Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

motorists are being cited for driving newly purchased vehicles (from car dealers) for driving withpaper plates and the permit in the front window. All newly purchased vehicles come the same way. A supreme court decision said it was okay for law enforcement to cite the vehicle. this was decided in people v raymond c. it was appealed and ruled to be a legal stop. This would mean that all vehicles purchased in California from a dealer are on the road illegally. Are the dealers setting the consumer up for ticket?


Asked on 9/30/09, 9:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

I read Raymond C. and my reading was much different than yours. Raymond was arrested for driving under the influence. The Supreme court stated that stopping the vehicle when the police officer could not see the paper registration was a valid stop. That is the police officer had probable cause to stop the vehicle. That after the police officer can respond to any criminal activity or contraband that they come across. Once the officer has determined that the driver has a valid license, car insurance and there is a paper plate, the officer should then allow the driver proceed on their way. This is an inconvenient but unfortunately a part of life.

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Answered on 9/30/09, 11:36 pm


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