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Showing posts with the label constitutional rights

What Rights Do Passengers Have During a Traffic Stop?

Many people are now concerned about what rights the passenger in a vehicle has when the driver is pulled over for a traffic offense or as part of a roadblock or police license check.   The Supreme Court has said that passengers have constitutional rights and can challenge any stop or search if it is not constitutionally valid.  So, what are those rights? Before we get to YOUR rights, lets note the rights of the police officers:  They can order a passenger to get out of a car, back into the car, and to do a check for weapons through a simple pat down.  They can ask for the identification documents of a passenger, and can ask for the passenger's name.  And, they can expect that any commands relating to their safety be followed to the letter.  What Rights Do Passengers Have? As a general matter passengers have the same rights as the driver.  These rights are: The right to free from unreasonable  searches; The right to remain silent...