Being signaled to stop when you are smoothly on your way and you have not violated any traffic rules can be very frustrating. There can be a multitude of reasons why someone is signaled to stop in the middle of the road and asked to furnish their documents of identification. The situation turns typically frustrating for a car driver who is not aware of their rights or responsibilities as legal citizens.
We have embarked on a mission to let you know exactly what legal rights and responsibilities you have as a driver.
Your Rights as a Car Driver
The Constitution guarantees rights of the citizens in order to allow them to live without suspicion and peace of mind. The following are some of the most important of legal rights that you should know as a driver.
A. If you have been pulled over by a law enforcement agency, you do have the right to know what you have been pulled over for.
B. You can also decide to not stop immediately if you think that the location is unsafe.
C. In case of a pull over, you also have the right to remain silent other than to give information related to your license, registration or insurance.
D. The “Plain View Doctrine” constitutionally empowers a driver to deny a search of the vehicle. An officer will need to have a probable cause and a warrant to look inside your vehicle.
E. A driver can also refuse to take a roadside breathalyzer or sobriety test even when asked by a law enforcement officer to do so.
F. You can also document your interaction with police using a dashboard camera if you have been pulled over.
Your Responsibilities as a Driver
While the law guarantees rights, it also requires the citizens to be obliged to a certain set of responsibilities under the law. Following are some of your legal responsibilities as a driver.
A. Drivers have the duty to keep their vehicles at a reasonable speed to not cause any harm to other motorists or pedestrians.
B. They are also required to keep the vehicle maintained so that it is safe for others who are on the road.
C. Drivers also need to stop at a traffic signal until there are no pedestrians in the vehicle lane. They cannot drive until the pedestrians have gone at least 6 feet away in the next lane.
D. Whether a crosswalk is marked or unmarked, drivers are required to stop for the pedestrians.
E. Regarding the right-of-way, a driver will have to stop if a member of the traffic control division has instructed them to do so.
Rights and Responsibilities as a Car Driver | Attorney Javier Marcos
The said rules and responsibilities can help you follow the law as well as safeguard your rights. So remember to keep these handy and drive safe. If you have been involved in a car accident, call Attorney Javier Marcos for help in your case. You can call 24 hours at 713.999.4444. Consultation is always free, there is no payment unless we win the case, we go to you, we all speak spanish and speak directly with attorney Javier Marcos.
Espanol:
Sus derechos y responsabilidades como conductor de automovil | Abogado Javier Marcos
