Walk It Through: The Stop on the Highway
Blue lights at dusk, a license left in a jacket at home, insurance on a phone, and an open can in the back seat.
Blue lights come on behind a car on a two lane highway at dusk. The driver has been going a little over the posted limit.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A daytime speeding stop with a passenger and an open can. A stop that turns into an impaired driving case, a search of the car, and a driver whose license is suspended are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Financial responsibilityThe liability policy or bond of at least $25,000 for one person, $50,000 for two or more, and $10,000 for property that every owner and driver must carry.
- Portable electronic deviceA phone or similar device, which a driver may not use while operating on a public highway except hands-free or as a mounted navigation system.
- Passenger areaThe part of a vehicle meant to seat the driver and passengers and anything within their reach, including an unlocked glove compartment.