated, unjustly given a ticket, etc., then you can contest that ticket in court or file a complaint.
Contesting a ticket would have to do with a scenario where you believe you did not deserve that traffic ticket.
Filing a complaint would have to do with a scenario of being unfairly treated by a police officer.
Although I hope you won't have to use this information, I also hope that you feel prepared by knowing your rights when pulled over according to the law. Leave a comment on this post if there is any similar legal questions you are interested in learning about!
But for know, if you enjoyed this post, I bet you would enjoy 15 Most Important Questions to Ask Before Signing A Lease.
With Love,
Isabella XO
