Traffic Stops

[ces2dent]

Who has the authority in California to conduct traffic stops? Is it limited to peace officers? Are there any special requirements such as that the officer must be in a vehicle with at least one steady-burning red light to the front?

I did a search of the vehicle code and was unable to locate anything specifically dealing with traffic stops.

[Streetwatcher1993]

ill try to see if i can help with your questions

Im sure pretty much all Police agencies can conduct Traffic stops (this includes CHP, Sheriff and city Police)

I believe the Police Cruiser that stops you must have a Logo (CHP, i believe has the star on its front door, i think this applies to all agencies, by this i mean not all agencies have a star on their door, just CHP is being used as an example.).

Correct me if im wrong but, im only going on based on what ive read and searched on this forum and other various websites.

[Sack]

I believe the Police Cruiser that stops you must have a Logo

What about undercover vehicles?

[Vinnie]

It's been covered in another thread, I'm sure.

The marked cars are the ones primarily used for enforcement. However, that doesn't preclude any Officer acting within the scope of his or her duties, in any type of police vehicle, from making a traffic stop if they observe a violation which they decide is worth their time to stop.

In California, you are required to move to the right and stop when illuminated with a steady-burning red light. Other states have different laws regarding color and shine patterns, but it's the same idea.

[Streetwatcher1993]

thanks for correcting me Vinnie :smile:

[ces2dent]

The marked cars are the ones primarily used for enforcement. However, that doesn't preclude any Officer acting within the scope of his or her duties, in any type of police vehicle, from making a traffic stop if they observe a violation which they decide is worth their time to stop.

In California, you are required to move to the right and stop when illuminated with a steady-burning red light. Other states have different laws regarding color and shine patterns, but it's the same idea.
So are you saying

(1) The officer making the stop must be a peace officer
(2) The officer must have observed a code violation
(3) The officer must have authority to enforce the violated code
(4) The officer must be in vehicle with at least one steady-burning red light?

It's been covered in another thread, I'm sure.
I did a search in this forum before I posted and didn't find anything that answered all my questions. :noidea:

[snowdog]

This is sounding far too much like someone fishing for legal advice/a defense for a citation they received. That is not the purpose of these forums. If someone can convince myself or one of the other moderators that I'm wrong I have no problem in re-opening the thread. Until then, good luck in court.