Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Washington

Re: pulled over because recognized

It depends on why he recognizes you. For example, if there is a warrant out for your arrest, and he recognizes you, then yes, the Sheriff, can and should (if he's doing his job) pull you over.

If on the other hand, the Sheriff recognizes you as the guy who cut him off in line at the grocery store last week, and pulls you over on that basis alone, then no, he is not allowed to pull you over without more. For example, are you violating any motor vehicle laws (speeding, equipment violations on your car, etc.).

I hope that helps.

Re: pulled over because recognized

He can if he recognizes you as someone he has reason to stop. Just being recognizable is no justification for a traffic stop, but when an officer recognizes someone who is wanted for questioning or for whom there is a warrant out he can and should have a talk with them.

What would be the point of forbidding officers to do this? If they see someone they know is wanted, what more should be required before they can pull him over?