Blue lights in your mirror! A sinking feeling in your stomach, what do you do?

It’s important to know your rights, and also how to interact with law enforcement officials when you have been pulled over.

Sometimes, police might ask if they can  search your car. This can be intimidating for anyone not fully understand their rights and responsibilities.   Even when you’re not guilty of any crime – the thought of police coming into your own vehicle brings a sense of dread.

The first thing you should understand anytime you interact with police officers is that angry, erratic behavior will do you no good. Do not leave your vehicle to go towards the police cruiser unless they ask you to. Don’t start offering information that could be used against you. Do not argue with the police.

Stay Calm during the traffic stop.

Police officers have a preconceived notion about how traffic stops work – They check to see if your license plates have any alerts on them. They check your drivers license for warrants. They make sure your registration is valid and your insurance card is up-to-date. Then, if everything checks out, they either write you a ticket or issue a warning and you are on your way.

If things go wrong it could be because the person they stop doesn’t:

• Wait in their car
• Provide the proper documents
• Remain calm

Or it could be because the driver or their passenger Starts screaming, makes excuses, or fidgets. Making them look “suspicious”.

If you behave with proper manners, you are more likely to be treated well.

Know Your Rights in a traffic stop

When you interact with a South Carolina police officer you should understand that you have the right to refuse to consent to the search of your person, your car or your home. You also have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions put forward by officers.

If you are not under arrest,extra talking may give them reason to arrest you . If you are arrested, anything you say is being noted (usually recorded by Dashcam) you have the right to an attorney and you should be sure to avail yourself of this right as soon as possible.

Can you refuse a  Police Search of your vehicle in South Carolina?

When the police pull you over for a traffic stop you do have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself and your vehicle.  There are exceptions, in that if they believe a crime has been committed in evidence of the crime is in your car they have the right to go ahead and search your vehicle

If you’ve been stopped by a police officer while driving you should know that there are certain things you are required to provide. You must show the officer your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance, if asked. However, you have no obligation to allow officers to look inside your car and you are allowed to refuse consent for a search.

An exception to the rule

One exception to the search rule for vehicles is that if the police have reason to suspect your vehicle contains evidence of a crime, then the car can be searched even without your consent. If they say you are suspected of a crime ask them what crime you are suspected of and allow the search.  Interfering with a police investigation is a crime.  If they do not tell you what they suspect you of, you tell them they do not have consent for a search. And that you would like your lawyer present for any more questions. Then be quiet. And call (843)222-2252