When can the officers pull me over?

• If the officers know your driver’s license is suspended or invalid by running your license plate.
• If officers observe a problem with your car, such as a broken headlight, expired vehicle registration, or a defective exhaust system.
• If officers observe you driving dangerously, such as by running red lights and stop signs, speeding, or making illegal turns.
• If officers have a reasonable suspicion that you or someone in your vehicle committed a crime, such as theft or assault.

Do I have to identify myself?

• Yes, Washington law requires you to give your license, registration, and proof of insurance during a traffic stop. Failure to provide identification could result in your arrest.

When are officers allowed to search my car without my consent?

• If it is impounded to a towing company’s yard, officers may search your vehicle to make a list of what’s inside.
• Officers may search for weapons in any place you could reasonably get to while seated inside. This is similar to a frisk during a Terry stop and is designed to keep someone from grabbing a hidden gun. Officers may not open closed containers like your glove compartment or any closed bags you have in the car.
• Otherwise, officers must seek a warrant to search your car. They may impound the vehicle while they wait but will have to show a judge there is probable cause before being allowed to search it for evidence.

Do I have to consent to letting officers search my car?

• No – you have the right to refuse to consent to any search of your vehicle, apart from the exceptions above.

Can the officers stop me for a minor violation and then investigate me for something else?

• Washington’s state constitution prohibits “pretext” stops, which means officers may not use a minor violation to target someone for another reason. Officers must actually and independently believe the traffic stop is necessary for public safety reasons.
• However, if officers discover evidence of an unrelated crime after the stop, they may still investigate that crime. This often happens when individuals are arrested for driving while intoxicated or driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Can the officers make my passengers identify themselves?

• No – officers are not permitted to ask passengers for identification unless they have a reason to think the passengers have also committed a crime or violation.