QUESTION
Can a police officer pull you over after randomly running your plates?
Asked on Mar 31st, 2014 on Criminal Law - Missouri
More details to this question:
I was pulled over because an officer randomly ran my plates and saw warrants, although I made no traffic violations.
7 ANSWERS
James Edward Smith
Yes. Of course.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 8:30 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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Welcome to the new and electronic world, yes, it is possible for a policeman to randomly run your plates and if there is a problem pull you over.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 6:35 PM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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Unfortunately they can as long as they have a legal right to be where they were when they spotted your plates. This frequently happens when a police officer is behind someone at a traffic light. The courts have reasoned that sense license plates are in full view therefore there are no privacy concerns. I and many of my fellow constitutionally minded attorneys disagree but that is the law. Many cities and towns now are even investing in automatic license plate readers which are machines that will automatically scan license plates in parking lots to check for expired tags, invalid drivers license, and warrants.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 6:35 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
They can pull you over for the outstanding warrants.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 6:35 PM
Yes, a police officer can pull you over if he runs your plates and sees that you have a warrant.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 6:34 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
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Law Office of Jared C. Winter
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That is perfectly legal.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 6:34 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
Yes they can run the plates. You should deal with the warrants. Get a lawyer to help you.
Answered on Apr 02nd, 2014 at 6:34 PM