It’s always a nerve-wracking experience to be stopped by the police while driving. However, knowing your rights can make this experience less stressful!
Your Rights
- Stop your vehicle and turn on the emergency lights. Slowly lower the window and place your hands in a visible location.
- Show your license, registration, and proof of insurance upon an officer’s request. Never use false documents.
- Do not answer any questions related to your immigration status or about your country of origin.
- You have the right to remain silent if you choose to. You may say: “I want to exercise my right to remain silent” and “I want to speak with a lawyer.”
- If the officer asks for permission to search your vehicle, you have the right to not consent to any search. Say: “I do not consent to any search.” The officer cannot search your vehicle without a proper warrant from a judge, unless there is reasonable suspicion.
- Watch out for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)
- Border Patrol can pull you over if they have reasonable suspicion of an immigration violation or a crime and they may ask questions about your immigration status.
- They should not use race or ethnicity as a reason to stop you; if you believe this is happening, make sure you document it.
- Border Patrol can continue to detain you to inquire about your immigration status, but they cannot force you to speak or to sign anything.
- Border Patrol checkpoints may exist within 100 miles of any U.S. border, including at airports; note that all of the Florida shores are considered as U.S. borders.
For more about your rights with the Border Patrol, click HERE
