In California, police can pull over a vehicle, but there must be a valid reason for doing so. They cannot stop a car at random.
However, certain situations and exceptions allow for a stop, even if the driver isn’t doing anything suspicious. Below are some important points to consider.
What grounds do the police need to pull a vehicle over?
Police need reasonable suspicion to pull over a vehicle. This could be based on observing traffic violations, such as speeding, running a red light or not using a turn signal. Officers might also stop a car if they suspect the driver is under the influence or if the vehicle has broken equipment, like a broken taillight. In these cases, the officer must have a specific reason to initiate the stop.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
There are exceptions. For example, in California, police can conduct DUI checkpoints. These are predetermined locations where all or a selected number of vehicles are stopped. While these stops may seem random, they are legal as long as the checkpoint follows certain guidelines, such as being publicly advertised and not targeting specific vehicles.
What if someone charged with DUI was pulled over unlawfully?
If an individual is pulled over unlawfully, any evidence collected during that stop, including breathalyzer or field sobriety test results, could be challenged in court. In California, if an officer does not have valid grounds for the stop, the case might be dismissed or the evidence excluded.
While police can pull over vehicles, they must have a valid reason to do so. Unlawful stops can affect the outcome of a case, including DUI charges.