Assert Your Rights - The Fourth Amendment

Do you know your Fourth Amendment rights during a traffic stop? In this video, we discuss your rights and steps you can take to protect them.

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that the police cannot pull you over without a reason, and they cannot search your car or person without your consent or a warrant.

If you are pulled over, it is important to remain calm and polite. You should also be aware of your rights. You have the right to:

Ask the officer why you were pulled over
Refuse to consent to a search of your car or person
End the conversation and drive away at any time
If you do not consent to a search, the officer cannot search your car or person without a warrant. However, the officer may still be able to search your car if they have probable cause to believe that you are committing a crime.

If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present. You should not answer any questions or sign anything until you have spoken to an attorney.

Here are some additional steps you can take to protect your Fourth Amendment rights during a traffic stop:

Be aware of your surroundings and the officer's actions.
Do not make any sudden movements or reach for anything without telling the officer.
Do not engage in conversation with the officer beyond what is necessary to answer their questions.
If you are asked to consent to a search, politely decline.
If you are arrested, immediately ask for an attorney.
If you believe that your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated, you should contact an attorney to discuss your options.