WHY POLICE STOP MOTOR VEHICLES?
• Moving violations are the most common reasons a vehicle is stopped. Some examples include: speeding, failure to stop at a stop light or sign, or failure to drive within the marked lanes. • Registration, expired plates, or equipment violations are other reasons a vehicle may be stopped by an officer. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation of the law without knowing it. Depending upon the circumstances, officers may issue a citation or a warning for the violation. • Criminal investigations often involve searching for a motor vehicle in association with a crime. In today’s mobile society, criminals use cars to facilitate crimes. Your vehicle may match the description of a suspect’s vehicle. • An officer may stop you for safety concerns. For instance, your trunk may be open, something may be hanging under the vehicle, or you may have left something on your roof. WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STOPPED? Stop your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible. Stay in your vehicle
