Four Things Police Look for During a Traffic Stop
When the police pull you over for a simple traffic offence, such as speeding or failing to signal, their primary focus may extend beyond just the reason for the stop. Police officers in British Columbia are trained to observe much more during these encounters, as a routine stop can often lead to discovering more serious offences. Here are four things the police are commonly looking for when they pull you over:
1. Signs of Impairment
One of the first things officers are trained to assess is whether the driver may be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Impairment can manifest through various clues, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol or cannabis coming from the vehicle. If an officer suspects impairment, they may ask you to perform roadside sobriety tests or blow into an Approved Screening Device (ASD) to determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Even subtle signs, such as fumbling for documents or confusion, can raise suspicion, prompting further investigation.
2. Prohibited Driver Status
Another major concern for police during a traffic stop is whether the driver is legally allowed to be on the road. When officers run your driver’s licence through their system, they will quickly determine whether you are prohibited from driving due to a previous infraction, unpaid fines, or a driving ban. If you are a prohibited driver, you could face significant penalties, including vehicle impoundment and further driving prohibitions. Police also check to ensure your licence, insurance, and registration are valid and up to date.
3. Issues With the Vehicle
Beyond the driver, officers also scrutinize the condition of the vehicle. Visible signs of mechanical issues, such as a broken taillight, damaged windows, or missing licence plates, are red flags. Officers may inspect your vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy and compliant with safety standards. A vehicle with unlawful window tint, visible damage, or items that obstruct the view can lead to further scrutiny, more tickets and even a vehicle inspection.
4. Other Criminal Offences
A traffic stop might reveal signs of more serious criminal activity. Officers often use their time with drivers to look for any evidence of other offences, such as transporting stolen property, drugs, or illegal weapons. Unusual behaviour, such as extreme nervousness, inconsistent stories, or visible illegal items, can lead to further investigation. In such cases, police may request to search your vehicle if they have reasonable suspicion, escalating the traffic stop into a more serious matter.
Have you been stopped?
A traffic stop can simply turn from a minor inconvenience to something more than just the initial offence. If you have been stopped by the police and issued a traffic ticket or even something more serious, the BC Driving Lawyers should be your first call.
A huge component of driving law is the law of search and seizure of vehicles. If you have been stopped by police, subject to a search or ticketed, give us a call and we can discuss the next steps to deal with your case.
We’re the original BC Driving Lawyers, and we defend all cases involving police stops.