You always wear your seatbelt — even when playing Grand Theft Auto. You yield to pedestrians — who have yet to be conceived. You drive so defensively that Chuck Hagel calls you for advice. You are The Most Careful Driver in the World! Okay, you might not be The Most Careful Driver in the World. […]
Traffic Stop
Keep in mind that while certain laws and police practices vary from state-to-state, our information applies to practices that apply in all 50 states.
Traffic Stop
Top 4 Traffic Ticket Myths
Nothing ruins your day faster than seeing flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. Few moments are as stressful as a police encounter. If you get a traffic ticket and choose to fight it, you’ll need to deal with a confusing maze of vehicle codes in traffic court. So if you’re preparing to […]
Traffic Stop
What are my rights at various “checkpoints”?
There are four general types of checkpoints you might encounter: DUI checkpoints, U.S. border checkpoints, drug checkpoints, and TSA checkpoints. In a legal sense, they are not all created equal. So depending on which one you encounter, you’ll want to be prepared to flex your rights appropriately. DUI Checkpoints Sobriety checkpoints – also known as DUI checkpoints […]
Traffic Stop
When can police use drug dogs?
In Illinois v. Caballes, the Supreme Court ruled that police do not need reasonable suspicion to use drug dogs to sniff a vehicle during a legitimate traffic stop. This decision stems from the case of Roy Caballes, who was pulled over for speeding and subsequently arrested for marijuana trafficking after a drug dog was brought […]
Traffic Stop
What if police say they smell marijuana?
If police say they smell marijuana, you’re in a tough situation. Courts have ruled that the odor of contraband gives officers probable cause to perform a search. For this reason, police are quick to claim that they smell something and sometimes they might even lie about it. … Continued
Traffic Stop
What are the rights of passengers during a traffic stop?
Traffic stops typically occur as a result of suspected moving violations committed by the driver of the vehicle. Passengers cannot be held responsible for the driver’s conduct and are generally free to leave, unless police become suspicious of them during the course of the stop. … Continued
Traffic Stop
When can police search your car?
Police may ask you a series of questions. They will probably include something like, “You don’t mind if I have a look in your car?” Beware of that question: It’s the legal loophole that the officer wants to snare you in. … Continued
Traffic Stop
At Your Door
General Questions
Popular Myths