Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

If your pulled over for a traffic violation only and the police officer asked if they can search your car and you say no what can they do?

Also, if your license plate registration tags expire March 2010 are you legal until the end of March?But the police run your license plate and the records show it expired March 10, 2010 and your given a ticket for expired registration, is that valid?


Asked on 3/07/10, 7:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

1. They might search your car anyway, but the search will be without your consent, which could be very significant later on. Politely refusing to consent to a search also tells the officer you're not stupid.

2. They might give you a ticket for an expired registration, but you could fight it on the grounds that the cop had no valid reason to stop you or to run your plate. Maybe this was one of these automatic license plate reading gizmos we are beginning to hear about.

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Answered on 3/12/10, 7:27 pm


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