Know Your Rights During Police Encounters

Traffic Stops and Law Enforcement

• If an officer asks to search your vehicle and you refuse, stay calm and politely decline the search request.
• Officers may conduct a limited search if drivers fail to produce essential documents, such as license, registration, or proof of insurance.
• If law enforcement requests identification from passengers, they are only required to provide their name and date of birth.

Officer Conduct and Complaints

• If a driver refuses to allow a vehicle search, the officer should not search the vehicle without a warrant or probable cause.
• If a complaint is filed against an officer, the employing agency must investigate the complaint.
• If an officer violates your rights during a traffic stop, stay calm and politely ask for their badge number and name to file a complaint later.
• To file a complaint against a law enforcement agency, contact the agency and ask for a complaint form or submit a written complaint.

Traffic Signals and DMV Services

• At a red traffic signal light, you must come to a complete stop before the line or, if there is no line, before entering the intersection.
• A flashing red traffic signal light means the same as a regular red light: come to a complete stop and proceed with caution.
• A red arrow traffic signal means you cannot turn in the direction of the arrow.
• DMV kiosks allow you to complete various DMV transactions, such as registration renewals and title transfers.

Rights and Protections

• You are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
• You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, as guaranteed by the United States and California Constitutions, as well as California and federal laws.
• If you file a complaint against a law enforcement agency, the agency will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

This quiz tests your knowledge on your rights during encounters with law enforcement officers. Learn about when you have the right to deny a request, what actions you should avoid, and what protections you have when recording in public.